Pest of the Month: Cicadas

Need to know more about these ancient insects? These noisy, flying bugs are well-known for their loud buzzing sounds and can be quite a nuisance during their active periods. Understanding cicadas, their behavior, and the problems they can cause is important for effective cicada management. Here you can explore everything you need to know about cicadas and how Bayou Cajun Pest Control can help you keep them under control.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are large, winged insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. They are known for their distinctive appearance and loud mating calls, which are produced by males to attract females. Cicadas are often mistaken for locusts, but they belong to a different insect order.

Types of Cicadas in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you can encounter both annual and periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas, as their name suggests, appear every year, while periodical cicadas emerge in large numbers every 13 or 17 years, depending on their brood. The most common types in Louisiana include annual cicadas, which have green or brown bodies with black markings and transparent wings and are usually seen in the late summer, and periodical cicadas, which are distinguished by their red eyes, black bodies, and orange-tinted wings which emerge in massive numbers, creating quite a spectacle.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Cicadas have a fascinating life cycle that includes several stages:

1) Egg: Female cicadas lay their eggs in twigs or branches.

2) Nymph: After hatching, nymphs drop to the ground and burrow into the soil, where they feed on root sap. This stage can last several years.

3) Emergence: When it’s time to emerge, nymphs dig their way out of the ground, molt, and transform into winged adults.

4) Adult: Adult cicadas live for a few weeks to a couple of months, during which time they mate, and the cycle begins anew.

Cicadas prefer warm climates and are commonly found in forests, orchards, and gardens. They are particularly prevalent in areas with plenty of trees, which provide both a habitat and a food source.

Cicadas and Their Impact

Cicadas may seem harmless at first glance, but their presence can lead to several problems, especially when they emerge in large numbers. 

The Noise Factor: Cicada Song and Its Effect on Daily Life

One of the most noticeable aspects of cicadas is their loud, incessant buzzing. Male cicadas produce these sounds to attract females, and during peak times, the noise can be overwhelming. This constant noise can be disruptive to daily activities, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor spaces or even hear conversations indoors when windows are open.

Damage to Plants and Trees: How Cicadas Harm Vegetation

While adult cicadas primarily feed on plant sap, it's their egg-laying process that can cause significant damage to vegetation. Female cicadas cut slits into twigs and branches to lay their eggs, which can lead to:

Splitting and Withering: The slits can cause twigs and small branches to split and wither, a phenomenon known as "flagging."

Stunted Growth: Repeated infestations can stunt the growth of young trees and shrubs.

Increased Vulnerability: Damaged plants are more susceptible to disease and other pests.

Common Problems Caused by Cicadas in Residential Areas

In addition to the noise and plant damage, cicadas can create other nuisances. For example, cicada nymphs shed their skins as they mature, leaving behind unsightly exoskeletons clinging to trees, walls, and other surfaces, and the abundance of cicadas can attract predators such as birds, rodents, and other insects, which might cause additional disturbances.

3 Signs of a Cicada Infestation

Recognizing the signs of a cicada infestation can help you take timely action to mitigate their impact. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

Visual Signs: What to Look for in Your Yard and Garden

1) Exoskeletons: Look for the shed exoskeletons of cicada nymphs on tree trunks, branches, walls, and other surfaces.

2) Egg Slits: Examine tree twigs and branches for small, slit-like marks where female cicadas have laid their eggs.

3) Adult Cicadas: Spotting adult cicadas flying around or resting on vegetation is a clear sign of their presence.

Auditory Signs: Recognizing the Sound of Cicadas

Buzzing Noise: The distinctive, loud buzzing of male cicadas is a telltale sign of their presence. The noise can be especially noticeable during the warmest parts of the day when cicadas are most active.

Increasing Volume: An increase in the volume and frequency of the buzzing sound indicates a growing cicada population in your area.

Time of Year: When Cicada Infestations Are Most Likely

Seasonal Patterns: In Louisiana, cicada infestations are most common during the late spring and summer months. Annual cicadas emerge every year, while periodical cicadas follow their specific 13 or 17-year cycles.

Weather Conditions: Warm, dry weather can trigger the emergence of cicadas, so be particularly vigilant during these conditions.

Preventative Measures: Tips to Make Your Property Less 

Attractive to Cicadas: Regularly trim trees and shrubs to remove weak or dead branches that cicadas might target for egg-laying. Use fine mesh netting to cover young trees and shrubs during peak cicada activity as this can prevent females from laying eggs in the branches. Keep your plants healthy and vigorous through proper watering and fertilization. Healthy plants are more resilient to cicada damage.

Natural Predators: Encouraging Beneficial Insects and Animals

Birds: Birds such as blue jays, cardinals, and sparrows are natural predators of cicadas. Creating a bird-friendly environment can help reduce cicada populations.

Insects: Predatory insects like wasps and spiders also prey on cicadas. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that might harm these beneficial species.

Amphibians and Reptiles: Frogs, toads, and lizards can help control cicadas. Providing habitats for these animals can enhance your natural pest control efforts.

Safe and Effective Cicada Control Methods

Handpicking: For small infestations, manually removing cicadas from plants can be effective. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to dispose of them.

Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap sprays on affected plants. This can help reduce cicada numbers without harming beneficial insects.

Professional Pest Control Services: For larger infestations, professional pest control services can provide targeted treatments to manage cicada populations safely and effectively.

Services Offered by Bayou Cajun Pest Control for Cicada Management

At Bayou Cajun Pest Control, we offer comprehensive cicada management services, including:

Inspection and Assessment: Our experts will assess the extent of your cicada problem and identify the most effective treatment options.

Customized Treatment Plans: We develop tailored plans to address your specific needs, using environmentally friendly methods whenever possible.

Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: We provide regular follow-ups to ensure your property remains cicada-free and to adjust treatments as needed.

Myths and Facts About Cicadas

Cicadas do not bite or sting humans. They are harmless to people and pets, despite their intimidating appearance. Cicadas are also often mistakenly called locusts, but they belong to a different order of insects. True locusts are a type of grasshopper. While cicadas can cause damage to plants, they do not pose any direct danger to humans or animals.

3 Interesting and Lesser-Known Cicada Facts

1) Long Life Cycle: Some cicada species have incredibly long life cycles, spending 13 or 17 years underground as nymphs before emerging as adults.

2) Natural Aerators: Cicadas help aerate the soil when they burrow and emerge, which can benefit plant roots and overall soil health.

3) Ancient Insects: Cicadas have been around for millions of years, with fossil records dating back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Control Cicadas around Your Home with Bayou Cajun Pest Control

Don't let cicadas disrupt your peace and damage your plants. At Bayou Cajun, we have the expertise and solutions to effectively manage cicada infestations and protect your property.

Stay informed and proactive by checking out our previous "Pest of the Month" posts and reading our blog for regular updates. Don’t wait until the cicadas become a problem – take action now and ensure your home and garden stay pest-free with Bayou Cajun Pest Control.