Have you ever stepped outside on a warm summer evening only to be met with an overwhelming chorus of buzzing and clicking? That’s likely the sound of cicadas, and while their presence is a natural part of the ecosystem, their sheer numbers and the potential damage they can inflict on young trees and shrubs can make them a significant nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. These periodical or annual visitors, with their noisy mating calls and egg-laying habits, can disrupt outdoor activities and even stress our prized plants.
Understanding how to manage cicada populations around your property is crucial for protecting your landscape and maintaining your peace of mind during their active season. While complete eradication is usually impossible and perhaps ecologically undesirable, there are several effective strategies you can employ to minimize their impact. From physical barriers to natural deterrents, knowing your options allows you to create a more comfortable and thriving outdoor environment.
What are the most common questions about cicada control?
Will netting my trees really keep cicadas away?
Yes, netting your trees is an effective method for protecting them from cicada damage. The mesh physically prevents cicadas from reaching the branches to lay their eggs, which is the primary cause of harm to young trees.
Netting acts as a barrier, specifically designed to keep cicadas away from vulnerable branches. Cicadas are clumsy fliers and not adept at navigating tight spaces. Using a fine mesh netting, with openings smaller than the cicadas themselves, effectively prevents them from landing on the tree. This prevents the females from using their ovipositors to slice into young branches to deposit their eggs. The damage caused by this egg-laying process is what causes the characteristic “flagging” or browning and breaking of branches, especially prevalent in young trees.
For the netting to be truly effective, it must be properly installed. This means completely enclosing the tree’s canopy, including the trunk up to the point where the branches begin. The netting should be secured tightly, ideally with zip ties or twine, to prevent cicadas from squeezing underneath. Pay particular attention to the bottom edge of the netting, ensuring there are no gaps. The netting should also be strong enough to withstand wind and other weather conditions. After the cicada emergence is over (typically 4-6 weeks), the netting should be removed to allow for unimpeded growth of the tree.
Here are some key considerations for selecting and using netting:
- **Mesh Size:** Choose a mesh size of 1/4 inch or smaller.
- **Material:** Opt for durable materials like nylon or polyethylene.
- **Installation:** Secure the netting tightly around the entire canopy and trunk base.
- **Removal:** Remove the netting promptly after the cicada emergence is over.
Are there any natural predators I can encourage to eat cicadas?
Yes, encouraging natural predators can help manage cicada populations, though complete eradication is unlikely. Birds, especially those that forage in trees and shrubs, are the most effective and easily encouraged predators. Other beneficial predators include certain mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even some insects.
Attracting birds is a practical approach to cicada control. Creating a bird-friendly habitat can significantly increase the number of insectivores in your yard. This includes planting native trees and shrubs that provide shelter and nesting sites. Adding bird feeders (especially with suet or mealworms) and bird baths can also attract a greater variety of bird species known to consume cicadas, such as robins, blue jays, mockingbirds, and grackles. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm birds and other beneficial wildlife. Beyond birds, other animals contribute to cicada predation. Squirrels, raccoons, and even opossums will opportunistically feed on cicadas. Ground beetles are known to prey on cicada nymphs emerging from the ground. While directly attracting mammals or reptiles is more challenging, maintaining a healthy ecosystem supports their presence. For instance, leaving some leaf litter in garden beds can provide habitat for ground beetles and other beneficial insects that prey on cicada eggs or nymphs. Just remember, the impact of these predators will vary depending on your local environment and the scale of the cicada emergence.
What’s the best insecticide to use for cicada control without harming beneficial insects?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a perfect insecticide that exclusively targets cicadas while completely sparing beneficial insects. Insecticides, by their nature, can have broad-spectrum effects. However, the best approach focuses on minimizing harm by utilizing insecticides judiciously and selecting options with shorter residual activity, targeted application methods, or formulations less toxic to beneficial insects when possible. Products containing pyrethrins or insecticidal soaps are generally considered less harmful to beneficial insects compared to broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides when used according to label directions, but direct contact is still necessary for them to be effective against cicadas.
While widespread insecticide application is generally discouraged due to the potential harm to non-target organisms, including pollinators and natural predators of other pests, there are scenarios where localized treatment might be considered. If cicada nymphs are accessible (e.g., in newly planted trees), soil drenches with systemic insecticides, like imidacloprid, can offer some protection, but this comes with risks to soil-dwelling beneficial organisms and potential long-term environmental impact and should only be applied by a professional. It is also critical to recognize the limited effectiveness of insecticides against adult cicadas, as they are mobile and constantly re-infest treated areas. The most sustainable approach to cicada management emphasizes preventative measures and cultural practices. Protecting young trees with netting or mesh during cicada emergence can physically exclude them from laying eggs. Encouraging natural predators like birds can also help regulate cicada populations. Furthermore, maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems promotes resilience to cicada outbreaks and reduces reliance on chemical interventions. Consider consulting with a local agricultural extension office or certified arborist for tailored recommendations based on your specific situation and the cicada species involved.
How long will this cicada emergence last?
A typical periodical cicada emergence lasts for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, with peak activity occurring around 2 to 3 weeks into the emergence period. This timeframe allows for the entire life cycle above ground to be completed, including mating, egg-laying, and the subsequent death of the adult cicadas.
The emergence period’s duration is influenced by several factors, most notably temperature and weather conditions. Warmer temperatures generally accelerate the cicada life cycle, potentially shortening the overall emergence window. Conversely, cooler temperatures or periods of rain can slow down the process, extending the time cicadas are active above ground. The specific brood and geographic location also play a role, with some areas experiencing slightly longer or shorter emergence periods than others. While the most intense period of buzzing and activity will be concentrated within those 4 to 6 weeks, you might continue to see and hear cicadas in smaller numbers for a week or two afterward. This is due to variations in individual development and emergence times within the population. Once the majority of adult cicadas have died, the only evidence remaining will be the slits in tree branches where females laid their eggs, a visual reminder of the recent emergence.
Should I prune my trees after the cicadas are gone to remove damaged branches?
Yes, pruning trees after cicadas have left is generally recommended to remove branches damaged by their egg-laying activity. This promotes healing, prevents disease, and improves the overall health and appearance of your trees.
While cicada damage might look alarming, most mature trees will recover on their own. The biggest risk is to young or newly planted trees, as they are more susceptible to significant damage. Pruning affected branches not only removes the unsightly brown and broken limbs but also prevents potential secondary problems. The oviposition scars created by cicadas can become entry points for diseases or pests. By removing these damaged areas, you reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing. Focus on removing branches with numerous splits and breaks caused by cicada egg-laying. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk), avoiding flush cuts which can hinder the tree’s natural healing process.
After pruning, monitor your trees for signs of stress or disease. Providing adequate water, especially during dry periods, can help trees recover. In the fall you may consider fertilizing your trees to promote healthy growth and resilience. Remember to dispose of the pruned branches properly to prevent the spread of any potential diseases or pests. If you are unsure about how to prune your trees correctly, consult with a certified arborist to ensure the work is done safely and effectively.
How to Get Rid of Cicadas
Unfortunately, completely getting rid of cicadas outdoors is not really feasible or recommended. They are a natural part of the ecosystem, and attempting widespread eradication would be harmful to other beneficial insects and wildlife. However, you can take steps to protect your trees, especially young ones, during a cicada emergence.
- Netting: The most effective way to protect young trees and shrubs is to cover them with fine mesh netting before the cicadas emerge. Secure the netting tightly around the trunk and ensure there are no gaps where cicadas can enter. Remove the netting once the cicadas have disappeared.
- Avoid Pesticides: Widespread spraying of pesticides is generally not recommended. It is often ineffective against cicadas and can harm beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Furthermore, the cicadas’ short lifespan means that the pesticide application is only relevant for a brief period.
- Watering: Ensure your trees are well-watered, particularly young ones. Healthy trees are more resilient to cicada damage.
- Physical Removal (for small infestations): In cases of small infestations on accessible plants, you can try to physically remove cicadas by hand or with a strong spray of water. This is a time-consuming method and not practical for larger areas.
- Encourage Natural Predators: Birds and other animals naturally prey on cicadas. Avoid using pesticides that could harm these predators.
Is there anything I can do to protect young trees specifically?
Yes, young trees are particularly vulnerable to cicada damage and require proactive protection. The most effective method is physically excluding cicadas from reaching the branches with fine mesh netting or cheesecloth.
Young trees have thinner branches that are more easily damaged by cicada ovipositors (egg-laying organs). The slits female cicadas make to deposit their eggs can weaken or even kill small branches, especially in trees that haven’t yet established a strong root system. Covering the tree with netting creates a physical barrier, preventing cicadas from landing on the branches and laying eggs. Secure the netting tightly around the trunk, making sure there are no gaps where cicadas could sneak in. Choose netting with a mesh size small enough to prevent cicadas from penetrating, typically less than 1/4 inch. Consider the tree’s growth rate when selecting the netting; you’ll need to loosen or replace it as the tree grows to avoid girdling the trunk or branches. After the cicada emergence is over (typically 4-6 weeks), remove the netting to allow for normal growth and airflow. While insecticides can be used as a last resort, physical barriers are generally the safest and most effective option for protecting young, vulnerable trees.
Will cicadas damage my vegetable garden?
While cicadas aren’t typically interested in eating your vegetable plants themselves, the egg-laying habits of female cicadas can indeed damage or even kill young trees and shrubs in your vegetable garden, and possibly some of the sturdier, thicker-stemmed vegetable plants like tomatoes or peppers. The damage comes from the female cicada using her ovipositor to slice into branches and stems to deposit her eggs, creating wounds that can weaken or break the plant.
Cicada damage is most concerning for newly planted or young plants with stems that are roughly pencil-sized or smaller. Larger, more established plants are usually less vulnerable. The egg-laying process creates slits in the stems, which can disrupt nutrient and water flow, potentially leading to branch dieback or, in severe cases, the death of the entire plant. If a large number of cicadas are present, the cumulative effect of their egg-laying can be quite devastating to susceptible vegetation. To minimize the impact on your vegetable garden, consider protecting vulnerable plants with netting or cheesecloth during the cicada emergence period. This physical barrier will prevent the females from accessing the stems to lay their eggs. You can also delay planting new trees or shrubs until after the cicada season has ended. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of damage, such as wilting leaves or split stems, and prune away any affected branches to prevent further spread of damage or disease.
Well, that’s about it! Getting rid of cicadas can be a bit of a task, but with a little patience and these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a more peaceful yard. Thanks so much for reading, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more helpful advice!