Cicadas in Georgia: What You Need to Know

Every summer, Georgia residents are treated to the unmistakable sound of cicadas—those loud, buzzing insects that fill the air with their chorus. While their presence may seem overwhelming, cicadas are a natural part of Georgia’s ecosystem, and understanding them can help you appreciate (or at least tolerate) their seasonal appearances.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are large, winged insects known for their distinctive buzzing or clicking calls made by males to attract females. Georgia is home to both annual cicadas (which appear every year) and the famous periodical cicadas (which emerge in massive numbers only once every 13 or 17 years).

In most summers, you’ll see the green, dog-day cicadas, which are active in July and August. Periodical cicadas, on the other hand, create unforgettable spectacles when millions emerge from the ground all at once.

Why Do Cicadas Come Out in Such Numbers?

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground feeding on plant roots. When it’s time to mature, they tunnel to the surface, shed their exoskeletons, and become adults. Periodical cicadas emerge in huge groups as a survival strategy—the sheer number of them overwhelms predators, ensuring enough survive to reproduce.

Are Cicadas Harmful?

The good news is that cicadas are not harmful to people or pets. They don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases. However, they can cause some minor damage to young trees and shrubs when females lay eggs in small twigs. Mature trees usually handle cicada activity without issue.

Cicadas and Georgia’s Ecosystem

Cicadas play an important role in nature. When they die, their bodies enrich the soil with nutrients. Birds, mammals, reptiles, and even fish feed on cicadas, making them an important food source in the food chain.

How to Protect Your Yard

If you’re concerned about cicadas damaging young plants, here are a few simple steps:

• Cover small trees and shrubs with fine netting during heavy cicada emergence.

• Avoid planting new trees right before a predicted periodical cicada event.

• Be patient—cicadas are temporary and usually gone within a few weeks.

Final Thoughts

While their sound can be loud and their numbers intimidating, cicadas are simply part of life in Georgia. They’re not pests like termites, roaches, or ants that require treatment. Instead, they’re fascinating insects with a unique life cycle that remind us of the diversity of our natural world.

At Canton Termite and Pest Control, we’re here to help you manage true pest problems around your home and yard. If you’re dealing with insects that don’t just sing but actually cause damage—like termites, ants, or roaches—give us a call. We’ll help keep your home safe and comfortable year-round.