How to Get Rid of Cicadas: A Comprehensive Guide
Cicadas, those buzzing, clicking, and singing insects, are a familiar sound of summer. While generally harmless to humans, their sheer numbers, noise, and potential to damage young trees can make them a nuisance. Understanding cicada life cycles, the types of cicadas you’re dealing with, and implementing the right control strategies are crucial for managing their impact on your property. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to get rid of cicadas effectively and protect your trees and sanity.
## Understanding Cicadas
Before we dive into control methods, it’s essential to understand the basics of cicada biology and behavior.
**Types of Cicadas:**
* **Annual Cicadas:** These cicadas emerge every year, although individual species may have life cycles that span several years. They tend to appear later in the summer.
* **Periodical Cicadas:** These are the cicadas that emerge in massive broods every 13 or 17 years. Their appearance is a spectacular, albeit noisy, event.
**Cicada Life Cycle:**
1. **Eggs:** Female cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches, using their ovipositors to make slits in the bark. This egg-laying process can damage young trees and shrubs.
2. **Nymphs:** Once the eggs hatch, tiny nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil. They feed on tree roots for years (13 or 17 years for periodical cicadas, shorter for annual cicadas).
3. **Emergence:** After their extended underground stay, nymphs emerge from the soil en masse. This emergence is triggered by soil temperature.
4. **Molting:** The nymphs climb onto trees, shrubs, or other vertical surfaces and molt, shedding their exoskeletons to reveal their adult forms.
5. **Adult Stage:** Adult cicadas live for only a few weeks. During this time, they mate, the females lay eggs, and the cycle begins again.
**Why are Cicadas a Problem?**
* **Noise:** The buzzing and singing of male cicadas, especially during periodical emergences, can be deafening.
* **Tree Damage:** The egg-laying activity of female cicadas can damage young trees and shrubs, potentially stunting their growth or even killing them.
* **Aesthetic Nuisance:** The sheer number of cicadas, their shed exoskeletons, and their dead bodies can be unpleasant to some people.
## Identifying Cicada Damage
Before you implement any control measures, it’s essential to confirm that cicadas are indeed the cause of the damage you’re seeing. Look for these signs:
* **Slits in Tree Branches:** This is the most common sign of cicada damage. Female cicadas create slits in the bark of small branches to lay their eggs. These slits can weaken the branches, causing them to break or die.
* **Flagging:** This refers to the browning and dying of branch tips, often caused by cicada egg-laying. It’s particularly noticeable in young trees.
* **Nymphal Exit Holes:** After the nymphs emerge, they leave behind small holes in the ground. These holes are usually about the diameter of a pencil.
* **Cicada Shed Skins:** The discarded exoskeletons of cicada nymphs are a common sight during emergence periods. They can be found clinging to trees, shrubs, and other surfaces.
* **Adult Cicada Sightings:** Obviously, seeing large numbers of cicadas is a clear indication of their presence.
## Getting Rid of Cicadas: Control Strategies
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate cicadas, there are several strategies you can use to minimize their impact on your property.
### 1. Protective Netting
This is the most effective way to protect young trees and shrubs from cicada damage. The goal is to physically prevent the female cicadas from laying eggs in the branches.
**Materials:**
* **Mesh Netting:** Use a fine mesh netting with openings smaller than the cicadas themselves. Garden supply stores typically sell netting specifically designed for insect control. The mesh size should be around 1/4 inch or smaller.
* **Stakes or Poles:** Use stakes or poles to support the netting around the tree or shrub. These should be tall enough to cover the entire plant.
* **Twist Ties or Zip Ties:** Use these to secure the netting to the stakes.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose the Right Netting:** Select a netting material that is specifically designed for insect control and has a mesh size small enough to exclude cicadas (1/4 inch or smaller).
2. **Erect a Frame (if needed):** For larger trees or shrubs, you may need to create a frame around the plant using stakes or poles. This will help to keep the netting from resting directly on the foliage.
3. **Cover the Plant:** Carefully drape the netting over the tree or shrub, ensuring that it completely covers the plant from the ground up. Leave enough slack in the netting to allow for some growth.
4. **Secure the Netting:** Use twist ties or zip ties to secure the netting to the stakes or poles, or to the trunk of the tree near the base. Make sure there are no gaps where cicadas can enter.
5. **Monitor Regularly:** Check the netting regularly for any tears or gaps and repair them immediately. Also, monitor the plant for any signs of cicada activity inside the netting.
6. **Remove After Cicada Season:** Once the cicada emergence is over (usually after a few weeks), remove the netting to allow the plant to grow freely. Store the netting properly for future use.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Timing is crucial:** Install the netting *before* the cicadas emerge. Monitor local emergence forecasts to determine the best time to put up the netting.
* **Complete coverage is essential:** Make sure there are no gaps in the netting where cicadas can get in. Pay particular attention to the base of the plant.
* **Check regularly:** Inspect the netting regularly for any tears or damage and repair them promptly.
* **Young Trees are a Priority:** Focus your efforts on protecting young trees and shrubs, as they are most vulnerable to cicada damage. Older, established trees are generally less susceptible.
### 2. Insecticides (Use with Caution)
Insecticides are generally not recommended as the primary method of cicada control, as they can be harmful to beneficial insects, pollinators, and the environment. However, in severe infestations, they may be used as a last resort to protect valuable trees.
**Types of Insecticides:**
* **Pyrethroids:** These are synthetic insecticides that mimic the effects of pyrethrins, natural insecticides derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Examples include permethrin, cyfluthrin, and bifenthrin.
* **Neonicotinoids:** These are systemic insecticides that are absorbed by the plant and distributed throughout its tissues. They are effective against a wide range of insects, but they can also be harmful to pollinators. Examples include imidacloprid and dinotefuran. *Note: The use of neonicotinoids is restricted or banned in some areas due to their impact on pollinators. Check local regulations before using these products.*
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose the Right Insecticide:** Select an insecticide that is specifically labeled for use against cicadas and is safe for use on the type of plants you are treating. Read the label carefully before using any insecticide.
2. **Follow the Label Instructions:** Apply the insecticide according to the instructions on the label. Pay attention to the recommended dosage, application method, and safety precautions.
3. **Apply in the Evening:** Apply insecticides in the evening to minimize the impact on pollinators, which are less active at that time.
4. **Spray Thoroughly:** Spray all parts of the tree or shrub, including the trunk, branches, and leaves, ensuring that the insecticide reaches the cicadas.
5. **Reapply as Needed:** Insecticides may need to be reapplied periodically, especially after rain. Follow the label instructions for reapplication intervals.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Safety First:** Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator, when handling insecticides.
* **Targeted Application:** Apply insecticides only to the trees and shrubs that are being damaged by cicadas, avoiding spraying non-target plants or areas.
* **Avoid Spraying Flowers:** Do not spray insecticides on flowering plants, as this can harm pollinators.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If you are unsure about using insecticides or if you have a large-scale infestation, consider hiring a professional pest control company.
* **Environmental Impact:** Be aware of the potential environmental impact of insecticides and use them responsibly. Consider using less toxic alternatives whenever possible.
**Disclaimer:** *The use of insecticides carries inherent risks. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully. The author and publisher are not responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the use of insecticides.*
### 3. Cultural Practices
Cultural practices can help to create an environment that is less favorable to cicadas and can reduce their impact on your property.
* **Pruning:** Prune dead or damaged branches to remove potential egg-laying sites. Pruning should be done outside of the cicada emergence season, usually in late fall or winter.
* **Watering:** Water your trees and shrubs regularly to keep them healthy and vigorous. Healthy plants are better able to withstand cicada damage.
* **Fertilizing:** Fertilize your trees and shrubs according to their needs. Proper fertilization can help to promote growth and resilience.
* **Weed Control:** Keep your property free of weeds, as they can provide shelter for cicada nymphs.
* **Mulching:** Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs. Mulch can help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
### 4. Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators of cicadas can help to control their populations.
* **Birds:** Birds are natural predators of cicadas. Encourage birds to visit your property by providing bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes.
* **Wasps:** Certain species of wasps, such as cicada killers, prey on cicadas. Avoid killing these wasps, as they can help to control cicada populations.
* **Praying Mantises:** Praying mantises are another beneficial insect that preys on cicadas. Encourage praying mantises to visit your property by providing them with shelter and food.
* **Ground Beetles:** Ground beetles feed on cicada nymphs in the soil. Maintain healthy soil conditions to support ground beetle populations.
### 5. Soil Management (Limited Effectiveness)
While directly targeting cicada nymphs in the soil is difficult, certain soil management practices *may* have a limited impact.
* **Tilling:** Tilling the soil can disrupt the nymphs’ habitat and expose them to predators. However, tilling can also damage tree roots, so it should be done with caution and is generally not recommended near established trees.
* **Soil Drenching:** Soil drenching with insecticides can kill nymphs, but it is not a practical or environmentally friendly solution for large areas. It can also harm beneficial soil organisms.
* **Nematodes:** Some species of nematodes are parasitic to insects and may be effective against cicada nymphs. However, the effectiveness of nematodes is variable and depends on factors such as soil type, moisture, and temperature.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Limited Effectiveness:** Soil management practices are generally not very effective at controlling cicada populations, as the nymphs are deeply buried in the soil and are difficult to reach.
* **Potential Damage:** Tilling and soil drenching can damage tree roots and harm beneficial soil organisms.
* **Environmental Impact:** Soil drenching with insecticides can have a negative impact on the environment.
### 6. Noise Mitigation (For Your Sanity)
During heavy cicada emergences, the noise can be overwhelming. While you can’t eliminate the noise completely, there are some things you can do to mitigate it.
* **Earplugs:** Wear earplugs when you are outdoors, especially during the peak of the cicada emergence.
* **Headphones:** Listen to music or podcasts through headphones to drown out the cicada noise.
* **White Noise:** Use a white noise machine or fan to mask the cicada noise indoors.
* **Close Windows and Doors:** Keep your windows and doors closed to reduce the amount of noise that enters your home.
* **Acceptance:** Remember that the cicada emergence is a temporary phenomenon. It will be over in a few weeks, and the noise will subside.
## What NOT to Do
* **Don’t Panic:** Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and pets. There’s no need to panic or overreact.
* **Don’t Use Broad-Spectrum Insecticides Indiscriminately:** Avoid spraying broad-spectrum insecticides indiscriminately, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
* **Don’t Waste Money on Ineffective Methods:** Avoid wasting money on unproven or ineffective methods of cicada control.
* **Don’t Expect Miracles:** It’s impossible to completely eliminate cicadas. Focus on protecting your trees and minimizing their impact on your property.
## Long-Term Strategies
While you can’t prevent cicadas from emerging, there are some long-term strategies you can implement to minimize their impact in the future.
* **Plant Resistant Tree Species:** When planting new trees, choose species that are less susceptible to cicada damage. Some resistant species include oak, maple, and ginkgo.
* **Maintain Healthy Trees:** Keep your trees healthy and vigorous by providing them with proper water, fertilizer, and pruning. Healthy trees are better able to withstand cicada damage.
* **Educate Yourself:** Learn more about cicadas and their life cycle. Understanding their behavior can help you to make informed decisions about how to manage them.
## Conclusion
Cicadas can be a nuisance, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can minimize their impact on your property. Focus on protecting young trees with netting, using cultural practices to promote tree health, and encouraging natural predators. While insecticides may be necessary in some cases, use them with caution and always follow label instructions. Remember that the cicada emergence is a temporary event, and it will be over before you know it. By taking proactive steps to protect your trees and manage cicada populations, you can enjoy your summer without being overwhelmed by these buzzing insects.