If you’ve ever stepped outside and found your yard filled with loud, buzzing cicadas, you know how overwhelming it can feel. These insects don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases, but their sheer numbers and constant noise can quickly turn a peaceful summer day into a noisy nuisance.
Cicadas are part of nature’s cycle, and their sudden appearance is completely normal. Still, if you’re wondering how to get rid of cicadas or at least keep them under control, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in a simple and practical way.
What Are Cicadas and Why Do They Appear?
Cicadas are medium-sized insects, usually between ¾ inch to 1.5 inches long, with large wings and bright red eyes. What makes them unusual is their life cycle.
- Periodical cicadas: These insects live underground for 13 to 17 years, then emerge in huge swarms during late spring or early summer.
- Annual cicadas: These appear every year, but in smaller numbers.
When soil temperatures reach around 64°F (18°C), cicadas come above ground to mate. After a few noisy weeks of singing and reproducing, they die off, leaving behind eggs that will hatch and restart the cycle.
So, while they may look like an invasion, cicadas are simply following nature’s timeline.
Are Cicadas Dangerous?
The good news: cicadas are harmless to humans and pets.
- They don’t bite or sting.
- They don’t carry diseases.
- They’re even considered beneficial to the environment, since they help aerate the soil and add nutrients when they decompose.
However, cicadas can still cause problems:
- Noise Pollution – A group of males can reach up to 100 decibels, about as loud as a motorcycle.
- Damage to Young Trees and Shrubs – Females lay eggs inside twigs, which can weaken or kill young plants.
- Unpleasant Numbers – Seeing hundreds or thousands covering your yard can be overwhelming.
That’s why many homeowners look for ways to reduce cicada numbers and protect their property.
How to Get Rid of Cicadas (Step-by-Step Methods)
While you can’t completely eliminate cicadas, there are several effective ways to manage and minimize their impact on your home and garden.
Step 1: Protect Your Trees and Shrubs
Cicadas love laying eggs on small branches. Protecting your plants is the first step.
- Use mesh netting: Cover young trees and shrubs with a fine mesh (about ¼ inch holes).
- Wrap trunks: Apply foil or sticky tape around tree trunks to discourage cicadas from climbing.
- Delay planting: If you’re in a cicada-prone area, avoid planting new trees during an emergence year.
Step 2: Use Your Garden Hose
If cicadas gather in large numbers on your plants, spray them with water. This will temporarily drive them away and keep them from settling.
Step 3: Change Your Lawn Care Routine
- Mow in the morning or evening when cicadas are less active.
- Avoid mowing at midday—the vibration of lawn equipment can attract more cicadas.
Step 4: Make Your Yard Less Attractive
Cicadas are drawn to certain plants. To discourage them:
- Cover fruit trees (like apple, peach, cherry, pear).
- Protect shrubs (like roses, lilac, forsythia).
- Keep pools and hot tubs covered, since cicadas may fall in and clog drains.
Step 5: Let Natural Predators Help
Cicadas have many natural enemies, and encouraging them in your yard can help:
- Birds (robins, crows, starlings)
- Spiders and bats
- Squirrels and raccoons
- Cicada killer wasps
Even pets like cats and dogs may eat cicadas, though you should stop them from eating too many since it can upset their stomachs.
Step 6: Avoid Chemicals and Pesticides
Using pesticides isn’t very effective against cicadas. Since billions can appear at once, spraying a few won’t make much difference, and chemicals can harm pets, birds, and beneficial insects. It’s better to use natural and preventive methods.
Why You Shouldn’t Panic About Cicadas
It’s important to remember that cicadas are temporary visitors.
- They usually stick around for 4 to 6 weeks.
- After mating, they die off naturally.
- Big outbreaks only happen once every 13 to 17 years for periodical cicadas.
So, instead of stressing out, focus on short-term solutions and enjoy the unique experience—they won’t be back in such large numbers anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why are there suddenly so many cicadas in my yard?
You’re likely in a region where periodical cicadas are emerging. They come out in massive numbers to ensure survival, which is why you see so many at once.
Q2: Are cicadas harmful to humans or pets?
No. They don’t bite or sting, and they’re not poisonous. But pets should not eat too many since it can cause digestive issues.
Q3: Can cicadas kill my trees?
Cicadas usually don’t kill mature trees, but young or newly planted trees can be damaged. Cover them with mesh netting for protection.
Q4: How long will cicadas stay?
Cicadas usually stay for 4–8 weeks during the summer. After that, they die naturally.
Q5: Should I use pesticides to get rid of cicadas?
Not recommended. Pesticides are harmful to the environment and aren’t effective against large cicada populations.
Q6: Will cicadas come back every year?
Annual cicadas appear each summer but in small numbers. The massive swarms of periodical cicadas only happen every 13 or 17 years.
Q7: What’s the best way to keep cicadas away from my house?
Keep windows and doors shut, use screens, and cover outdoor plants and pools. Noise-canceling headphones can also help if the sound gets too loud.
Final Thoughts
Cicadas may be noisy, overwhelming, and sometimes damaging to young plants, but the good news is that they are not dangerous and only stay for a short time. With a few simple steps—like covering your trees, spraying with water, adjusting your yard routine, and welcoming natural predators—you can greatly reduce their impact.
Think of cicadas as temporary visitors. They may be loud, but they’re also a fascinating reminder of nature’s cycle. Handle them wisely, and soon you’ll be back to enjoying a peaceful summer.
