How to Make Cicadas Be Quiet: A Comprehensive Guide

ByEric Wilson Updated

How to Make Cicadas Be Quiet?

To make cicadas be quiet, there are several tips you can follow.

Firstly, it is important to identify the type of cicadas, whether they are annual or periodical.

Spraying water on cicadas can temporarily decrease their noise.

Using vinegar around trees and plants helps kill cicadas and nymphs.

Additionally, pouring boiling water into cicada holes can eliminate nymphs, but caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the lawn.

Turning soil around trees during early summer can disturb cicadas and redirect them away.

Noise-canceling headphones can be used to block out cicada noise.

Pruning and protecting plants prevents cicadas from settling, while covering trees and shrubs with netting prevents them from laying eggs.

It is advisable to avoid gardening during the hottest hours of the day when cicadas are most active.

If necessary, pesticides or repellents can be considered to stop cicada noise.

Lastly, it is best to avoid planting new trees or shrubs during a periodical brood of cicadas.

Key Points:

  • Identify if cicadas are annual or periodical
  • Spray water on cicadas to temporarily decrease noise
  • Use vinegar around trees and plants to kill cicadas and nymphs
  • Pour boiling water into cicada holes to eliminate nymphs
  • Turn soil around trees to redirect cicadas away
  • Use noise-canceling headphones to block out cicada noise

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that cicadas spend most of their lives underground, only emerging above ground for a few weeks or months once every few years?
2. In ancient China, people used to attach small bells to the wings of cicadas to create musical tones when they flew, creating a unique and enchanting natural symphony.
3. While cicadas are generally known for their loud mating calls, only male cicadas produce sounds. They have a specialized organ called a tymbal, which they use to produce their distinct buzzing sound.
4. Certain species of cicadas have synchronized emergence, meaning that billions of them will come out of the ground at the same time every few years. This phenomenon is also known as a “cicada emergence event.”
5. Cicadas are a gourmet delicacy in many cultures. In some parts of the world, they are cooked and eaten in various ways, including stir-fried, boiled, or even made into sweet treats like chocolate-covered cicadas.

Identify The Type Of Cicadas

Cicadas are well-known for their loud, buzzing noise. Understanding the different types of cicadas can be useful when dealing with their noise. There are two main types of cicadas: annual cicadas and periodical cicadas. Here are some key points about each type:

  • Annual cicadas: These cicadas emerge every summer. They follow a one-year life cycle and are typically found in many regions.
  • Periodical cicadas: These cicadas have synchronized life cycles that can last 13 to 17 years. This means that they emerge in large numbers at once after this long period of development.
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To summarize, knowing the distinction between annual and periodical cicadas can guide us in choosing the most effective strategies to handle their noise.

Fun fact: Did you know that periodical cicadas are sometimes referred to as “17-year locusts”?

Temporary Noise Reduction With Water

One simple and easily accessible method to temporarily decrease cicada noise is by spraying water on them.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Fill a spray bottle with water.
  2. Target the cicadas directly, misting them lightly.
  3. This will dampen their wings, making it more difficult for them to produce their characteristic loud buzzing sound.

Keep in mind that this method provides only temporary relief and will need to be repeated as the cicadas dry off.

Vinegar To Eliminate Cicadas And Nymphs

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to silence cicadas, vinegar can be an effective tool. By spraying vinegar around trees and plants, you create an environment that is inhospitable to the cicadas and their nymphs. Vinegar acts as a natural repellant, deterring the insects from settling in the area. Be sure to spray the vinegar generously directly onto the trees and plants to ensure maximum effectiveness.

  • Spray vinegar around trees and plants to create an inhospitable environment for cicadas.
  • Vinegar acts as a natural repellant and deters the insects from settling.
  • Be generous with the vinegar spray to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Boiling Water For Nymph Elimination

To eliminate cicada nymphs, pouring boiling water into their holes can be a highly effective method. However, caution must be taken not to burn or damage the surrounding lawn or vegetation. It’s important to identify the locations of the nymph holes before proceeding. Gently pour the boiling water into the holes, making sure to cover them completely. This will kill the nymphs and prevent them from maturing into adult cicadas.

Disturb And Redirect Cicadas With Soil Turning

During early summer, when cicadas are most active, disturbing their environment can help redirect them away from your immediate surroundings. By turning the soil around trees and plants, you disrupt their habitat and encourage them to seek alternative locations. Use a garden tool to gently loosen the soil around the base of trees and shrubs, making it less appealing for cicadas to settle.

Use Noise-Canceling Headphones

If you are unable to escape the constant buzzing of cicadas, investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones can provide much-needed relief. Noise-canceling headphones work by using microphones to pick up external ambient sounds and then producing sound waves that cancel out these noises. By wearing noise-canceling headphones, you can effectively block out the sound of cicadas and create a more peaceful environment.

  • Noise-canceling headphones can help you escape the constant buzzing of cicadas.
  • They work by using microphones to pick up external sounds.
  • Sound waves produced by the headphones cancel out these noises.
  • Wearing noise-canceling headphones can create a more peaceful environment.
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Prune And Protect Plants

To prevent excessive noise caused by cicadas, pruning and protecting your plants is essential. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of cicada activity and remove any damaged branches. Pruning not only helps maintain the health and shape of your plants but also eliminates potential areas where cicadas may lay their eggs. Furthermore, covering vulnerable plants with protective netting can create a physical barrier, preventing cicadas from accessing them.

Cover Trees And Shrubs With Netting

Another effective method to deter cicadas from settling and laying eggs is to cover trees and shrubs with netting. The netting acts as a physical barrier, preventing cicadas from reaching the branches and leaves. Ensure the netting is securely fastened to avoid any gaps that cicadas could exploit. This method is especially useful for protecting newly planted trees and shrubs that are more vulnerable to cicada damage.

  • Cover trees and shrubs with netting
  • Netting acts as a physical barrier
  • Prevents cicadas from reaching branches and leaves
  • Ensure netting is securely fastened
  • Useful for protecting newly planted trees and shrubs from cicada damage.

Avoid Gardening During Peak Cicada Activity

Timing is crucial when it comes to dealing with cicadas. To minimize the effects of their noise, it is advisable to:

  • Avoid gardening or spending extended periods outdoors during the hottest hours of the day when cicadas are most active.
  • Plan your gardening activities for early mornings or evenings when cicada activity tends to be lower, allowing you to work in a more peaceful environment.

Remember, timing is key to enjoy a quieter outdoor experience during cicada season.

Consider Pesticides Or Repellents

If the noise level becomes unbearable or if cicadas continue to cause significant damage to your plants, consider using pesticides or repellents specifically designed to target cicadas. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the chosen product carefully, as pesticides can be harmful to other beneficial insects and the environment. Reflect on the following points:

  • Use pesticides or repellents specifically designed for cicadas
  • Follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming other beneficial insects and the environment
  • Consult local gardening experts or extension offices for recommendations on effective and safe pesticide options.

To effectively control cicadas, it is recommended to use targeted pesticides or repellents that are safe for the environment and other beneficial insects.

Remember to always prioritize the safety of the environment and other beneficial insects when dealing with cicadas.

Avoid Planting During Cicada Brood

Lastly, when planning your garden or landscaping projects, it is essential to avoid planting new trees or shrubs during a periodical brood of cicadas. Periodical cicadas emerge in large numbers and can cause substantial damage to newly planted vegetation. By waiting until after the cicada brood has passed, you can ensure that your newly planted trees and shrubs have the best chance of survival and minimize the potential for excessive noise.

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Dealing with cicadas and their loud buzzing noise can be challenging. By following the tips mentioned above, you can effectively make cicadas be quiet or mitigate their impact on your surroundings. Whether through identifying the type of cicadas, implementing temporary noise reduction methods, or employing more long-term solutions, you can create a more peaceful environment despite the presence of these buzzing insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep cicadas quiet?

To keep cicadas quiet, one can take advantage of the temperature or rain. Cool nights or inclement weather below 22 degrees Centigrade or 72 degrees Fahrenheit cause the sections of the cicada’s diaphragm to lose their elasticity, resulting in silence. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful soundscape, simply wait for the temperature to drop or for rain to come pouring down.

What liquid do cicadas spray?

When cicadas are perched atop trees, they have a unique way of marking their territory. They release a liquid secretion that is not only fascinating but also serves a purpose. This liquid is a mixture of tree sap and digestive enzymes, creating a distinctive spray that cicadas use to claim their space and communicate with others of their kind. So, if you happen to feel a sudden sprinkle while standing beneath a cicada-filled tree, it’s simply a shower of their innovative liquid concoction.

Why is cicadas so loud?

Cicadas are renowned for their deafening noise, which can reach unbearable levels. The loudness can be attributed to the male cicadas’ unique anatomy and reproductive behavior. Male cicadas possess sound boxes in their abdomens, specifically equipped with a membrane called a tymbal. By expanding and contracting this membrane, they create a resonating sound. This sound is primarily used as a mating call, as males attempt to attract females who respond with their own clicking noises when they are prepared to mate. Interestingly, the volume of the male cicadas’ chirping increases with hotter temperatures. So, on scorching summer days, their calls become even more ear-piercing as they try to maximize their chances of finding a suitable mate.

Are cicadas loud all day?

Cicadas are not typically loud all day long, but they do have periods of chirping activity. While their primary chorus occurs in the evening around dusk, cicadas may react with buzzing sounds when they feel threatened. These buzzing noises act as a defense mechanism when disturbed. Generally, the sounds emitted by periodical cicadas serve as a mating call rather than a constant background noise throughout the day.

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