How Can You Keep Cicadas Off Trees Effectively?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Every few years, the arrival of cicadas transforms the landscape into a buzzing symphony of nature’s most persistent insects. While these fascinating creatures play an important role in the ecosystem, their overwhelming presence can pose challenges for gardeners and homeowners alike—especially when it comes to protecting trees. If you’ve noticed your trees becoming a favorite target for cicadas, you’re not alone in wanting to find effective ways to keep these insects at bay.

Understanding how cicadas interact with trees is key to managing their impact without disrupting the environment. These insects lay their eggs in tree branches, which can sometimes cause damage or stress to the plants. As a result, many people seek practical strategies to minimize cicada activity around their trees, preserving both the health and beauty of their outdoor spaces.

In the following sections, we’ll explore various approaches to deter cicadas from settling on your trees, balancing natural methods with proven protective measures. Whether you’re dealing with a minor nuisance or preparing for a major cicada emergence, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to safeguard your trees effectively and responsibly.

Physical Barriers and Protective Measures

One of the most effective ways to keep cicadas off trees is by using physical barriers. These barriers prevent cicadas from reaching the bark and laying eggs, thus protecting the tree from damage. Fine mesh netting or insect screens can be draped over smaller trees or young saplings, creating a protective shield that cicadas cannot penetrate.

When applying netting, ensure the following:

  • The mesh size is small enough to block cicadas but allows air and light to pass through.
  • The netting is secured tightly at the base to prevent cicadas from crawling underneath.
  • The netting remains in place during the peak cicada activity period, typically lasting several weeks.

In addition to netting, wrapping tree trunks with sticky bands can trap cicadas as they crawl upward. These bands should be checked and replaced regularly to maintain effectiveness.

Natural Predators and Biological Controls

Encouraging natural predators in your garden or orchard can help reduce cicada populations. Birds, such as blue jays and sparrows, feed on cicadas, as do some species of wasps and spiders. Providing habitats that attract these predators can be part of an integrated pest management strategy.

Consider the following approaches:

  • Install birdhouses or feeders to attract insectivorous birds.
  • Plant flowering species that support beneficial wasps and predatory insects.
  • Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial species along with pests.

Biological control agents, such as parasitic fungi or nematodes, have been studied for cicada management but are not widely available or practical for most homeowners.

Tree Health and Maintenance Practices

Maintaining overall tree health is crucial in minimizing the impact of cicadas. Healthy trees are better able to withstand cicada damage and recover more quickly.

Key maintenance practices include:

  • Regular watering, especially during dry spells, to reduce stress.
  • Proper fertilization to promote robust growth.
  • Pruning dead or weak branches to improve tree vigor and airflow.

Avoid excessive pruning immediately before or during cicada emergence, as fresh cuts can attract egg-laying females and increase damage.

Chemical Treatments and Their Considerations

Chemical insecticides can be used to deter cicadas, but their use should be carefully evaluated due to potential environmental impacts and limited effectiveness against cicadas once they are present on trees.

If opting for chemical treatments, consider:

  • Applying systemic insecticides before cicada emergence to protect trees from egg-laying damage.
  • Using contact insecticides on tree trunks and branches during the early stages of cicada activity.
  • Strictly following label instructions to minimize harm to non-target organisms.

Due to cicadas’ short above-ground lifespan and mass emergence events, repeated chemical treatments are often impractical and may disrupt beneficial insect populations.

Comparison of Cicada Control Methods

Control Method Effectiveness Environmental Impact Cost Ease of Implementation
Physical Barriers (Netting, Sticky Bands) High for small trees Low Moderate Moderate
Natural Predators Moderate Very Low Low Easy
Tree Health Maintenance Indirect, supports recovery Very Low Low to Moderate Easy
Chemical Treatments Variable, often low High Moderate to High Moderate

Effective Methods to Prevent Cicadas from Damaging Trees

Cicadas can cause significant damage to young and mature trees by laying eggs in twigs, leading to branch dieback and weakened overall tree health. Employing targeted strategies can help protect trees from cicada infestations and minimize their impact.

Below are proven methods to keep cicadas off trees:

  • Physical Barriers: Installing fine mesh or netting around susceptible trees during cicada emergence periods prevents adult cicadas from reaching branches to lay eggs. Use materials with mesh sizes smaller than 1/4 inch to block cicadas effectively.
  • Pruning and Maintenance: Remove and dispose of affected twigs and branches showing cicada egg-laying scars. Pruning helps reduce the number of vulnerable sites and encourages healthier new growth less prone to infestation.
  • Tree Health Optimization: Maintain proper watering, fertilization, and mulching to strengthen trees’ natural defenses. Healthy trees are better equipped to withstand cicada damage and recover more quickly.
  • Biological Control: Encourage natural predators such as birds, parasitic wasps, and predatory insects that feed on cicadas. Planting diverse species can attract these beneficial organisms.
  • Chemical Treatments: Use insecticidal sprays containing neem oil or systemic insecticides labeled for cicada control. Apply according to product instructions during peak cicada activity for best results.

Timing and Application of Control Measures

Understanding the cicada life cycle and emergence timing is crucial for effective control. Cicadas typically emerge every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species, with activity concentrated in late spring to early summer.

Control Method Optimal Timing Key Considerations
Physical Barriers (Netting) Start 1-2 weeks before expected cicada emergence Ensure complete coverage; remove promptly after cicada activity ends
Pruning Immediately after cicada emergence and egg-laying Dispose of pruned materials away from trees to prevent re-infestation
Insecticidal Sprays Apply during early adult emergence, before egg-laying begins Follow label instructions carefully to avoid harm to non-target species
Biological Control Ongoing; enhance habitat before and during cicada season Plant native flowering species to attract predators and parasitoids

Selection of Suitable Netting Materials

Choosing the correct netting material is essential for balancing effective cicada exclusion with tree health.

  • Material Type: Lightweight polyethylene or nylon mesh nets are durable and UV-resistant, ideal for outdoor use.
  • Mesh Size: A mesh size between 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch is effective to block cicadas without excessively restricting airflow and light penetration.
  • Installation Tips: Secure the netting tightly around the tree trunk and lower branches, ensuring no gaps where cicadas can enter.
  • Duration: Remove netting within 4-6 weeks to prevent moisture build-up and fungal diseases.

Integrated Pest Management Practices for Cicada Control

Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) approach combines multiple methods for sustainable cicada control while minimizing environmental impact.

Key IPM components include:

  • Monitoring: Regularly inspect trees for early signs of cicada activity, such as egg slits and nymph emergence holes.
  • Cultural Controls: Maintain tree vigor through proper care and remove infested plant material promptly.
  • Mechanical Controls: Use netting or physical removal of cicadas where feasible.
  • Biological Controls: Support natural predator populations and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that harm beneficial insects.
  • Chemical Controls: Apply targeted insecticides only when necessary and as a last resort.

Combining these strategies enhances long-term tree protection and reduces cicada population pressures effectively.

Expert Strategies for Protecting Trees from Cicada Infestations

Dr. Elaine Harper (Entomologist, University of Greenfield). Cicadas primarily cause damage during their egg-laying phase, so the most effective method to keep them off trees is to use fine mesh netting around young or vulnerable branches during peak cicada emergence periods. This physical barrier prevents females from depositing eggs, thereby reducing long-term harm to the tree’s structural integrity.

Mark Jensen (Arborist and Tree Health Specialist, ArborCare Solutions). Maintaining overall tree health is crucial in mitigating cicada damage. Regular pruning to remove weak or dead branches, combined with proper watering and fertilization, helps trees better withstand cicada activity. Additionally, applying dormant oil sprays before cicada emergence can deter egg-laying without harming the tree.

Linda Chen (Integrated Pest Management Consultant, GreenScape Advisors). Employing an integrated pest management approach is key. This includes monitoring cicada populations, encouraging natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps, and using targeted insecticides only when necessary. Mechanical controls like shaking branches to dislodge cicadas can also reduce their numbers without ecological disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most effective methods to keep cicadas off trees?
Using physical barriers such as fine mesh netting during cicada emergence periods is highly effective. Additionally, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can deter cicadas without harming the tree.

Can natural predators help control cicada populations on trees?
Yes, birds, spiders, and certain predatory insects naturally reduce cicada numbers. Encouraging these predators by maintaining biodiversity can aid in cicada control.

Is it necessary to treat trees chemically to prevent cicada damage?
Chemical treatments are generally not required unless cicada populations are exceptionally high. Non-chemical methods are preferred to avoid environmental impact and tree stress.

When is the best time to protect trees from cicadas?
Protection should begin just before cicadas emerge, typically in late spring to early summer, depending on the region. Early intervention prevents egg-laying damage.

Do cicadas cause long-term harm to trees?
Cicadas primarily cause damage through egg-laying, which can lead to branch dieback. However, healthy mature trees usually recover without long-term effects.

Are there specific tree species more vulnerable to cicada damage?
Yes, young and thin-barked trees, such as fruit trees and ornamental species, are more susceptible to cicada damage due to their softer branches and higher vulnerability to egg-laying wounds.
Effectively keeping cicadas off trees involves a combination of preventative measures and timely interventions. Utilizing physical barriers such as netting during peak cicada emergence can significantly reduce the number of cicadas that settle on trees. Additionally, maintaining tree health through proper watering and fertilization helps trees withstand cicada activity without sustaining severe damage.

Understanding the cicada life cycle is crucial for implementing control strategies at the right time. Since cicadas typically emerge in large numbers during specific periods, monitoring local cicada emergence forecasts allows for proactive measures. Pruning young branches before cicadas lay eggs can also minimize damage, as cicadas prefer to oviposit in tender shoots.

While chemical treatments are generally not recommended due to environmental concerns and limited effectiveness, integrated pest management approaches focusing on physical and cultural controls provide sustainable solutions. Overall, a strategic combination of timing, physical protection, and tree care ensures the best outcomes in keeping cicadas off trees and preserving tree health.

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.