Every 17 years, residents of Georgia and much of the eastern United States can expect to hear the roaring buzz of cicadas. These insects have some of the longest life cycles of any in North America, and as a result of their long hibernation, countless questions surround their habits, impact, and whether pest control is needed to address them. Below are answers to these common questions to help you prepare for the upcoming emergence of these bugs.

A Brief Guide to Cicadas

How many types of cicada are there?

Worldwide, there are over 3,000 distinct species of cicadas, with more than 200 in North America. The best-known species is the Magicicada, which is divided into groups called broods. These broods have life cycles that span from 13 to 17 years, which is a pattern they developed to outlive their predators. By hibernating for a long period, they can outlast animals that generally only live for a few years.

What do cicadas eat?

Cicadas eat sap from various tree species, including ash, oak, and maple. While hibernating underground, they obtain this nutrient-rich substance by feeding on tree roots. Once they emerge, they’ll continue to eat sap that they draw from bark. Their feeding process usually doesn’t harm the trees, and they’ll generally avoid flowers, shrubs, and fruit-bearing plants.

Are cicadas dangerous?

Despite being large and appearing fearsome, cicadas are relatively harmless to humans. Unlike other insects, they don’t bite or sting. The primary hazard they pose is their distinctive, deafening buzzing noise, reaching levels of more than 100 decibels in large groups, which can be as loud as a jet taking off. With prolonged exposure, this can cause hearing damage, so limit the time you spend outside around these bugs.

You should only call pest control to address cicadas if you or a loved one has sensitive hearing or if a large group of them is causing extensive damage to plant life on your property. Trees and other plants can suffer if the insects feed from them too much or lay too many eggs in them.

Why do cicadas emerge?

Adult cicadas come out of hiding only for a period of a few weeks, during which they mate and lay eggs. Afterward, the adults die off because they have reached the end of their life spans and are now vulnerable to predation. Cicadas peak from late spring to mid-summer, after which they’ll disappear, leaving their eggs behind.

If you have questions or concerns about cicadas this year, contact Coppermines Pest Control in Murrayville, GA. We've been voted the best pest control company in Lumpkin County by The Dahlonega Nugget's “Best of Lumpkin” awards every year since 2008. We'd like to thank everyone who continually helps make this possible. Visit us online to learn more about our services, and call (888) 717-8035 to schedule an appointment.