How to Get Rid of Cicadas: Easy and Effective Techniques

Cicadas are large, plant-feeding insects known for their loud mating calls and discarded exoskeletons that cling to trees and vegetation. Although they may be harmless to people, plants, and property, having swarms of cicadas around can still be bothersome to some.

To help manage this issue, there are a few tips on controlling cicada populations. One effective method is to cover young shrubs with a ¼ inch netting, which provides a barrier against egg-laying female cicadas. This commercially available netting is easy to use and helps protect your plants during peak cicada season.

There are several types of cicadas, but the 17-year variety belonging to Brood X is known for emerging en masse, with up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre coming out of the ground when irises begin to bloom. Understanding their life cycle and peak times of appearance can help you better prepare for managing the cicada population around your home.

Understanding Cicadas

Periodical Cicadas

Periodical cicadas are a unique group of cicada species that emerge en masse every 13 or 17 years. Their appearance in such large quantities varies in different regions, as seen in the 17-year cicadas predominantly found in the Eastern United States, also known as Brood X.
Adult periodical cicadas have distinct black bodies and large red-brown eyes, with membranous wings featuring orange veins.

Distinct features:

• Black bodies, red-brown eyes
• Orange-veined wings
• Emergence every 13 or 17 years

Annual Cicadas

Unlike periodical cicadas, annual cicadas emerge every year, typically from July to September. Their lifespan is shorter, and they can be found in various regions across the globe.
Adult annual cicadas display a mix of colors, such as black, tan, green, and rust.

Distinct features:

• Black, tan, green, rust-colored bodies
• Appearance every year
• Widespread distribution

Life Cycle

The life cycle of both cicadas starts with females laying eggs on tree branches. After hatching, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they feed on tree roots for the duration of their development.

The nymphs of periodical cicadas spend 13 or 17 years underground before emerging, whereas annual cicada nymphs complete this phase in 2 to 5 years. When ready to transform into adults, they come out of the ground and shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind discarded shells.

Comparison table:

Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and plants, but during cicada season, it’s essential to protect young trees and shrubs from egg-laying females by using ¼ inch netting.

Recognizing Cicada Damage

Damage to Trees

Cicada damage in trees can be subtle, so know the signs helps mitigate and address issues effectively. Female cicadas use an appendage called an ovipositor to create slits in twigs and lay their eggs. This can result in:

• Branch dieback
• Leaves turning brown

Example of a damaged tree:

• A young oak tree with brown leaves at the end of some branches, indicating cicada egg-laying.

Impact on Gardens

While cicadas are not harmful to humans or pets, they can still impact your garden. Here’s a brief overview of their effect on plants and gardens:

Pros:

• Cicadas aerate soil with their emergence holes
• Their feeding does not typically harm established plants

Cons:

• Egg-laying can damage young trees and shrubs
• Tunnels created by nymphs may disrupt roots

Example of impacted garden:
A sapling with wilted or broken branches due to cicada egg-laying.

Comparison of cicada damage on different plants:

To protect young trees and shrubs, use a ¼-inch netting to cover them and prevent female cicadas from accessing the branches. This simple method, when done properly, can help mitigate potential damage to your garden.

Methods for Controlling Cicadas

Using Insecticides

Although cicadas are generally harmless, if you have a major infestation and want to get rid of cicadas, insecticides can be an option. Some examples of insecticides that can be used are Sevin and Malathion. Use them sparingly, as these chemicals can also harm beneficial insects.

Pros:

• Effective against high number of cicadas

Cons:

• Harmful to beneficial insects and the environment
• May require multiple applications

Natural Predators

One of the most effective ways to manage cicada populations is to encourage the presence of their natural predators. Some common predators include:

• Birds
• Cicada killer wasps
• Beneficial insects like parasitic flies

These predators can help keep the cicada population in check without causing harm to the environment.

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers can help prevent cicadas from causing damage to your garden or trees. Methods include:

• Placing landscape netting or foil around young plants or trees
• Applying barrier tape to prevent nymphs from climbing, thus reducing their chances of mating

This approach is ideal if you want to protect a specific plant or tree without using chemicals or disturbing their natural predators.

Hiring an Exterminator

If cicada infestation is affecting a large area or causing significant damage, it might be worth hiring an exterminator. They can help manage the situation and apply appropriate measures.

Comparison Table:

Keep in mind that cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem and do not typically cause long-term damage. In most cases, tolerating their short-lived emergence might be the best approach, as their presence can also benefit the environment.

Dealing with Cicada Emergence

Managing Noise and Disruption

Cicadas, especially the Brood X variety, are known for their loud mating calls. To deal with this noise, consider using earplugs for outdoor activities or while sleeping. Additionally, you can also:

• Install soundproofing materials around your home, particularly on windows
• Use white noise machines to drown out the cicada sounds

Another disruption caused by cicadas is the holes they create when they emerge from their burrows in states like Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina. These holes can become unsightly and damage your garden.

For this issue, you can:

• Fill in the holes with fresh soil
• Add compost or mulch to reinvigorate the garden

Protecting Pools and Hot Tubs

Cicada infestations can lead to an increased presence of insects in pools and hot tubs. To prevent this, follow these steps:

• Use covers on pools and hot tubs when not in use
• Install insect-proof screens around pool or hot tub areas
• Regularly skim the water surface to remove any cicadas

Comparing two popular methods – foil & barrier tape and insect-proof screens:

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to manage the noise and disruption caused by cicadas during their emergence. The key is to be proactive in addressing these issues and maintaining a comfortable living environment in your home and outdoor spaces.

Region-Specific Cicada Information

State-by-State Cicada Emergence

In the following states, cicada emergence varies:

• Magicicada species: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee
• Other species: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin

Magicicada Species

The Magicicada species have periodical cicadas. They emerge either every 13 or 17 years. Here are some key characteristics:

• Black body
• Red-brown eyes
• Orange-veined wings

For example, in Indiana, Brood X emerges every 17 years with up to 1.5 million cicadas per acre.

Other States Cicada Emergence

The annual or “dog-day” cicadas have quite different characteristics:

• Green or camouflaged body
• Smaller antennae
• Life cycle up to 5 years

In these states, cicada populations emerge every year, like in Iowa.

Cicada Life Cycle

Cicada nymphs spend most of their life underground, feeding on tree roots and nesting. They create tunnels in the dirt, and when they’re ready to emerge, they molt into adults. This is typically in the summer months. Adult cicadas soon mate and lay eggs on tree branches, then die.

Predators: Killer Wasps

Cicadas have natural predators like the killer wasps. These wasps hunt cicadas, paralyze them, and drag them to their nest to feed their larvae. This helps regulate the cicada population.

Comparison Table: Magicicada vs. Dog-Day Cicadas

Stacy Belanger