How to Reduce Cicada Activity and Noise Around Your Home
Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing calls that fill the air during warm weather. Their sound can reach high volumes, especially when several males gather in the same area to attract females. Although cicadas are not harmful to people or pets, they can become a noisy nuisance and may damage young trees or ornamental plants.
Understanding why cicadas gather in certain locations and what attracts them can help reduce their presence around your home.
What Attracts Cicadas to Your Property
Warm Weather and Mating Behavior
Male cicadas produce loud calls to attract females. When several males gather in one tree or shrub, the combined sound can reach more than 90 decibels. This is louder than many household tools and can become disruptive during peak activity hours.
Cicadas are most active on warm, sunny days. They tend to quiet down in cooler evening temperatures or during cloudy conditions.
Young Trees and Shrubs
Female cicadas lay their eggs on small twigs and branches. Young or newly planted trees are especially vulnerable. Cicadas may also feed on plant fluids, which can stress small trees that have not fully established.
Covering young trees with protective netting during peak cicada seasons can help prevent egg laying.
Vibration and Movement
Cicadas are attracted to vibration. Activities such as mowing the lawn or trimming bushes may cause cicadas to fly toward movement, mistaking it for other insects.
Perform yard work early in the morning or during cooler periods when cicada activity is naturally lower.
Light and Heat Reflection
Cicadas may gather on bright, sunny surfaces or around warm structures such as fences, brick walls, or siding that absorbs heat. Reducing outdoor lighting at night can also discourage insects that cicadas may follow or feed on.
Understanding Cicada Cycles
Cicadas follow different life cycles depending on the species. Some emerge annually, while others emerge in large synchronized groups every 13 or 17 years. When these periodic cicadas appear, the numbers can be overwhelming, but the season is temporary.
In Idaho, cicadas are far less destructive than in other regions, but their noise and sudden appearance can still be bothersome.
How to Make Your Property Less Appealing to Cicadas
While you cannot eliminate cicadas from an area completely, you can reduce their activity near your home.
Protect Young Trees
Use fine mesh netting around new trees during cicada season. This prevents females from laying eggs on tender branches.
Keep Landscaping Healthy
Strong, well-watered trees handle cicada feeding much better than stressed or newly planted ones.
Limit Outdoor Lighting
Bright lights attract many insects, which in turn attract cicadas. Using warm-colored bulbs or reducing unnecessary lighting can help.
Time Outdoor Chores Wisely
Mow lawns or trim landscaping during cooler morning hours when cicadas are less active.
Remove Yard Debris
Cicadas sometimes rest in low shrubs or cluttered areas. Keeping landscaping clean reduces resting spots close to the home.
Use Physical Barriers Where Needed
Window screens, door seals, and attic vents should be intact. Although cicadas rarely enter homes intentionally, small gaps can allow them inside.
When to Call a Professional
While cicadas do not require the same level of pest control as destructive insects, you may want professional help if:
- You have repeated seasonal issues on specific parts of the property
- Young trees are being damaged
- You want help identifying the best prevention approach for your landscape
A technician can assess risk areas and recommend a seasonal plan to minimize cicada impact.