Cicada Mania: Does it Seem a Bit Louder Outside to You?

Does it seem a little bit louder outside to you? What is that weird drone noise you keep hearing? Well, friends, that distinct buzzing noise that seems to drone on nonstop and seems to just keep getting louder as the days pass is the sound of the Cicada song. In this week's blog, we're going to provide you with a wealth of knowledge on these intriguing creatures and give you an insight on why they sing so loudly and then seemingly just disappear into thin air.

What is a Cicada?

First of all, you've probably heard the calling of these little critters, but have ever actually seen where all the noise is coming from? Cicadas are oval-shaped, winged insects that provide a buzzing and clicking song heard in nature throughout the summer. Most cicadas appear every year in late June through August, while others emerge only every few years. They live a relatively long time — 4 to 17 years, depending on whether they are annual or periodical cicadas. They spend most of their lives underground as larvae, followed by a short adulthood — from two to six weeks — above ground. This is when you'll hear the song of the Cicadas. 

Why Do Cicadas Make So Much Noise?

The noise you hear cicadas making is actually part of their mating process. Interestingly enough, it's the males that create such a ruckus. Males produce this species-specific noise with vibrating membranes on their abdomens. The sounds vary widely and some species are more musical than others. Though cicada noises may sound alike to humans, the insects use different calls to express alarm or attract mates. Some calls can even be heard from over a mile away! 

Since not all cicadas emerge annually, when they do finally come above ground for mating season, they must work fast to molt and mate before they die. This is why some years cicada songs seem much louder than other years. Depending on the cycle of the cicada emergence, there could be multiple species mating at the same time. 

Are Cicadas a Threat? 

If you're concerned about how the cicada emergence will affect your lawn, your family or your pets, you have nothing to worry about. Cicadas do not bite or sting, so they pose no threat to pets or humans alike. As far as your lawn and garden goes, cicadas generally do not leave much damage in their wake. Periodical cicada nymphs feed underground on tree roots, but will not cause significant damage to your landscape trees. In fact, the cicada nymphs help aerate the soil, and bring nutrients and nitrogen to the surface, benefiting plants. Once the nymphs emerge, they spend a few days on trees and shrubs, allowing their new adult exoskeletons to harden and darken. During this time, they do not feed and will not damage your trees.

Cicadas Are Amazing Critters!

As with any kind of insect you may see around your home, especially any unfamiliar ones, seeing a cicada might cause a bit of panic at first sight. However, we feel its important to share that cicadas are mostly beneficial. They prune mature trees, aerate the soil, and once they die, their bodies serve as an important source of nitrogen for growing trees. If you notice a buzzing song around your home and see these intriguing insects around, just let them be. They'll soon be finishing out their life cycle and are not harmful to you or your lawn.

While it is our job to provide pest control at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's also our duty to educate you on the insects that are not technically pests, but merely there. However, the next time you’re dealing with destructive pests, call up the best pest control service at the Lake of the Ozarks to take care of your pesky pest problems. 

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