Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas Noisy or Harmful?

Cicadas are among the most fascinating and distinctive insects in the natural world, renowned for their loud and persistent calls during summer months. Among the many species of cicadas, the Scissor Grinder Cicada stands out due to its unique sound and behavior. But are these insects noisy or harmful? This article explores the characteristics, noise levels, and potential risks associated with Scissor Grinder Cicadas to better understand their impact on humans and the environment.

What Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas?

Scissor Grinder Cicadas belong to the genus Neotibicen, which includes several large cicada species native to North America. They are named for their distinctive call that resembles the sound of scissors being sharpened or ground, hence “Scissor Grinder.” These cicadas are typically active during late summer and early fall, producing one of the loudest insect sounds in their habitat.

Physical Characteristics

Scissor Grinder Cicadas are relatively large insects, measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Their bodies are robust with green, black, and brown markings that help them blend into tree bark and foliage. They have large, transparent wings that extend beyond their abdomen, enabling strong flight.

Life Cycle

Like all cicadas, Scissor Grinders have a lengthy life cycle predominantly spent underground as nymphs feeding on root sap. Depending on the species, this underground phase can last from 2 to 5 years. After this period, they emerge as adults for a brief lifespan of around 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, males sing loudly to attract females for mating.

The Noise: How Loud Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas?

One of the most notable features of Scissor Grinder Cicadas is their loud call. Male cicadas produce this sound using specialized structures called tymbals located on the sides of their abdomens. By rapidly vibrating these tymbals, cicadas generate a pulsating buzzing or grinding noise.

Decibel Levels

The call of a Scissor Grinder Cicada can reach 90 to 100 decibels (dB) at close range. For comparison:
– Normal conversation is about 60 dB
– City traffic noise ranges from 70 to 85 dB
– A lawn mower operates around 90 dB

At maximum volume, their calls can be as loud as a motorcycle or power tools, which is quite significant for an insect.

Duration and Timing

Scissor Grinder Cicadas are mostly active during daylight hours when temperatures rise above 80°F (27°C). Their calls tend to peak in intensity from mid-morning until dusk. Because males sing continuously and in groups known as choruses, the combined noise can be overwhelming in wooded or suburban areas.

Impact on Humans

While cicada noise can be startling or annoying, it is generally not harmful to human hearing unless one is exposed at extremely close range for prolonged periods. Most people find the sound fades into background noise after some time or when indoors with windows closed.

Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas Harmful?

Many people wonder if cicadas pose any danger or harm due to their loudness or presence near homes. The short answer is no—they are not harmful to humans or pets in any direct way.

Do They Bite or Sting?

Scissor Grinder Cicadas do not bite or sting. They have mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking plant sap rather than biting flesh. While they might accidentally brush against a person or pet, they will not attack or cause injury.

Health Risks

Cicadas do not transmit diseases to humans or animals. Unlike mosquitoes or ticks that can carry pathogens, cicadas are harmless carriers from a health perspective.

Effects on Plants and Trees

Cicada nymphs feed on tree roots underground but rarely cause significant damage because their feeding activity is spread out over several years and targets many trees simultaneously.

Adult females lay eggs by cutting slits into small branches and twigs with their ovipositors (egg-laying organs). This process can cause minor damage like twig dieback but generally does not kill healthy mature trees.

In large emergences—such as periodical cicadas—this twig damage may stress young or weakened trees but rarely poses a severe threat to established vegetation.

Ecological Benefits of Scissor Grinder Cicadas

Despite their noisy reputation, Scissor Grinder Cicadas play an important role in ecosystems:

• Soil Aeration: Their nymphs burrow underground which helps aerate soil.
• Food Source: Many birds, mammals, reptiles, and even other insects rely on cicadas as a vital food resource.
• Nutrient Cycling: After adults die off post-mating season, their decomposing bodies return nutrients back to the environment.
• Pollination: While not primary pollinators, movement across plants can facilitate some incidental pollen transfer.

Dealing With Scissor Grinder Cicada Noise

If you find cicada noise bothersome during the late summer months, there are ways to minimize disturbance:

• Close Windows and Doors: Keeping indoor spaces sealed will reduce sound penetration.
• Use White Noise Machines: These devices help mask external insect noise.
• Earplugs: For sensitive individuals who need quiet (e.g., for sleep), earplugs may be effective.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoiding peak singing times (late morning through afternoon) can reduce exposure.
• Landscape Management: Pruning small branches may discourage egg-laying sites near your home but won’t prevent adult singing.

Conclusion

To summarize:

• Are Scissor Grinder Cicadas noisy? Yes, they produce loud calls reaching up to 100 decibels that can be quite noticeable outdoors during summer months.
• Are they harmful? No, they do not bite, sting, transmit diseases, or seriously damage mature trees.
• Should you be concerned? Generally no—these insects pose little risk and contribute positively to local ecosystems.
• How to cope with noise? Simple measures like closing windows or using earplugs can reduce annoyance.

Understanding these fascinating creatures helps us appreciate that while their calls may seem overwhelming at times, Scissor Grinder Cicadas are natural components of our environment rather than pests or hazards. Embracing their presence allows us to enjoy seasonal sounds that signal warmth and vibrant insect life during summer days.