Why Cicadas Pose No Threat to Humans or Animals

Every few years, a natural phenomenon occurs that captures the attention—and often the concern—of those living in areas affected by cicada emergence. These insects, with their loud buzzing sounds and sudden appearances in swarms, can seem intimidating. However, cicadas pose no threat to humans or animals. In this blog post, we’ll explore why these fascinating insects are harmless and why their presence should be celebrated rather than feared.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are a type of insect belonging to the order Hemiptera, and they are best known for their distinctive sound, which males produce to attract females. There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, but they are perhaps most famous for the periodical species, which emerge in large numbers every 13 or 17 years in certain regions of the United States.

These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap from plant roots. When they finally emerge, they molt into their adult form, mate, and lay eggs before dying shortly thereafter. The entire process is a natural marvel that has been happening for millions of years.

Cicadas Are Harmless to Humans

One of the most common misconceptions about cicadas is that they can bite or sting. This is simply not true. Cicadas do not possess stingers, nor do they have the mouthparts necessary to bite humans or animals. Instead, their mouthparts are designed to pierce plant stems and feed on sap. While this may sound harmful to plants, the damage is usually minimal and not a cause for concern.

In fact, cicadas are more likely to be a nuisance due to their sheer numbers and loud noise than any direct interaction with people. Their buzzing can reach up to 100 decibels, which is about as loud as a lawnmower, but this noise is not harmful—it’s just part of the cicada’s mating ritual.

No Threat to Animals

Pets and other animals may be curious about cicadas, but they are not at risk of harm. Some animals, like birds and squirrels, even eat cicadas as a source of protein during their emergence. For pets like dogs or cats, eating a cicada or two is generally harmless, though consuming large quantities might cause digestive upset.

Cicadas do not carry diseases that can affect humans or animals, and their presence does not lead to an increase in dangerous predators or other pests. In essence, they are simply part of the ecosystem, playing their role without causing harm.

Cicadas and Plants: Minimal Impact

While cicadas do feed on plant sap, their impact on vegetation is generally minimal. Mature trees and shrubs can easily withstand the feeding habits of cicadas. However, younger, smaller plants might experience some damage, particularly from the egg-laying process where female cicadas cut slits in small branches to deposit their eggs.

To protect young trees, some people wrap them in fine netting during the cicada emergence. This is a simple precaution that can prevent cicadas from laying eggs in delicate branches without causing harm to the insects.

Embrace the Cicada Phenomenon

Rather than fearing cicadas, it’s better to view their emergence as a unique natural event. These insects play a significant role in the environment. When they die, their bodies provide a nutrient-rich boost to the soil, benefiting plants and contributing to the health of the ecosystem.

Cicadas are also a valuable food source for a variety of wildlife, and their emergence can lead to a temporary increase in populations of birds, mammals, and other predators. Additionally, the periodic emergence of cicadas offers an opportunity for scientific study and education, as researchers learn more about these fascinating creatures and their life cycles.

To learn more, check out this summary from Everyday Health.

Cicadas may be loud and numerous, but they are harmless to humans and animals. Their emergence is a natural event that has been occurring for millennia, and while it might seem overwhelming, it’s also a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. So, the next time you hear that familiar buzzing sound, take a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature at work—cicadas are nothing to fear.