Cicadas. Those buzzing, clicking insects that seem to appear seemingly out of nowhere, filling the air with their incessant song (or, depending on your perspective, deafening drone). While generally harmless, their sheer numbers and persistent noise can make them a significant nuisance. This guide provides effective strategies on how to get rid of cicadas, focusing on both preventative measures and active removal techniques.
Understanding Cicadas: The First Step to Control
Before diving into extermination methods, understanding the cicada lifecycle is crucial. Knowing their behavior helps you target your efforts effectively. Cicadas undergo a lengthy life cycle, often spending years underground as nymphs before emerging en masse for a relatively short adult lifespan. This mass emergence is what causes the noticeable population explosions. Understanding this helps manage expectations – complete eradication is rarely feasible, but population control is definitely achievable.
Types of Cicadas & Their Habitats
There are numerous cicada species, and their behavior and habitats can vary slightly. Knowing the specific type in your area helps you tailor your control methods. Some species are more prone to infestation than others. Research your local species to understand their preferred locations for laying eggs and where they tend to congregate.
How To Get Rid Of Cicadas: Practical Strategies
Dealing with a cicada infestation requires a multi-pronged approach. No single method guarantees complete elimination, but combining several techniques significantly reduces their impact.
1. Preventative Measures: Keeping Cicadas Away
- Tree Protection: Cicadas lay their eggs in the twigs and branches of trees. Protecting your trees with netting or wrapping vulnerable branches can significantly limit egg-laying. This is particularly effective for young or valuable trees.
- Landscaping: Maintaining a healthy lawn and garden strengthens the resilience of your plants. A well-maintained landscape is less attractive to cicadas as they prefer areas with weakened or stressed vegetation.
- Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators like birds and praying mantises to your yard. These creatures feed on cicadas and can help keep populations in check. Providing bird feeders and creating habitats for beneficial insects can increase their numbers.
2. Active Cicada Removal: Reducing Existing Populations
- Physical Removal: While impractical for large infestations, manually removing cicadas from your property can be effective on a smaller scale. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to collect them.
- Sticky Traps: Sticky traps are an effective method for catching cicadas. Place them strategically near areas where cicadas congregate. While they're not a complete solution, they can reduce numbers significantly.
- Noise Reduction (to a point): While you can't fully eliminate their sound, you can reduce the noise impact. This may involve strategically positioning noise-canceling devices or using white noise generators in particularly affected areas.
3. Chemical Control: Use with Caution
Chemical control is a last resort. Insecticides are generally not recommended for widespread cicada control due to the potential harm to beneficial insects and the environment. If chemical control is absolutely necessary, consult a pest control professional. They can assess the situation and recommend the safest and most effective approach. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and prioritize environmental safety.
Long-Term Management: Living with Cicadas
Complete eradication of cicadas is unlikely. Instead, focus on implementing a long-term management strategy that minimizes their impact. This includes the preventative measures and the active removal strategies discussed above. Regularly monitoring your property and adapting your control methods as needed will be key to success.
Conclusion: Peaceful Coexistence (Or at Least, Reduced Noise!)
Cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem. While their presence can be frustrating, the strategies outlined above offer effective ways to manage their numbers and reduce their impact on your property. By understanding their behavior and employing a combination of techniques, you can find a balance between living comfortably and respecting the natural world. Remember to prioritize environmentally friendly methods whenever possible.
