Natural Ways to Deter Black Prince Cicadas from Your Yard

Black Prince cicadas, a striking subspecies of periodical cicadas, are known for their loud calls and sudden emergence in large numbers. While fascinating from an ecological standpoint, their presence can sometimes be troublesome for homeowners who want to protect young trees, shrubs, and garden plants from damage. Chemical pesticides can be effective but might harm beneficial insects and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to deter Black Prince cicadas from your yard without resorting to harsh chemicals.

In this article, we will explore effective, eco-friendly methods to reduce cicada populations around your home and minimize their impact on your garden.

Understanding Black Prince Cicadas

Before diving into deterrent strategies, it’s helpful to understand the behavior of Black Prince cicadas:

• Life cycle: These cicadas follow a 13 or 17-year life cycle underground as nymphs before emerging as adults.
• Emergence: When they emerge in large numbers, they seek mates by producing loud calls using specialized organs called tymbals.
• Feeding habits: Adults feed on tree sap by piercing branches with their mouthparts. While they do not typically kill mature trees, heavy feeding or egg-laying can cause branch damage.
• Attraction: Cicadas are attracted to trees and shrubs where they can feed and lay eggs.

Given these characteristics, the goal of natural deterrents is to make your yard less attractive or accessible to the cicadas.

1. Encourage Natural Predators

One of the most effective natural methods for controlling cicada populations is to encourage their natural predators.

Birds

Many birds enjoy cicadas as a protein-rich food source. To attract birds:

• Install bird feeders stocked with seeds, suet, or mealworms.
• Provide fresh water sources such as birdbaths.
• Plant native shrubs and trees that offer cover and nesting spots.

Common cicada-eating birds include blue jays, crows, sparrows, and mockingbirds.

Other Predators

• Spiders often catch cicadas in their webs.
• Wasps, particularly cicada killer wasps, specifically hunt cicadas.
• Small mammals like squirrels may opportunistically eat them.

Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects and disrupt this natural balance.

2. Use Physical Barriers

Preventing cicadas from accessing young and vulnerable plants is key to reducing damage.

Netting and Mesh Covers

• Cover saplings and small trees with fine nylon netting or garden mesh during peak emergence times.
• Ensure the barrier is securely anchored around the base to prevent entry from below.

The netting physically blocks adult cicadas from landing on branches to feed or lay eggs.

Tree Wrapping

Wrap trunks of young trees with burlap or similar material:

• This can discourage females from laying eggs in the bark.
• Replace or check wraps periodically during emergence season.

3. Plant Cicada-Repellent Vegetation

Certain plants emit scents that repel cicadas or make your yard less appealing as habitat.

Strong Aromatic Herbs

Plants like:

• Mint
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Chives

emit strong aromas that can confuse or deter cicadas. Plant these herbs around the perimeter of your garden or around vulnerable trees as a natural barrier.

Companion Planting Benefits

In addition to repelling cicadas, many aromatic herbs attract pollinators and beneficial insects that support overall garden health.

4. Maintain Healthy Soil and Plants

Healthy plants are more resilient against insect stress and damage.

Proper Watering and Mulching

• Keep trees and shrubs well-watered during dry periods.
• Apply mulch around bases to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Pruning

Remove weak or damaged branches before emergence season:

• This reduces suitable sites for egg-laying.
• Promotes vigorous new growth that can better withstand feeding damage.

5. Timing Garden Activities Strategically

Cicada emergence is predictable based on regional cycles. Use this knowledge to your advantage.

Avoid Planting New Trees During Peak Emergence Years

Young trees are more susceptible to damage from egg-laying females. Plan major planting projects in years when cicada activity is low or absent.

Delay Pruning Until After Emergence

Pruning just after emergence reduces the chances of exposing fresh wounds that attract females for egg-laying.

6. Create Habitat Diversity

A diverse landscape can minimize cicada concentration in one area by distributing resources more broadly.

Mix Tree Species

Plant a variety of native tree species rather than monocultures:

• Cicadas prefer certain species for feeding and egg-laying.
• Diversity reduces extensive damage to any single species.

Incorporate Ground Cover Plants

Diverse ground cover can interfere with nymphs’ ability to pupate near host trees and may deter adult landing sites.

7. Manual Removal Techniques

Though labor-intensive, manual removal can help reduce localized populations when numbers begin to rise.

Handpicking Adults

During early morning hours when adults are less active:

• Use gloves to gently remove cicadas from trees.
• Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them humanely.

Egg Scraping

Inspect branches for characteristic egg slits made by females in twigs:

• Prune out infested twigs carefully.
• Dispose of cuttings away from the garden area.

This reduces hatching success for the next generation.

8. Encourage Beneficial Microorganisms

Certain soil microbes can promote plant health and resilience against pests indirectly:

• Apply compost or well-balanced organic fertilizers to build soil life.
• Healthy soil supports robust root systems better able to withstand stress caused by feeding nymphs underground.

Conclusion

Black Prince cicadas play an important ecological role but can become a nuisance during mass emergences due to feeding habits that stress young trees and plants. By adopting natural deterrent strategies—such as encouraging predators, using physical barriers, planting repellent vegetation, maintaining plant health, timing gardening activities strategically, diversifying habitat, manually removing pests, and enhancing soil health—you can substantially reduce the impact of these fascinating insects on your yard without harming the environment.

Implementing these methods requires patience and consistency but protects your garden sustainably while respecting local biodiversity. When Black Prince cicadas next emerge in full force, you’ll be prepared with natural tools to keep your landscape thriving year-round.