11 Natural Ways to Control Cicadas in Your Yard

Have cicadas emerged once again? While the noise can drive you crazy, cicadas are harmless.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of cicadas at home—or at least reduce their impact in your yard—there are several natural ways to manage them.

This article will walk you through effective natural repellents and other easy DIY solutions.

Trees That Cicadas Affect

Cicadas love deciduous trees, especially oaks, maples, and hickories. If you live in an affected area and have these trees in your yard, there’s a good chance cicadas will flock to them.

Females lay eggs in small slits they cut in tree branches. The eggs then hatch into nymphs that fall to the ground and burrow into the soil [1].

The egg-laying process, called ovipositing, can damage tree branches.

Note:

Cicadas can damage small branches during egg-laying. However, healthy mature trees typically recover well and face no serious problems.

Young trees are at greater risk and may benefit from protective netting.

How to Manage Cicadas Naturally in Your Yard

Below are some home remedies and natural solutions to help control a cicada invasion. These natural methods can help limit damage while reducing the need for chemical controls.

1. Wrap Tree Trunks

Wrapping tree trunks may make it harder for newly emerged nymphs to climb the tree. However, it will not stop adult cicadas from flying into the tree to lay their eggs. Protective netting over small trees is generally more effective.

To avoid damaging the tree, you’ll want to use netting, burlap, or a similar porous material. Wrap the material securely around the entire trunk.

Wrapping tree trunks is an organic method of cicada control that avoids pesticides, though it may lack aesthetic appeal.

2. Cover Trees and Shrubs

Covering trees and shrubs with netting is an easy way to block these pests.

Buy netting specifically meant for gardening use. Those with holes half an inch or less work well for keeping cicadas out.

Also, check the netting regularly to ensure it is free of holes or tears. Repair any damage to the netting immediately so cicadas do not have an opportunity to access the plants.

3. Hose Trees Down

Cicadas are clumsy fliers. Therefore, spraying them with water may temporarily knock them from trees.

Once on the ground, cicadas are vulnerable. They may make easy pickings for birds, squirrels, and other predators.

However, this method is unlikely to provide long-term control. The insects can quickly climb back up or fly away after they recover.

4. Pluck Them Off by Hand

Another method of removing cicadas is to pluck them from leaves and branches by hand. Gently grasp the pest and pull it firmly from the plant.

Place the cicadas in a sealed bag and dispose of them. However, you can also eat them! In some countries, cicadas are a delicacy [2].

While plucking cicadas by hand may sound tedious, this home remedy can help quickly reduce small numbers in your yard.

5. Prune Trees

Pruning susceptible branches before cicadas emerge may help reduce potential egg-laying sites.

Cicadas prefer small branches for egg-laying, so pruning some before they emerge may reduce the number of available sites. This can help manage their population effectively.

You’ll want to prune trees in early spring before the cicadas emerge.

Focus on branches that are about half an inch in diameter. That’s the ideal branch-size range for many cicadas to lay eggs [3].

6. Protect Pools and Water Features

Another way to avoid damage from these pests is to cover any open pools, hot tubs, or birdbaths on your property.

Cicadas may accidentally land on standing water. Afterward, they cannot get out because their wings are now wet.

Therefore, cover up your pools and hot tubs. Keep the covers on for the cicada season in your area.

7. Neem Oil

Neem oil is commonly used against many garden pests.

Some gardeners also spray neem oil on plants in areas where cicadas are active. However, its effectiveness against these insects is limited.

Make a homemade cicada spray by mixing two tablespoons of pure, cold-pressed neem oil with a gallon of water in a spray bottle. Add a bit of dish soap. Shake well to combine.

Finally, spray the neem oil mixture directly on the cicadas when you see them. This is most effective only when the spray makes direct contact with the insects.

8. Birds

Some birds can also help control cicada populations in your yard. Birds such as cardinals, blue jays, robins, phoebes, and many other insect-eating species will readily feed on cicadas.

You can attract more birds to your yard by providing them with food sources, water, and shelter.

Put up bird feeders with seeds, nuts, and other food. Also, a birdbath or fountain can be added to provide them with access to fresh water.

When cicadas are abundant, birds will naturally focus on them as a food source in the area. While birds alone may not eliminate a cicada infestation, they can help reduce cicada numbers.

9. Delay Planting New Trees Until After Cicada Season

If possible, wait until cicada season has ended before planting new trees and large shrubs.

Newly planted trees are especially vulnerable to cicada damage. Their young branches are the perfect size for female cicadas to lay eggs.

When cicadas cut slits into small branches to deposit their eggs, it can cause branch dieback. This condition is sometimes referred to as “flagging” [4]. While established trees usually recover, young trees may experience more stress and slower growth.

If you must plant during a cicada emergence, consider using fine mesh netting to protect your tree until the cicadas are gone. This simple step can help prevent egg-laying and reduce damage to tender branches.

By delaying planting or protecting newly planted trees, you can help them establish better before they face a cicada invasion.

10. Essential Oils

Some gardeners believe that strongly scented essential oils, such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, may help discourage cicadas. However, there is limited scientific evidence that these oils are effective against cicadas outdoors.

To give it a try, make a DIY repellent spray for these pests. Add a few drops of your choice of oil to a water-filled spray bottle.

Next, spray it lightly on the affected trees. 

11. Cicada Killer Wasps

Cicada killer wasps are natural predators of cicadas.

Their larvae feed on cicadas. Each female cicada killer captures and paralyzes cicadas to provision her underground nest.

So, rather than trying to eliminate cicada killers, simply avoid and ignore them. Cicada killer wasps are generally not aggressive toward humans.

Takeaway

Most cicada outbreaks are temporary and usually last only a few weeks.

You may not be able to eliminate them completely, but these natural remedies can help protect your plants and reduce cicada activity until the emergence ends.