Strategies for Successfully Attracting and Entertaining the Melodious Cicadas

How to Attract Cicadas: A Guide to Enjoying the Melody of Summer

Summer is a season filled with vibrant colors, warm sun, and the enchanting sound of cicadas. These insects, known for their distinctive buzzing, have become a symbol of the summer season. If you’re looking to attract cicadas to your garden or outdoor space, here’s a guide to help you create the perfect environment for these charming creatures.

Choose the Right Location

The first step in attracting cicadas is to select the right location. Cicadas thrive in areas with lush greenery, such as trees, shrubs, and grass. Planting a variety of trees and shrubs in your garden can provide a habitat for these insects. Deciduous trees, like oak, hickory, and ash, are particularly favored by cicadas.

Provide Adequate Water Sources

Cicadas require a source of water for survival. Ensure that your garden has a reliable water supply, such as a birdbath, pond, or even a shallow dish filled with water. This will not only attract cicadas but also provide a habitat for other beneficial insects and birds.

Plant Host Trees

Cicadas have specific host trees where they lay their eggs. Research the types of trees that are popular among cicadas in your area and plant them in your garden. Some common host trees include willows, poplars, and basswoods. By providing these trees, you’ll be creating a natural breeding ground for cicadas.

Attract Other Beneficial Insects

Cicadas are attracted to areas with a diverse population of beneficial insects. Encourage the growth of native plants that attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. These insects will help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your garden, which, in turn, will attract more cicadas.

Minimize Pesticide Use

Pesticides can be harmful to cicadas and other beneficial insects. To attract cicadas, it’s best to minimize the use of pesticides in your garden. Instead, focus on organic pest control methods, such as hand-picking pests or using beneficial insects to control harmful ones.

Enjoy the Melody

Once you’ve created an inviting environment for cicadas, sit back and enjoy the melody they bring to your garden. Listen to their distinctive buzzing as they sing their summer song, and appreciate the beauty of nature in your outdoor space.

In conclusion, attracting cicadas to your garden is a rewarding endeavor that can bring a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. By choosing the right location, providing adequate water sources, planting host trees, attracting beneficial insects, and minimizing pesticide use, you’ll create a habitat that will be a haven for these charming insects. So, embrace the summer season and let the music of cicadas fill your garden.