{"id":14313,"date":"2025-11-07T03:14:12","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T03:14:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/insects\/?p=14313"},"modified":"2025-11-07T03:14:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T03:14:14","slug":"are-cicadas-harmful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spiderzoon.com\/insects\/are-cicadas-harmful\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Cicadas Harmful? Effects on Humans, Pets, and the Environment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every few years, the air fills with a loud, buzzing chorus \u2014 the sound of cicadas<\/strong> emerging from the ground after years spent underground. Their sudden appearance, strange look, and sheer numbers often leave people asking one question:
Are cicadas harmful?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite their intimidating size and noisy presence, cicadas are harmless to humans, pets, and most of the environment<\/strong>. They don\u2019t bite, sting, or spread disease. In fact, these insects play a surprisingly important role in the ecosystem. However, they can cause some minor inconveniences \u2014 especially if your pets decide to snack on them or if you\u2019re caring for young trees in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cicadas Harmful to Humans?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Are<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do Cicadas Bite or Sting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cicadas cannot bite or sting<\/strong>. They don\u2019t have teeth, stingers, or venom. Their mouths are built for one purpose \u2014 drinking sap from plant roots while they\u2019re underground.
When they emerge as adults, they stop feeding altogether and live only to mate. If a cicada lands on you, it\u2019s not trying to attack \u2014 it probably just mistook you for a tree or was attracted to movement or bright colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while they might startle you by flying close, cicadas are completely harmless to touch<\/strong>. You can gently brush them away or pick them up and move them outdoors without worry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Cicadas Make You Sick?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cicadas do not carry or transmit diseases<\/strong>. They aren\u2019t like mosquitoes or ticks, which can spread pathogens. There\u2019s no evidence linking cicadas to any form of illness in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest concern from a health perspective is noise exposure<\/strong>. A large group of cicadas can reach sound levels up to 90\u2013100 decibels<\/strong>, which is about as loud as a lawnmower or motorcycle. If you live near trees full of them, it can get overwhelming \u2014 though it\u2019s temporary and only lasts a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For people with severe insect allergies, contact with cicada wings or dried shells might cause mild irritation or sneezing, but such reactions are extremely rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cicada Shells or Bodies Harmful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As cicadas mature, they shed their brown outer skin (exoskeleton) and leave it behind on trees, walls, and fences. These empty shells are harmless<\/strong> \u2014 made of chitin, the same natural material found in shrimp shells. They don\u2019t carry bacteria or toxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can safely remove or compost them. In fact, when cicada bodies decompose, they enrich the soil with nitrogen<\/strong>, helping plants grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, far from being harmful, cicadas actually contribute to the health of your backyard ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cicadas Harmful to Pets?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Are<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When cicadas appear in large numbers, pets \u2014 especially dogs \u2014 may see them as crunchy toys or treats. While cicadas aren\u2019t poisonous, eating too many can cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Cicadas Harmful to Dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A few cicadas won\u2019t hurt your dog, but large quantities can lead to stomach upset<\/strong>. The outer shell of a cicada is tough and indigestible. Dogs that gulp down several may experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lethargy or loss of appetite
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Possible intestinal blockage in small breeds
    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If your dog eats a few, there\u2019s no need to panic \u2014 just monitor them. But if they start showing signs of distress, contact your vet. You can also supervise your pet outdoors during heavy cicada seasons to reduce temptation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cicada shells can also cause mild choking hazards if swallowed whole, so removing old shells from play areas is a good precaution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are Cicadas Harmful to Cats or Other Pets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Cats are naturally curious, and some may chase or paw at cicadas. However, cats rarely eat them \u2014 and even if they do, cicadas are not toxic<\/strong>.
    The most likely result is mild stomach irritation or a temporary loss of appetite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other pets such as birds, chickens, and reptiles can safely eat cicadas in moderation. In fact, many wild animals thrive during cicada season \u2014 it\u2019s a natural food source high in protein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Are Cicada Shells a Risk to Pets?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yes \u2014 but only slightly. The tough exoskeleton is made of chitin<\/strong>, which doesn\u2019t digest easily. For most dogs and cats, eating a single shell is harmless.
    Problems occur when pets eat large numbers<\/strong> of them or scavenge for days during a major emergence. Overeating can cause constipation, bloating, or intestinal discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To keep pets safe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Limit outdoor time during peak cicada activity.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Clean up cicada shells from yards or porches.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Provide water to help digestion if your pet eats a few.
      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Are Cicadas Harmful to Trees and Plants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"Are<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Cicadas don\u2019t chew leaves, eat fruit, or destroy crops like locusts do \u2014 but they can cause minor damage to young trees<\/strong> when laying eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Cicadas and Tree Damage (Preview)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Female cicadas use a sharp egg-laying tool called an ovipositor<\/strong> to slit small twigs and deposit their eggs inside. This can cause the ends of young branches to wilt or die, a process known as flagging<\/em>. Mature trees, however, usually recover quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We\u2019ll explore this in more detail \u2014 along with cicadas\u2019 environmental benefits and their predators \u2014 in the next half of the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Are Cicadas Harmful to Trees and Plants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      While cicadas are harmless to people and animals, they can cause minor damage to certain trees<\/strong>, especially when females lay eggs. However, their effects are usually temporary and part of a healthy ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Cicadas and Tree Damage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      When female cicadas emerge, their main mission is to mate and lay eggs. They use a sharp appendage called an ovipositor<\/em> to slice into small tree branches, where they deposit dozens of eggs.
      This process can cause thin branches to split or droop \u2014 a condition known as flagging<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You may notice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n