Cicada

Cicadas are large, stout-bodied insects with prominent eyes and membranous wings. They are typically black or brown with green or orange markings, ranging from 1 to 2 inches in length. The most distinctive feature is the loud buzzing or clicking sound produced by males to attract mates.

While cicadas don't infest homes, their presence is noticeable due to their loud mating calls and sheer numbers during emergence years. You may observe brown, twig-like remains of egg-laying sites on tree branches, indicating where females have deposited their eggs. Large numbers of shed exoskeletons on trees and the ground are also common signs.

Since cicadas don't typically require control, MBPC does not offer specific treatments for them. The SC Department of Pesticide Regulation recommends protecting young trees with netting during heavy emergence years. Our licensed technicians can advise on protecting your landscape plants from cicada egg-laying if needed.

Protect young or vulnerable trees with netting or cheesecloth during cicada emergence periods to prevent egg-laying damage. Avoid planting new trees in areas known for heavy cicada activity. Raking up and disposing of fallen twigs and branches with egg-laying damage can help reduce future populations in your Myrtle Beach yard.

Cicadas are found in a variety of habitats throughout Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina, especially areas with mature trees. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. The humid subtropical climate and abundant vegetation of the Grand Strand provide ideal conditions for cicada populations.

Peak activity: Spring-Summer