Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their distinctive buzzing sounds and periodic mass appearances. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, cicadas can become a nuisance in gardens, causing damage to young trees and plants. If you’ve ever noticed your garden suffering from cicada activity, you’re not alone. Many gardeners seek effective ways to protect their plants without harming the environment.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to keep cicadas away from your garden using practical, eco-friendly methods. You’ll learn why cicadas are attracted to gardens, the types of damage they cause, and proven strategies to minimize their impact. Whether you’re dealing with the infamous periodical cicadas or the annual species, these tips will help you safeguard your garden and enjoy a thriving yard.
What Are Cicadas and Why Do They Invade Gardens?
Cicadas are large, winged insects famous for their loud mating calls. There are two main types:
- Periodical cicadas: Emerge every 13 or 17 years in massive numbers.
- Annual cicadas: Appear every year but in smaller groups.
Why Cicadas Target Gardens
- Egg-laying behavior: Female cicadas cut slits into tree branches to lay eggs, which can damage young plants and saplings.
- Feeding habits: Cicadas feed on plant sap, though this usually causes minimal harm.
- Attraction to woody plants: Trees and shrubs with smooth bark or tender shoots are common targets.
Damage from cicadas includes:
- Flagging: Branch tips wilt and die due to egg-laying wounds.
- Branch dieback: Severe infestations can stunt growth or kill young trees.
- Aesthetic damage: Excessive cicada exoskeletons and noise can be bothersome.
How to Keep Cicadas Away From Your Garden: Proven Methods
1. Use Physical Barriers
Netting and Mesh Screens are one of the most effective ways to protect young trees and shrubs from cicadas during emergence seasons.
- Use fine mesh netting (less than 1/4 inch openings) to cover vulnerable plants.
- Secure the netting tightly to prevent cicadas from entering.
- Remove netting after the cicada emergence period (typically 4-6 weeks).
Expert tip: Lightweight garden fabric works well and allows light and rain to pass through.
2. Maintain Healthy Plants
Healthy plants are more resilient to cicada damage.
- Water regularly to reduce stress on trees.
- Fertilize appropriately to promote strong growth.
- Prune damaged branches promptly to prevent disease.
3. Use Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators can help control cicada populations.
- Birds (like blue jays and sparrows) feed on cicadas.
- Wasps and praying mantises prey on cicadas.
- Plant bird-friendly shrubs and flowers to attract these predators.
4. Avoid Overplanting Vulnerable Species
Some trees are more susceptible to cicada damage:
- Avoid planting large numbers of fruit trees like maple, oak, and dogwood in cicada-prone areas.
- Consider hardier species less attractive to cicadas.
5. Employ Organic Insecticides (Use Cautiously)
While cicadas are generally not vulnerable to most insecticides, some gardeners use:
- Neem oil sprays to deter egg-laying.
- Insecticidal soaps to reduce nymph populations.
Note: Use these sparingly to avoid harming beneficial insects.
6. Timing Your Planting
- Plant new saplings after cicada emergence to avoid egg-laying damage.
- Delay pruning until after cicada season to reduce attracting females.
Additional Tips for Managing Cicadas in Your Garden
| Strategy | Description | Effectiveness |
|—————————|—————————————————–|——————————-|
| Regular Monitoring | Check plants weekly for cicada activity and damage. | Early detection enables quick response. |
| Mulching | Use mulch to conserve moisture and improve plant health. | Keeps plants strong against stress. |
| Sound Management | Cicadas are attracted to noise; reducing garden noise may help. | Limited but useful in small areas. |
| Remove Exoskeletons | Clearing shed skins reduces visual clutter. | Improves garden aesthetics. |
Real-World Example: Cicada Management Success in a Suburban Garden
Jessica, a gardener in Ohio, faced a massive periodical cicada emergence that threatened her young apple orchard. By covering her saplings with fine mesh netting and encouraging bird feeders, she significantly reduced cicada damage. Her trees recovered quickly, and she avoided chemical pesticides altogether, showcasing an effective combination of physical barriers and natural predation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do cicadas kill trees?
A1: Cicadas rarely kill mature trees but can cause damage to young or small plants through egg-laying.
Q2: When is cicada season?
A2: Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years, usually in late spring to early summer. Annual cicadas appear every summer.
Q3: Can I use insecticides to get rid of cicadas?
A3: Most insecticides are ineffective against cicadas. Physical barriers and natural methods are preferred.
Conclusion
Keeping cicadas away from your garden requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical barriers, healthy plant care, and natural predator encouragement. By understanding cicada behavior and timing your gardening activities, you can minimize damage and protect your plants effectively.
Remember, cicadas are a natural part of the ecosystem, and their presence signals a healthy environment. Instead of trying to eradicate them, focus on managing their impact sustainably. Start by identifying vulnerable plants and applying the strategies discussed here—your garden will thank you with vibrant growth and resilience.
Ready to protect your garden from cicadas? Begin by assessing your plants and setting up protective netting before the next emergence season. Your proactive steps today will ensure a thriving garden tomorrow.
