Brood XIV cicadas are set to swarm Southold in 2025, so now’s the time to prepare your property and learn how to deal with the noise and activity.
Cicadas are big, flying insects that show up during summer. Drawn to loud noises like lawnmowers and power tools, they feed on tree sap but pose no real threat to people or pets. However, their loud mating calls and sudden swarms can be startling and disruptive.
Twin Forks Pest Control’s knowledgeable team is ready to help you recognize cicadas and choose the best strategy to protect your property. Our pest control professionals specialize in seasonal pests and can help you prepare ahead of time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what to expect this cicada season and how to safeguard your home and garden.
What Are Cicadas and When Will They Arrive?
With their distinct buzzing calls and unusual development cycle, cicadas are hard to miss. Most of their lives are spent underground, and when they emerge, they’re about two inches long with clear wings and prominent eyes.
Once soil temperatures hit 64°F in the spring, cicadas begin emerging in huge swarms and transform into winged adults. In Southold, this usually happens around May or June. In 2025, Brood XIV cicadas, on a 17-year cycle, are expected to surface in mid-May. Their emergence can be loud and overwhelming, but it’s a natural part of their life cycle.
Are Cicadas Dangerous?
Although cicadas appear in large numbers and produce loud mating calls, they pose no real danger and are mostly harmless. They don’t bite or sting and aren’t typical pests. Still, their presence can be bothersome, and they may cause minor damage to young trees and shrubs by laying eggs in branches, which can break or damage limbs. Homeowners should monitor vulnerable plants during cicada season to minimize potential harm.
How to Get Rid of Cicadas
While completely eliminating cicadas during their emergence isn’t possible, there are effective ways to lessen their impact on your property. Taking proactive steps can help reduce the disruption they cause and protect your home and garden from excessive damage. With the right approach, you can better manage their presence and maintain your property’s health during cicada season.
DIY Cicada Control Methods
For a minor cicada problem, DIY methods can be effective. Trying these strategies could help you control their impact:
- Netting: Cover young trees and shrubs with netting to stop cicadas from laying eggs.
- Repellent: Apply insect repellent to keep cicadas away from outdoor living areas.
- Planting: Hold off on planting new fruit trees or bushes during cicada season.
- Water Spray: Use a garden hose to gently wash cicadas off plants and surfaces.
- Noise Control: Limit lawn equipment use during peak cicada activity to reduce outdoor noise.
Other Pests to Watch Out for During Cicada Season
Cicadas may be the most visible pests in the summer, but mosquitoes and ticks also cause issues for Southold homeowners. The remains of dead cicadas provide nourishment for these pests, helping them thrive. To protect your yard from mosquitoes and ticks:
- Water Removal: Eliminate standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Yard Maintenance: Maintain a trimmed lawn and clear away leaf debris to minimize tick habitats.
- Personal Protection: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents when outdoors to protect yourself.
Twin Forks Pest Control provides complete pest management, targeting cicadas, mosquitoes, and ticks with safe and effective treatments that keep your family and pets safe.
Twin Forks Pest Control: Your Exterminators for Seasonal Pests
If the thought of cicada season or other pests is stressing you out, turn to Twin Forks Pest Control. We bring experience and know-how to every job and will craft a pest control plan tailored to your specific needs and budget. Our friendly team is committed to providing reliable service and lasting results you can trust.
Call Twin Forks Pest Control today and take advantage of a free service estimate!
