Natural Remedies to Deter Brown Cicadas from Gardens

Brown cicadas, known for their loud buzzing and potential to damage young plants, can be a nuisance in home gardens. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating soil and serving as food for birds, their presence in large numbers can harm delicate plants, especially during their mass emergence periods. Many gardeners seek natural, eco-friendly ways to deter these insects without resorting to harsh chemicals that may harm beneficial insects or the environment. This article explores effective natural remedies to keep brown cicadas at bay while maintaining a healthy garden.

Understanding Brown Cicadas

Before diving into deterrent strategies, it’s essential to understand the nature of brown cicadas. These insects are part of the Cicadidae family and are famous for their distinctive sound produced by males to attract mates. Brown cicadas emerge periodically, sometimes in large broods, and tend to feed on plant sap by piercing stems and branches with their mouthparts.

While the damage they cause is usually not fatal to mature plants, young seedlings and small shrubs may suffer from stunted growth or dieback due to excessive feeding. Additionally, ovipositing females cut slits into twigs to lay eggs, which may cause further stress to plants.

Why Choose Natural Remedies?

Chemical pesticides can be effective against cicadas but often have significant downsides:

• Harmful to beneficial insects: Bees, butterflies, and predatory bugs that help your garden thrive may be killed.
• Environmental impact: Chemicals can contaminate soil and water sources.
• Health risks: Exposure to pesticides can affect humans and pets.

Natural remedies provide safer alternatives by either repelling cicadas or creating physical barriers while encouraging a balanced garden ecosystem.

Natural Remedies to Deter Brown Cicadas

1. Encourage Natural Predators

One of the most effective ways to control brown cicada populations is by supporting their natural enemies.

• Birds: Many bird species prey on cicadas. Installing birdhouses and birdbaths attracts insectivorous birds.
• Wasps: Certain parasitic wasps target cicada eggs and nymphs. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill these beneficial wasps.
• Small mammals: Creatures like squirrels and chipmunks also feed on cicadas.

By fostering biodiversity through companion planting and maintaining natural habitats around your garden, you encourage predators that naturally keep cicada numbers low.

2. Use Sticky Barriers on Tree Trunks

Cicada nymphs climb trees after emerging from underground and adults also use tree trunks to reach foliage.

• Wrap tree trunks with a band of sticky material such as Tanglefoot.
• Place this about waist-height around young trees.
• The sticky barrier traps nymphs as they ascend, preventing them from reaching branches where they feed and lay eggs.

This method is non-toxic and targets only climbing insects without affecting flying or crawling beneficial bugs.

3. Plant Strong-Scented Herbs and Flowers

Certain plants produce odors that repel cicadas naturally:

• Lavender: Its strong fragrance deters many insects.
• Marigolds: These flowers emit compounds that ward off various pests.
• Mint: The pungent aroma keeps many bugs away.
• Garlic and chives: Their smell confuses or repels cicadas.

Plant herbs and flowers around the perimeter of your vegetable beds or near vulnerable plants to create a natural insect-repellent barrier.

4. Spray with Homemade Neem Oil Solution

Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, contains compounds that disrupt insect growth and feeding behavior without harming most beneficial insects when used properly.

How to prepare:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap in one gallon of water.
• Pour into a spray bottle.
• Spray directly on affected plants, focusing on stems and branches where cicadas feed or lay eggs.

Apply every 7–10 days during peak emergence for best results. Neem oil acts as a repellent and reduces egg-laying activity.

5. Create Physical Barriers Using Netting or Cloth

Covering valuable plants with fine mesh netting during periods when cicadas are most active helps prevent access altogether.

• Use lightweight garden fabric or insect netting available at garden centers.
• Secure edges tightly so cicadas cannot slip inside.
• Remove covers once emergence subsides to allow pollination.

This method is particularly useful for vegetable gardens or young fruit trees susceptible to damage.

6. Water Your Garden Adequately

Cicadas prefer dry conditions as stressed plants produce more sap sugars which attract them.

Maintaining consistent soil moisture through regular watering reduces plant stress making them less appealing for feeding.

Avoid overwatering which could lead to fungal problems but keep soil moist especially during dry spells when cicada activity intensifies.

7. Remove Cicada Eggs Manually

After females lay eggs in twigs and branches, you can prune affected parts to reduce hatchlings:

• Look for slits or scars on young shoots where eggs have been deposited.
• Prune these twigs about 2–3 inches below the damaged area.

Dispose of pruned material far away from your garden or burn safely if permitted locally. This reduces nymph populations emerging in following years.

8. Use Companion Plants That Distract Cicadas

Some plants act as decoys by attracting cicadas away from more vulnerable crops:

• Plant hardy shrubs or trees nearby that tolerate feeding better.
• Examples include sumac or elderberry bushes which attract cicadas preferentially.

This technique helps protect valuable vegetables and young fruit trees by diverting pest pressure elsewhere in the garden.

Additional Tips for Managing Brown Cicadas Naturally

• Timing is key: Cicada emergence typically occurs late spring through summer depending on region; prepare deterrents in advance.
• Avoid chemical pesticides: These often do more harm than good.
• Maintain garden hygiene: Remove debris where nymphs might hide underground.
• Plant diversity: A diverse garden ecosystem supports predator populations and discourages pest outbreaks naturally.

Conclusion

Brown cicadas are a fascinating part of nature but can prove troublesome for gardeners aiming for healthy crops and ornamental plants. Utilizing natural remedies such as encouraging predators, applying neem oil sprays, installing physical barriers, planting aromatic herbs, and pruning egg-laden branches offers an effective strategy without harming the environment or beneficial organisms. By embracing eco-friendly practices, gardeners can enjoy thriving green spaces while coexisting peacefully with these buzzing visitors.