How to Get Rid of Cicadas Naturally: Safe and Effective Methods

Every few years, homeowners face the loud and overwhelming arrival of cicadas. These insects aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, but their constant buzzing, large numbers, and tendency to damage young trees and garden plants make them an unwanted guest. Many people rush to chemical solutions, but pesticides often do more harm than good, killing beneficial insects and polluting the environment.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of cicadas naturally, the good news is there are safe, effective, and eco-friendly methods to manage them. In this guide, we’ll cover practical ways to reduce cicada activity, keep your yard peaceful, and protect your plants without using harsh chemicals.

Understanding Cicadas

Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing sounds, which come from males trying to attract females. While their presence may feel overwhelming, they’re actually harmless to people and pets. They don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases.

The real issue lies in their numbers and habits. When cicadas emerge, they can gather in the thousands. Females lay eggs in tree branches, which can weaken or damage younger trees. They also leave behind empty shells that clutter up outdoor spaces.

Cicadas appear either annually or periodically, with some species emerging in massive swarms every 13–17 years. The good news is they’re temporary visitors, usually sticking around for just 4–6 weeks.

Signs of Cicada Infestation

Wondering if your yard is under cicada invasion? Look for these signs:

Loud buzzing or clicking sounds that continue throughout the day.
Small holes in the ground where cicadas emerge.
Damaged branches on trees or garden plants where females lay eggs.
Cicada shells clinging to fences, trees, or walls.

If you notice these, it’s time to take action before the numbers grow unmanageable.

Natural Methods to Get Rid of Cicadas

1. Use Garden Netting

Garden netting or mesh is one of the most effective ways to protect plants and young trees. Simply cover vulnerable plants with fine mesh before cicadas emerge. The netting keeps cicadas from landing and laying eggs while still allowing sunlight and water to reach your plants.

Using garden netting to keep cicadas off trees — Protect Trees with Garden Netting

2. Attract Natural Predators

Nature has its own cicada control system. Birds, squirrels, chickens, and even some reptiles love feeding on cicadas. By encouraging these natural predators—such as installing bird feeders or leaving some water sources in your yard—you can help reduce cicada populations naturally.

Birds eating cicadas naturally — Attract Birds to Control Cicadas

3. Remove by Hand

Though not ideal for large infestations, picking cicadas off plants and furniture works for smaller areas. The best time to do this is early morning or late evening when cicadas are sluggish. Dispose of them by dropping them into soapy water.

Hand removal of cicadas from trees — Safe Hand Removal of Cicadas

4. Keep Outdoor Lights Off

Cicadas are drawn to light. By turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night, you’ll prevent them from gathering around your yard and home. Motion-sensor lights can also help reduce attraction while still keeping your property secure.

5. Maintain Your Yard

Cicadas prefer areas with plenty of shelter. Regularly trimming trees and shrubs, removing dead branches, and clearing fallen cicada shells can reduce the chances of them lingering in your yard.

6. Water Barrier Trick

A strong stream of water from your garden hose can quickly knock cicadas off trees and shrubs. This doesn’t kill them but helps dislodge large groups, giving your plants some relief.

When Do Cicadas Stop Making Noise?

The loud buzzing of cicadas is often the most frustrating part of their presence. Male cicadas sing to attract mates, which means the noise continues throughout the day. However, cicadas typically quiet down at night when temperatures drop.

The good news? The noise doesn’t last forever. Cicadas remain active for only 4–6 weeks during their mating season. Once their cycle ends, the noise stops until the next emergence.

Insecticide for Cicadas: Should You Use It?

Many homeowners consider insecticides when cicadas become overwhelming. But here’s the truth: insecticides are rarely effective against cicadas. Since cicadas aren’t chewing insects, most sprays don’t kill them effectively.

Worse, insecticides can harm bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. According to the EPA’s guide on pesticides and pollinators, using chemical sprays can put vital pollinators like bees at serious risk.

What Kills Cicadas Instantly?

There’s no truly “instant kill” solution for cicadas without using harmful chemicals. In nature, birds and other predators are the fastest way to eliminate them. Hand removal is another option but requires effort.

While pesticides might seem like a quick fix, they pose risks to your plants and other insects. Since cicadas only stay for a short season, patience and prevention are usually more effective than trying to wipe them out instantly.

What Scent Do Cicadas Hate the Most?

Cicadas are sensitive to strong smells. Some scents they dislike include:

Vinegar spray – Mix water and vinegar in a spray bottle to deter cicadas.
Garlic spray – Blend garlic with water and spray around affected areas.
Essential oils – Peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oils can act as natural repellents.

These natural sprays can discourage cicadas from staying in certain areas. Just be careful when spraying directly on delicate plants, as strong mixtures may harm them.

Preventing Future Cicada Infestations

Since cicadas emerge in cycles, prevention is key. Here are some long-term steps:

Cover trees with mesh during cicada seasons.
Plant tree species less attractive to cicadas.
Keep your yard clean and well-maintained year-round.
Use natural repellents early, before cicadas gather.

Overview of Natural Cicada Control Methods

Method	How It Works	Safety Level	Best For
Garden Netting	Blocks cicadas from plants/trees	Very Safe	Protecting young trees
Attract Birds	Natural predators eat cicadas	Safe	Reducing large numbers
Hand Removal	Pick cicadas manually	Safe	Small infestations
Turn Off Lights	Reduces attraction to areas	Very Safe	Outdoor spaces at night
Yard Maintenance	Less shelter for cicadas	Safe	Long-term prevention
Water Spray	Knocks cicadas off trees	Very Safe	Quick removal from plants
Essential Oils/Vinegar	Repels cicadas with strong scents	Safe	Repelling naturally

Conclusion

Cicadas may be noisy and frustrating, but they don’t have to take over your outdoor space. By relying on natural and safe methods like garden netting, predator attraction, repellents, and simple yard maintenance, you can greatly reduce their impact.

Remember, cicadas are seasonal visitors. Their presence usually lasts only a few weeks. Instead of reaching for harmful chemicals, use eco-friendly solutions that protect both your garden and the environment. With patience and the right prevention strategies, you can enjoy a cicada-free yard more peacefully.