Are Cicadas Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth Behind These Insects

Cicadas are large, noisy insects that emerge periodically and can be found in various parts of the world.

As their presence becomes more noticeable, many people tend to wonder if these insects pose any threat to humans, pets, or the environment.

The good news is that cicadas are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, and pose no harm to household gardens or crops.

In fact, the only potential damage they can cause is to young trees when they lay eggs in twigs, but this can be easily managed by covering trees with appropriate mesh or netting.

Are Cicadas Dangerous for Humans?

Bites and Stings

Cicadas are not known for being dangerous to humans. They do not possess the ability to bite or sting.

In fact, they are not venomous or poisonous, making them safe for consumption by many organisms, including humans and pets.

Pros:

• No bites or stings
• Not venomous or poisonous

Cons:

• None

Noise Levels

Cicada mating calls are known to generate loud courting sounds. They have been reported to reach noise levels ranging between 90 and 100 decibels.

To provide some perspective, here’s a comparison table of different noise levels:

Note that excessive exposure to noise levels above 85 dB may cause hearing damage.

Impact on Daily Life

Overall, cicadas have very little direct impact on humans. Some people may be temporarily disturbed by their loud sounds or find their red-brown eyes and red eyes aesthetically unappealing.

However, these insects do not have any lasting negative effects on humans or their daily lives.

For instance, their presence in gardens or yards typically does not cause noticeable harm or damage to trees and plants, even though they feed on trees.

Characteristics of Cicadas:

• Loud courtship sounds
• Red-brown eyes
• Red eyes
• Feed on trees with minimal damage
• Harmless to humans

Cicadas and Their Effects on Pets

Dangers to Dogs

• Cicadas do not bite or sting
• Not poisonous or venomous

Cicadas are generally harmless to dogs. If a dog happens to eat a few cicadas, there’s no need for concern.

However, if a dog consumes a large number of cicadas, it may cause an upset stomach or even vomiting¹.

Dangers to Cats

• Cicadas are not dangerous to cats
• Possible upset stomach or vomiting if consumed in large quantities

Similar to dogs, cicadas don’t pose a serious threat to cats. Cats may show curiosity towards cicadas, and if they happen to eat a few, there’s no need to worry.

Eating a large number of these insects could lead to an upset stomach or vomiting in cats¹.

Table showing the impact of eating cicadas in pets

The Impact of Cicadas on Plants and Crops

Cicadas are large plant-feeding insects known for their loud, shrill noise and discarded exoskeletons that cling to vegetation¹.

Adult cicadas don’t damage plants directly by consuming their leaves, but they harm plants inadvertently by laying eggs into small branches².

Damage to Garden Produce

Although cicadas are not known to be harmful to humans, pets, or household gardens³, the damage they cause can affect some garden produce.

When female cicadas lay eggs, they cause branch tips to split, which can lead to aesthetic damage to established trees and occasionally the death of saplings⁴.

Cicadas can damage a variety of plants and vegetation, including:

• Young trees
• Flowering plants
• Small shrubs

Protection and Prevention Measures

To protect your plants and crops from cicadas, consider implementing prevention measures like netting. Netting with ¼ inch mesh can be placed over young shrubs and saplings to prevent female cicadas from laying their eggs on them⁵.

Comparing prevention methods

By using these protection and prevention methods, you can minimize cicadas’ impact on your plants and crops during their emergence period.

Cicada Life Cycle and Behavior

Cycle Stages – Nymphs to Adults

Cicadas begin their lives as eggs laid by female cicadas on tree branches. They then hatch into larvae and fall to the ground, where they burrow into the soil¹.

These larvae, called nymphs, go through several stages of development, called instars, before becoming adults². Each molting of their exoskeleton allows them to grow larger².

Nymphs typically take 2-5 years to reach adulthood², with periodical cicada species spending 13 or 17 years underground¹. Annual cicadas, on the other hand, complete their life cycle in just one year³.

• Periodical cicadas: 13-17 years
• Annual cicadas: 1 year

Comparison table of periodical and annual cicadas

Adult cicadas have characteristic black bodies, large red-brown eyes, and membranous wings with orange veins¹. Once they emerge, they begin their loud and buzzy courtship display¹.

Mating and Reproduction

Male cicadas begin courting by producing loud mating calls¹⁴. These sounds are created by vibrating a drum-like organ at the base of their abdomen⁴.

Female cicadas, however, are silent and signal their interest by flicking their wings⁴. After finding a mate, the males die and the females proceed to lay eggs on tree twigs¹.

Cicada Species in the United States

Various cicada species are found across the United States⁵.

Among the most well-known are the periodical cicadas, which emerge in distinct broods¹. Brood X is one such group, which emerged during spring 2021⁶.

Cicadas are generally harmless insects¹. Even their underground nymph stages are not disruptive to soil or crops¹. In fact, they may even contribute to soil aeration and fertility⁷.

Cicadas as Food for Predators

Birds and Cicadas

Cicadas, like grasshoppers and locusts, are insects that birds often snack on in nature. However, entomologists have observed that birds seem to have a particular preference for cicadas.

They are a great source of nutrition for various bird species. They have an abundance of protein that birds find highly beneficial.

Some examples of birds that feast on cicadas include:

• Blue Jays
• Crows
• Woodpeckers

Other Predators

Cicadas are not only preyed upon by birds but also by various other predators. A few examples include:

• Small mammals like squirrels and raccoons
• Reptiles, such as snakes and lizards
• Large insects, including praying mantises

Comparing cicadas with grasshoppers and locusts

Evidently, cicadas serve as an important food source for various predators in the ecosystem. Both birds and other types of predators enjoy the protein-rich snack that cicadas provide.

Dealing with Cicadas: Expert Advice

Entomologists at the University of Connecticut assert that cicadas are harmless to people, plants, and property. They are active from July through September, and no control methods are necessary.

Pesticide Usage

Pesticides are generally ineffective in controlling cicadas, and their usage is discouraged.

Experts believe that the natural predators and the cicadas’ short life cycle are enough to keep the population in check.

Alternative Methods of Handling Cicadas

• Netting: Cover young trees with ¼-inch netting to protect them from egg-laying female cicadas.
• Timing: Since cicadas emerge every 13 to 17 years, residents in the eastern U.S. can plan tree planting and other landscaping activities accordingly.

Pros and Cons of Alternative Methods

Bug Control Recommendation Tool

What type of pest are you dealing with?

Ants Cockroaches Termites Mosquitoes Bed Bugs Spiders Other

How severe is the infestation?

A few sightings Several sightings weekly Several sightings daily Large numbers, causing damage Unknown but suspect a large number

Do you require child/pet/garden safe treatments (organic)?

Yes No

Are you willing to monitor and maintain the treatment yourself?

Yes No

Conclusion

The apprehensions surrounding the danger posed by cicadas are largely unwarranted.

These large insects, though noisy and conspicuous during their emergence, are not a threat to humans, pets, or the environment. With no ability to bite or sting, cicadas are harmless to both humans and pets.

While their mating calls can be loud, they don’t have lasting negative effects on daily life. Their impact on plants and crops is minimal, and even the potential damage to young trees can be mitigated through simple preventative measures like netting.

Cicadas are an essential part of ecosystems, contributing to soil fertility and serving as a crucial food source for various predators.

As they periodically emerge, their presence reminds us of the intricate connections within nature, while emphasizing their harmless coexistence with our world.

Mike Blevins.