Natural Methods to Repel 13-Year Periodical Cicadas from Your Yard

Every 13 years, a unique natural event occurs: the emergence of periodical cicadas. These insects, famous for their loud, droning chorus and impressive synchronized life cycle, can be both fascinating and frustrating. While they do not pose a direct threat to humans or pets, their sheer numbers can cause damage to young trees and plants in your yard. If you’re preparing for a cicada emergence and want to protect your outdoor space naturally, this article explores effective natural methods to repel 13-year periodical cicadas from your yard.

Understanding 13-Year Periodical Cicadas

Before diving into repellent strategies, it’s important to understand the nature of 13-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada tredecim). These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on root fluids. After 13 years, they emerge simultaneously in vast numbers to mate, lay eggs on tree branches, and then die off within a few weeks.

The most notable issues arise during their egg-laying phase: females cut slits into the bark of twigs to deposit eggs. This can cause “flagging,” where branches wilt and die back. Young trees and shrubs are particularly vulnerable to damage.

Natural deterrents focus on discouraging cicadas from settling or laying eggs in your plants without resorting to harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Natural Methods to Repel Cicadas

1. Physical Barriers: Netting and Screening

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect small trees and shrubs is by using fine mesh netting or garden fabric.

• Material: Use lightweight garden netting or floating row covers made of polyester or nylon with mesh smaller than the cicadas’ size (about 1/8 inch).
• Application: Drape the netting over vulnerable young trees or plants before the cicada emergence begins.
• Benefits: This method physically prevents cicadas from reaching branches to lay eggs while allowing sunlight, air, and rainwater through.
• Considerations: Secure the edges with stakes or weights to prevent gaps where cicadas can sneak in.

2. Encourage Natural Predators

Nature often provides its own pest control solutions by balancing insect populations through predators.

• Birds: Many birds consume adult cicadas as a protein-rich food source. Species such as blue jays, crows, sparrows, and mockingbirds are known predators.
• Mammals and Reptiles: Squirrels, raccoons, frogs, and lizards may also feed on newly emerged cicadas.
• How to Attract Them: Set up bird feeders, bird baths, and plant native flowering shrubs that attract insectivorous birds. Avoid pesticides that could harm these helpful animals.

By fostering an environment welcoming to natural predators, you indirectly decrease cicada populations in your yard.

3. Use Companion Planting

Certain plants emit scents or compounds that naturally repel cicadas or discourage egg-laying.

• Strong Aromatic Herbs: Plant herbs like basil, mint, garlic, and chives around your garden beds or near susceptible trees.
• Marigolds: Known for repelling various insects due to their strong smell.
• How It Works: The aromatic compounds mask the scent of your plants or create an unwelcoming environment for cicadas.

Interplanting these herbs among fruit trees or ornamental shrubs can reduce cicada activity naturally.

4. Pruning Before Emergence

Proper pruning is both preventative and corrective when dealing with periodical cicadas.

• Timing: Prune trees during late winter or early spring before the cicada emergence.
• Purpose: Removing weak or damaged branches reduces areas for females to lay eggs.
• Post-Emergence Care: After egg-laying ends (usually mid-summer), prune any flagged branches promptly to prevent secondary infections and encourage new growth.

Pruning also improves air circulation and light penetration, conditions less favorable for pests.

5. Mulching with Organic Materials

Mulching enhances plant health by retaining soil moisture and regulating temperature but can also deter some insects.

• Use Composted Leaves or Bark Mulch: These materials promote healthy soil microbiota that make plants more resilient.
• Avoid Thick Synthetic Mulches: Some plastic mulches may trap heat excessively and stress plants.
• How Mulching Helps: Healthy plants withstand damage better; moreover, moist mulch layers may deter egg-laying since females prefer drier twigs over damp environments.

Regularly refreshing mulch layers supports plant vigor during cicada season.

6. Homemade Natural Sprays

While there are no guaranteed sprays that will repel cicadas fully, some natural mixtures can discourage them temporarily.

• Garlic Spray: Crush several cloves of garlic infused in water overnight; spray this mixture on foliage daily during emergence.
• Peppermint Oil Spray: Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water and a small amount of mild soap; this scent is unpleasant to many insects including cicadas.

Repeat applications are necessary for effectiveness since rain will wash away sprays. Also, avoid harsh soaps or additives that could harm plants or beneficial insects.

7. Minimize Artificial Lighting at Night

Cicadas are attracted to lights at night which may increase their presence around your yard.

• Turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting during peak emergence periods.
• Use yellow “bug” lights if lighting is needed , these attract fewer insects overall.

Reducing night lights lowers the likelihood of drawing large groups of cicadas onto your property.

Additional Tips for Managing Cicada Impact Naturally

• Water Young Trees Regularly: Strongly watered trees recover from branch flagging faster.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Excessive nitrogen encourages tender growth which is more attractive for egg-laying.
• Patience Is Key: Cicada emergences are short-lived (usually lasting about four weeks). Afterward, their populations drastically decline until the next cycle.

What Not to Do: Chemical Pesticides

Many people turn immediately to chemical pesticides when faced with insect invasions. However:

• Cicadas spend most of their life underground, making pesticides largely ineffective against nymphs.
• Broad-spectrum chemicals harm beneficial insects like pollinators and natural predators.
• Chemical residues risk environmental contamination in soil and water systems.

Natural methods focus on ecological balance rather than eradication, encouraging a healthier yard ecosystem long term.

Conclusion

Dealing with the massive emergence of 13-year periodical cicadas can be daunting for any gardener or homeowner. Fortunately, several natural methods exist that allow you to protect your yard effectively without harming beneficial wildlife or relying on toxic chemicals. By employing physical barriers like netting, encouraging natural predators through habitat creation, using companion planting techniques, pruning strategically, mulching organically, applying homemade sprays cautiously, and minimizing artificial lighting at night, you can greatly reduce the impact of these fascinating but overwhelming insects.

Remember that periodical cicada emergences are brief bursts in nature’s calendar followed by long dormancy periods underground. Practicing patience combined with proactive natural protection ensures your yard stays healthy throughout their eventful arrival, and beyond.

Embrace the rhythm of nature while keeping your garden safe with these sustainable strategies!