Do you remember when 2021 was the year things should get better? Sorry folks who live in a handful of eastern states –The cicadas are coming. If you have tortured yourself by looking for pictures for the insects, you already know that they are not easy on the eyes. But are they dangerous? Either way, you probably want to keep them as far from you and your home as possible. Here you find out how this works.
What’s up with cicadas in 2021?
We expect that this spring Formation of Brood X cicadas in part (or in all) of the following states::
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- new York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Washington, DC
This particular brood has been (seriously) underground for 17 years, waiting for this moment. I will let Beth Skwarecki, Senior Health Editor at Lifehacker take it from here:
Periodic cicadas (Magicicada Species) live as larvae for 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. When it’s time for them to produce the next generation, they emerge, shed, mate, and die within a few angry weeks. When it’s their year, the trees in an area are covered in giant beetles. This whole phenomenon is either gross or fascinating depending on who you ask. (Okay, maybe it’s a bit of both.) This year’s surfacing hasn’t started yet, but it is expected to start next month when the ground warms up.
Um, no thanks.
Are cicadas dangerous?
Sure, they’re super gross, but are cicadas actually dangerous? For the most part, they are not and are considered “bothersome pests” – although they can cause damage according to young trees Pest World. Here is some more background information from the bug experts:
They do not bite or sting and generally do not pose a health threat to humans. In general, most of the symptoms associated with periodic cicadas are related to their noisy behavior, as well as their dander. Cicadas are known as the loudest insect in the United States because their “singing” can be heard up to half a mile away.
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And while cicadas often fly into a house through an open window or door, they cannot breed indoors. “Therefore an infestation in houses is unlikely.” after Orkin.
How to get rid of cicadas
These fools have been hiding underground for 17 years and come in literal swarms – if you live on their way they’ll be around. During their peak, the best / only way to avoid them is to stay indoors Pest World explained.
What you need to actively get rid of are the scales from cicada skins that can build up in your yard, especially around tree trunks. So you might want to grab a rake or shovel and take care of it.
Protect plants
If you are concerned about the plants and saplings in your garden, there are ways to protect them – and none of them contain pesticides or other chemicals. Here are some tips Courtesy of Orkin::
- By hand: Hand-pick adults and nymphs from plants when they are found in sufficient numbers.
- Garden hose: Pushing cicadas off plants by spraying water with a garden hose.
- Foil & Barrier Tape: Wrap tree trunks and large bushes with foil or tape (barrier tape) to catch cicadas trying to move plants up to feed or lay eggs.
- Netting: Protect young or valuable plants by covering them with nets.
Happy Spring!
