• Cicadas are large, buzzy insects that can cause damage to plants and property.
• They can carry various diseases, such as encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Lyme.
• To prevent infestation, trim trees away from home, seal cracks in windows and doors, cover exterior vents with mesh screens, and use natural cicada repellents.
• Taking these steps can help protect your house from an infestation of cicadas.
If you live in the United States, you’ve probably heard of cicadas. These large bugs are a common sight in warmer areas, and they can cause quite a bit of damage if they start to make their home near yours. Keep reading to discover why cicadas pose a potential threat and how to protect your house from them!
What are Cicadas?
A cicada is an insect that has large wings, long antennae, and two large eyes. They’re usually seen during summer and tend to be most active in warmer climates. Cicadas are known for their loud buzzing sound, which can be heard from far away. While they may look harmless, these pesky insects can cause quite a bit of damage if given a chance.
Diseases
Cicadas can carry various diseases. Here are some of them:
- Encephalitis: This is a dangerous brain infection that can cause serious complications.
- West Nile Virus: This virus is spread to humans by mosquitoes and can lead to fever, headaches, body aches, and even death in some cases.
- Lyme Disease: This tick-borne disease can cause fatigue, joint pain, and even paralysis if untreated.
Damage to Plants and Trees
Not only can cicadas carry diseases, but they can also cause a significant amount of damage to plants and trees. They feed on the sap in the stems and leaves, which can weaken or kill a plant if left unchecked. This is especially true for young plants without enough time to build their immune systems.
Damage Caused By Cicadas
Cicadas have sharp mouths that allow them to chew through wood, plastic, and wires, which makes them a nuisance in your garden or around your home. They also tend to create nests in walls or attics, which can lead to further damage by making holes in the structure and destroying insulation material. Even worse, these nests may attract pests like mice or rats.
Signs of Cicada Infestation
The most common signs of cicada activity are distinct noises coming from the walls or ceilings and small holes where they’ve chewed their way through wood or plastic surfaces. If you suspect cicadas near your home, look for telltale signs like discarded wings on window sills or floors – this could indicate that they’re already inside! It’s important to act fast if you think cicadas are present to prevent further damage.
Prevention
Thankfully, there are ways to protect your home from cicadas. Here are some ways to do that:
Trim Trees
Cicadas can live in trees, so keeping them trimmed away from your home is essential. This makes it harder for the bugs to access your property and reduces the chances of an infestation. You can do it yourself by using a ladder and pruning shears, or you can hire an experienced tree service to do it for you. They’ll have the tools and know-how to ensure it’s done properly.
Seal Cracks
Cicadas can squeeze through even the tiniest cracks, so check around your windows and doors for any openings that allow them inside. If you find any, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up.
Cover Vents
Cicadas love warm air, so cover your exterior vents with mesh screens. This will help keep them out of your home, where they can cause damage. Moreover, check your gutters and downspouts for any clogs, as this can also be an invitation for cicadas.
Natural Repellents
There are also natural cicada repellents that you can use to keep away from your home. Some options include garlic, citrus oils, and peppermint oil. You can mix these to make an effective spray and apply it around the perimeter of your house. However, check with your local pest control professional before using these methods.
Professional Help
If the infestation is already out of hand, it’s best to call in the pros. A pest control service will be able to identify the issue, determine a solution, and implement it quickly and safely. They can also provide advice on how to prevent cicadas from returning in the future.
Cicadas can cause a lot of damage to both plants and property if given a chance. To protect yourself from them, follow the tips above, and don’t forget to use natural cicada repellents. By following these steps, you can help keep your house cicada-free!
