Natural Ways to Deter Cherry Nose Cicadas from Your Property

Cherry Nose Cicadas, often recognized by their distinctive red nose-like markings, can become a nuisance for homeowners and gardeners. These insects, while generally harmless to humans, can cause damage to trees and plants by feeding on sap and laying eggs in twigs. Managing their presence without resorting to harmful chemicals is beneficial not only for your garden’s health but also for the local ecosystem. This article explores effective natural methods to deter Cherry Nose Cicadas from your property.

Understanding Cherry Nose Cicadas

Before diving into deterrent measures, it’s important to understand the behavior and life cycle of Cherry Nose Cicadas. These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on root sap. After a few years (usually 2-5), they emerge as adults during warm months to mate and lay eggs on tree branches. Their emergence can result in noticeable noise and potential damage to young trees.

Why Choose Natural Deterrents?

Using natural methods to deter cicadas supports environmental sustainability by avoiding pesticides that may harm beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and birds. Natural deterrents also maintain soil health and prevent chemical runoff into local water sources.

1. Encouraging Predators

One of the most effective natural controls is promoting the presence of predators that feed on cicadas.

Birds

Many birds such as blue jays, crows, and sparrows actively hunt cicadas. To attract these birds to your yard:

• Install birdhouses and feeders with seeds or suet.
• Provide fresh water sources like birdbaths.
• Plant native shrubs and trees that offer shelter.

Insects and Arachnids

Certain predatory insects like praying mantises and spiders feed on cicadas. To encourage them:

• Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides.
• Grow flowering plants that attract beneficial insects.
• Maintain leaf litter or mulch areas which provide habitats.

Small Mammals

Some small mammals such as squirrels will eat adult cicadas when available.

2. Physical Barriers

Blocking cicadas from reaching your trees is an effective technique during peak emergence periods.

Fine Mesh Netting

Cover young trees or vulnerable plants with lightweight fine mesh or garden fabric. This prevents female cicadas from laying eggs in twigs.

• Use netting with holes smaller than 1/8 inch.
• Securely fasten the edges at ground level or around the trunk.
• Remove netting after the cicada emergence period (usually a few weeks).

Tree Wrapping

Wrapping tree trunks with sticky bands or specially designed wrap material can stop nymphs from climbing up.

• Use tree wrap materials that do not harm bark.
• Remove wrap after peak season to avoid fungal problems.

3. Companion Planting

Certain plants naturally repel cicadas or mask the scent of host trees, reducing egg-laying activity.

Strong-Scented Herbs

Plant aromatic herbs near susceptible trees:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Basil

Their strong scents may confuse or repel cicadas.

Trap Crops

Planting species that cicadas prefer nearby but away from valuable trees can divert their attention. Cherry trees and some maples often attract them more strongly than others.

4. Water Sprays and Deterrent Solutions

Physical disturbance through spraying can discourage cicadas from settling on plants.

Regular Water Sprays

Use a hose with a strong jet setting to knock adult cicadas off branches early in the morning or evening when they are less active.

Homemade Repellents

Natural ingredients can create sprays that deter cicada activity:

Garlic Spray

• Blend 2 bulbs of garlic with 1 quart of water.
• Strain and add a few drops of liquid soap.
• Spray on tree foliage weekly during emergence.

Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil acts as an insect repellent and disrupts insect growth cycles.

• Mix neem oil according to label instructions.
• Apply on leaves and branches every 7-10 days.

Important Notes:

Avoid spraying during midday heat to prevent leaf burn, and test sprays first on a small plant section.

5. Maintaining Tree Health

Healthy trees withstand cicada feeding better and recover faster after egg-laying damage.

Proper Pruning

Remove weak or dead branches regularly to improve overall tree strength.

Adequate Watering and Fertilization

Ensure your trees receive sufficient water especially during dry spells and apply organic fertilizers as needed for vitality.

Mulching

Apply organic mulch around tree bases to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and promote root health.

6. Soil Management and Nymph Control

Because nymphs live underground feeding on roots, managing soil conditions can reduce their survival rates.

Soil Tilling

Light tilling around tree roots in early spring (before adult emergence) may expose nymphs to predators and environmental stress.

Beneficial Nematodes

Applying beneficial nematodes to soil targets insect larvae without harming plants or other beneficial organisms. These microscopic worms infect and kill cicada nymphs underground.

7. Timing Your Interventions

Cicada emergences are seasonal—typically late spring through summer depending on region—so timing natural deterrent efforts is critical:

• Begin physical barriers before adults emerge.
• Apply sprays when adults first appear.
• Encourage predators year-round but especially during emergence season.
• Remove covers only once cicada activity has significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Deterring Cherry Nose Cicadas naturally requires a multifaceted approach combining habitat management, physical barriers, companion planting, natural sprays, and promoting ecological balance. By adopting these strategies, homeowners protect their properties while preserving the health of local ecosystems without reliance on harsh chemical pesticides. Embracing natural deterrence methods ensures a healthier garden environment for years to come—even in the face of noisy cherry nose cicada invasions.