Cicadas

How to Manage Cicadas: Everything You Need to Know

Cicadas are one of nature’s loudest insects, emerging in cycles that can overwhelm trees, shrubs, and even outdoor spaces. Whether you’re dealing with an annual species or a rare periodical brood, understanding how to manage cicadas can help protect your yard and keep your surroundings peaceful.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas (superfamily Cicadoidea) are large, winged insects known for their loud buzzing sounds and unique life cycles. They typically fall into two categories:

• Annual Cicadas (Neotibicen spp.) – These appear every year and have a life cycle lasting a few years.

• Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada spp.) – These emerge in massive numbers once every 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood.

While their emergence can be fascinating, their sheer numbers and noise levels can become a nuisance.

Why Are Cicadas So Loud?

Cicadas produce their signature buzzing sound using specialized structures called tymbals, located on their abdomen. Males create these calls to attract females, and when populations are high, the collective noise can reach up to 100 decibels—equivalent to a chainsaw or motorcycle.

Do Cicadas Cause Damage?

While cicadas do not bite or sting humans, they can cause problems in several ways:

✔ Tree Damage – Female cicadas lay eggs in tree branches, leading to twig die-off, known as “flagging.” Young trees are particularly vulnerable.
✔ Messy Shells & Bodies – After molting, cicada exoskeletons litter outdoor areas, creating an unsightly mess.
✔ Disruptive Noise – Their loud calls can be bothersome, especially during peak emergence.

How to Get Rid of Cicadas

Completely eliminating cicadas isn’t practical, but you can take steps to reduce their impact:

✔ Protect Young Trees: Use fine mesh netting around saplings to prevent egg-laying damage.
✔ Remove Exoskeletons Promptly: Regular cleaning of fallen shells and cicada bodies will help keep your outdoor spaces tidy.
✔ Reduce Attractants: Cicadas are drawn to certain trees like oaks, maples, and fruit trees. Pruning trees in advance of an expected emergence may help limit their appeal.
✔ Use Noise-Canceling Strategies: White noise machines or fans can help drown out the buzzing in particularly loud areas.

Cicada Prevention & Long-Term Management

Since cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem, long-term prevention focuses on managing their impact rather than complete eradication:

• Cover vulnerable plants before an emergence year.

• Limit outdoor activities in peak buzzing periods.

• Encourage natural predators like birds and wasps.

When Will Cicadas Appear Next?

Periodical cicadas follow strict schedules, with specific broods emerging every 13 or 17 years. If you’re wondering when the next major emergence will be, check cicada brood maps or local entomology reports.

Dealing With Cicadas? Take Action Now

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming emergence or dealing with an active swarm, understanding how to manage cicadas can make the experience more bearable. Protect your trees, clean up regularly, and take preventive steps to minimize their impact on your property.