Best Plants to Grow That Repel Apache Cicadas

Apache cicadas, like many other cicada species, can be a nuisance in gardens and landscapes. Known for their loud, persistent buzzing and the damage they may cause to young trees and shrubs, these insects often drive gardeners to seek effective natural deterrents. One of the best strategies to keep Apache cicadas at bay is to incorporate plants into your garden that naturally repel them. This article explores the best plants to grow that help protect your garden from these bothersome insects while enhancing your landscape’s beauty.

Understanding Apache Cicadas and Their Impact

Before diving into repellent plants, it’s important to understand what Apache cicadas are and why they might be problematic.

Apache cicadas are a type of periodical cicada found primarily in the southwestern United States. Like other cicada species, they emerge in massive numbers every several years, making their presence highly noticeable. While adult cicadas do not bite or sting, their egg-laying habits can cause damage to trees and shrubs. Females cut slits into young branches where they lay eggs, which can lead to branch dieback or weakened plant health.

Because of their large numbers and potential for damage, gardeners often look for eco-friendly ways to minimize cicada populations around their plants.

How Plants Can Help Repel Cicadas

Certain plants produce strong odors or contain natural compounds that deter cicadas and other insects. These repellent properties can make your garden less attractive to these pests. Additionally, some plants help attract beneficial insects that prey on cicadas or improve overall garden health, reducing pest outbreaks indirectly.

By incorporating these kinds of plants into your landscape, you create a more balanced ecosystem that helps protect your garden naturally without relying on harmful pesticides.

Best Plants That Repel Apache Cicadas

Below are some of the best and most popular plants known for their ability to repel cicadas including Apache cicadas:

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is well-known for its fragrant purple flowers and its ability to repel many types of pests, including cicadas. The strong scent produced by lavender is unpleasant to cicadas and keeps them away from nearby plants.

• Planting Tips: Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-resistant once established and requires minimal maintenance.
• Additional Benefits: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing overall garden vitality.

2. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Marigolds are a classic pest-repellent plant used by gardeners worldwide. Their strong scent confuses insects like cicadas and deters them from settling nearby.

• Planting Tips: Marigolds grow best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They bloom throughout the summer, providing ongoing protection.
• Additional Benefits: Marigolds also improve soil health by suppressing nematodes.

3. Garlic (Allium sativum)

The pungent smell of garlic is offensive to many insects including cicadas. Planting garlic around susceptible trees or garden beds can provide a natural barrier against these pests.

• Planting Tips: Garlic prefers full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. It should be planted in fall for summer harvest.
• Additional Benefits: Garlic also has antifungal properties that protect plants from diseases.

4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is an aromatic herb whose scent drives away many insect pests including cicadas. It is also a hardy perennial that adds greenery year-round.

• Planting Tips: Rosemary likes full sun and well-drained soil. It requires minimal water once established.
• Additional Benefits: Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs which prey on various garden pests.

5. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint produces a strong menthol aroma disliked by many insects including Apache cicadas. It spreads rapidly so it’s best grown in containers to prevent invasive growth.

• Planting Tips: Peppermint thrives in partial shade with moist soil.
• Additional Benefits: Its aromatic oils can be used as natural pest deterrents when crushed and sprayed on plants.

6. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, a natural insecticide compound used in many organic pesticides. Growing chrysanthemums in your garden helps deter a variety of insect pests including cicadas.

• Planting Tips: Chrysanthemums prefer full sun and well-drained soil with moderate watering.
• Additional Benefits: Their bright blooms add color and attract pollinators.

7. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is another aromatic herb whose strong scent acts as a natural insect repellent against leafhoppers, aphids, mosquitoes, and yes, cicadas too!

• Planting Tips: Basil grows best in full sun with regular watering.
• Additional Benefits: Culinary use adds fresh flavor to meals.

8. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip contains nepetalactone which repels many insects including aphids, mosquitoes, and some species of cicada.

• Planting Tips: Catnip grows well in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
• Additional Benefits: Attracts beneficial predatory insects like hoverflies.

Planting Strategies for Maximum Cicada Repellent Effectiveness

Merely having these plants scattered around may not be enough for effective repelling of Apache cicadas. Here are some tips to maximize their protective benefits:

• Create Borders: Plant repellent species as borders around vulnerable trees or vegetable gardens.
• Interplant: Mix repellent herbs like garlic or basil between other crops or shrubs.
• Use Containers: For aggressive spreaders like peppermint, use containers placed strategically near susceptible plants.
• Maintain Healthy Garden Practices: Keep plants healthy through proper watering, pruning dead branches that could attract egg-laying female cicadas.
• Combine with Physical Barriers: Use fine netting during peak emergence seasons along with repellent plants for added protection.

Additional Natural Cicada Control Tips

Aside from planting repellent species, here are some extra ways to reduce Apache cicada problems:

• Encourage Predators: Birds such as grackles and mockingbirds feed on cicadas; creating bird-friendly habitats encourages their presence.
• Remove Egg-Laying Sites: Prune damaged branches early in the season before eggs hatch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Cicada nymphs live underground feeding on roots; avoid excess moisture which favors their development.

Conclusion

Apache cicadas can be challenging visitors in southwestern gardens but planting natural repellents offers an eco-friendly solution that protects your landscape without chemicals. Incorporating aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, garlic, peppermint, marigolds, chrysanthemums, basil, and catnip will deter these noisy insects while enriching your garden environment with beauty and biodiversity.

By using smart planting strategies combined with good garden care practices, you can enjoy a thriving outdoor space free from the disturbances caused by Apache cicadas. Nature provides powerful tools, take advantage of them for healthier gardens all season long!