The blaring buzz of loud insects is a common summer soundtrack in Central Texas. Cicadas are responsible for this familiar noise as males court potential mates. Though benign, the deafening drone of cicadas in Austin trees can become a major nuisance. Here’s a guide to identifying these loud bugs and managing them around homes.
While not directly harmful, the ceaseless noise and sheer numbers emerging can make cicadas a challenging seasonal pest for homeowners.
Common species behind the summer buzzing include:
Dog Day, Annual, and Periodical cicadas are most responsible for the deafening choruses heard every summer. Homeowners must tolerate them for a few weeks until breeding ends.
Male cicadas produce their blaring buzz and drone using special anatomical adaptations:
The collective result is an overpowering din reaching noise levels over 100 decibels. Unfortunately, cicada calls cannot be contained or controlled. Their biology is optimized for extreme volume.
Cicada activity and noise peaks at specific times:
To minimize impact, plan outdoor activities in the cooler morning hours before cicadas commence full chorus mode after 11am. Noise is difficult to escape on hot summer afternoons.
While little can be done to control wide-ranging cicada populations, you can modify your property to reduce impacts:
The chorusing diminishes as mating ends and cicadas start to die off. Be patient – the peak din lasts just 4-6 weeks.
Cicadas cause no harm to people, animals or homes. They do not bite, sting or transmit diseases. A few facts:
Simply put, cicadas are harmless. Their only impact is irritating noise. Remain patient, and populations naturally crash as die-off begins in late summer.
Cicadas do not chew or consume foliage, only sip plant fluids. However, some minor damage may still occur:
Healthy trees generally tolerate cicada activity well. Small, weak or potted trees may benefit from protective netting if nymph densities are very high.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
How long do cicadas live?
Cicada lifespans are short. Adults live just 2 to 6 weeks once they complete nymph stages and emerge. Their sole purpose is breeding.
How often do cicadas emerge?
Some emerge annually while periodical cicadas remain underground up to 17 years before mass emergence. Various species appear each summer.
Do cicadas predict the weather?
No evidence suggests cicada behavior predicts upcoming weather. Their cycles are fixed internally. However, imminent rainfall may sometimes suppress chorus activity briefly.
What eats cicadas?
Many predators like birds, squirrels, dogs, spiders, snakes, etc feed on emerged adult cicadas, especially once populations peak.
Should I rake up cicada shells?
No need. The empty exoskeletons left on trees after molting get recycled naturally and provide a nutrient boost. They can simply be left to decompose.
When do cicadas stop making noise?
The loud chorusing wanes and eventually ceases completely by September as mating ends and adults begin to die off en masse.
Homeowners must simply tolerate the intrusive noise from amorous male cicadas each summer. Take comfort that cicada cycles are normal and populations naturally crash within weeks. Until then,Indoor retreats, ear protection, and running background noise helps preserve your sanity. The buzzing will give way to blissful quiet again before you know it.