Have you ever felt the urge to go outside and scream at the top of your lungs, for hours? This is not a normal desire for humans. It is, however, what cicadas do every day, although screaming isn’t the right term for how these insects make such a loud and abrasive noise. If you didn’t know, it is cicada season here in New Braunfels. If you are looking for ways to deter these loud insects from invading your home, you are in the right place. Here is everything you should know about the cicadas in New Braunfels and how to keep them out of your home.
What Do Cicadas Look Like?
Many people have heard cicadas but have never heard of cicadas. What is a cicada? A cicada is a black-bodied, red-eyed, ¾ to 2 ¼” long insect with large wings and orange wing veins. In the same way that crickets rub their legs together to attract a mate, cicadas make a loud buzzing noise. They make this noise with a special organ called the tymbal. The tymbal contains a series of ribs that buckle as the cicada flexes. Every new rib-buckle creates a new click. If this seems disturbing, it is because it is disturbing. If you hear loud buzzing inside your home, chances are one of these bugs has wandered indoors. The question is, are cicadas dangerous or are they just annoying?
Do Cicadas Bite?
Although cicadas are scary to look at and sound intimidating, they are rather harmless insects. The cicada bug does not bite, has no stinger, and does not spread any harmful bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. Most complaints about cicadas center around the loud noises these insects produce.
FAQ About These Loud, Seasonal Insects
There are many misconceptions related to cicadas. To help you better understand these loud insects, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to shed some light on things.
Are cicadas toxic to dogs?
Cicadas are not poisonous and can be consumed by dogs and cats. If your animals chase these bugs around and eat them, do not worry.
What do cicadas eat?
Cicadas have piercing/sucking mouthparts. They use these mouthparts to obtain nourishment from ground roots and young twigs. They also feed on a wide range of other vegetation.
Are cicadas destructive?
Cicadas do not damage homes. They can, however, harm trees. Although adults feed on leaves, this is not where the majority of damage comes from. The majority of damage comes from the egg-laying process. Females lay their eggs under the bark of twigs and branches. This can cause limbs to die and leaves to wither and fall off. If you are noticing dead limbs on your trees, this could be the cause.
What attracts cicadas?
Cicadas are attracted to trees. More specifically, they seek out trees for mating purposes. Once they have found a mate, they will reproduce and lay eggs nearby. Keeping the trees on your property well-pruned is a good way to deter these invasive insects.
Pest Control For Cicadas In New Braunfels
One great way to keep cicadas out of your home is to invest in quality pest control in New Braunfels. If you are looking for services you can trust, look no further than Pinnacle Pest Defence. Our team of licensed and highly trained technicians is standing by and ready to help you handle any pests that are giving you a headache, including cicadas.
Call now to discover what pest control options are available to you and schedule your New Braunfels home for a detailed pest inspection. We will make sure you are well taken care of and find freedom from pest pressures.
