Red Velvet Ant
Red Velvet Ant – Named Red Velvet Ant for the fine layer of hairs on the body, it is also called Cow Killer for the venomous punch it packs when it stings. Actually, it is not an ant at all but one of the 475 species of Velvet Ant parasitic wasps in North America.
The Cow Killer is a solitary wasp and does not live in a colony or have a nest of her own. She is not aggressive and will try to escape if disturbed. These beautiful wasps are not numerous and cause no damage to plants.
No chemical control is needed. Teach others about them, appreciate them, and leave them alone as they have a purpose in keeping the bee and wasp population in check. My advice: Simply defend yourself against a painful sting and wear shoes in the garden.
