Are Cicadas Harmful to Pets? Guidance from Experts on How to Safe Your Pet during the This Season of Cicadas
As the cicadas are coming out in droves this spring, pet owners across the United States will be encountering and dealing with tens of billions of the insects. This year promises to be unique, as simultaneously above ground will appear two broods: the 17-year Brood XIII, and the 13-year Brood XIX. They will appear across parts of northern Illinois, southeastern United States, and central Illinois. For the first time in more than two centuries, these two broods will overlap above ground. While their appearance-and sound-can be overwhelming, reassuringly for dog and cat owners, Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), says cicadas pose little threat to pets. Here's your complete guide to keeping your pets safe during this natural phenomenon.
How Do Cicadas Interact with Pets? The Basics
Cicadas are weird creatures, coming in huge numbers after several years underground, typically to mate. While they may seem a bit intimidating given their size and sheer volume of buzzing, according to Dr. Carlson, they are harmless to pets. Cicadas do not bite or sting and are not carriers of diseases, a very welcome relief to many pet parents. For most pets, however, cicadas are no serious threat—although their brittle exoskeletons and erratic movements can sometimes cause them to appear like a great snack for a curious cat or dog.
Important Consideration: While not harmful, the hard, chitinous shells of the cicada can be painful to a pet's internal tract if eaten in abundance.
- Are cicadas dangerous to pets?
Says Dr. Carlson: "Actually, cicadas are not dangerous like other insects such as bees or spiders. They have no venom; they are not aggressive; and they do not cause illness in your pet. The risk is actually gastrointestinal if your pet eats too many of these crunchy insects.". Some animals, especially puppies or "curious eaters," may be more prone to munching on these cicadas, but ingesting them in quantity could make the animal's tummy upset or could even cause blockages.
Be Aware Of: If your pet enjoys cicadas, keep an eye on them when they go out, so they don't overeat. A few mightn't cause any problems, but a "cicada feast" could cause issues.
- What if the pet eats cicadas?
Although cicadas themselves are not poisonous, according to Dr. Carlson, pets that might ingest a few may exhibit signs of gastrointestinal upset. These could be:
• Drooling Excessively
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• General Discomfort or Distress
If your pet seems to fall ill after ingesting cicadas, contact your veterinarian as a precautionary measure. Some may suggest just supportive care-over time, the pet might recover from mild irritation with just rest and hydration; however, for a persistent condition, it requires a vet to monitor the remaining gastrointestinal discomfort.
Tip: If you suspect that your pet has a sensitive stomach or, for that matter, any stomach issues whatsoever, keeping close watch on them at playtime outside will indeed make all the difference, preventing them from snacking on cicadas.
- Control the Amount of Exposure Your Pet Has
Watch Outdoor Times
Probably the most straightforward way to prevent a problem is to observe your pet outdoors in cicada time. If your pet has a tendency to explore with their mouth, a leash will keep that potentially problematic behavior from getting them a cicada before you can step in.
Practice Commands
Another good command could be "leave it" or "drop it," especially in dogs during cicada season. They just become irresistibly driven to eat these bugs, so you'll want to have some very basic training in place to ensure you get at least a little control over this somewhat determined pet.
Limit Outdoor Access During Peak Hours
Cicadas tend to be more active at warmer, sunnier times of the day. If you plan outdoor play for cooler parts of the day or after dusk, you may avoid the height of cicada activity and thus decrease the likelihood your pet will encounter them in large numbers.
Pet-Proofing Tip: You may even want to draw a "cicada-free zone" in your yard where pets can go and play without having too much contact with the insects. Often clearing up the area of cicadas can make that spot a bit safer for pets to romp around.
- The Noise Factor: How Cicada Sounds Affect Pets
The male cicadas' buzzing can exceed 90 decibels—one level louder than an average lawnmower. While most pets can be much more tolerant of steady cicada drone compared to sudden noises, the continuous hum can still be unsettling to some animals. Dr. Carlson advises that if it looks like your pet is anxious, you can recommend setting up a quiet and cozy indoor room for your pet. Other animals can find solace in a white-noise or calming music room where they will muffle the sound.
Tip for Cats and Small Dogs: Cats and small dogs may be especially sensitive to loud noises. If your pet is hiding or pacing, or acting restless, you could try to create a cozy, sound-insulating haven where they can retreat and feel safe.
- Preparing Your Home for Cicada Season
Although cicadas never invade homes, some preparations can better allow you to cope with their visit:
Seal Doors and Windows: Ensure screens are tight, doors, and windows close easily.
Keep Pets Indoors: Once cicadas are hatching and covering the sky, outdoors can be your pet's playtime, keeping it active and bug-free.
Cleaning: Cleaning dead cicadas off your property will discourage your pet from rolling or playing in them.
- Symptoms to be Observed after Cicada Infestation
Overindulgence by a cicada or two may not harm your pet, says Dr. Carlson, but where even one seems overindulged can cause more serious symptoms. Look for the signs of vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or visible distress. These signs generally tend to abate with rest, but if they do not improve or deteriorate, seeing the veterinarian is advisable.
Advice from Veterinarian: Take your pet to your veterinarian if the signs persist for a longer period and are more pronounced. Your pet will be referred to either in-house care or a visit to the clinic depending on its severity.
- Luring Your Pets to Enjoy Cicada Season
The true-to-nature phenomenon of cicada season is always spectacular, but this year's double brood emergence is a rare occurrence. Dr. Carlson urges you to appreciate the sight but also be watching your pet for behavior and response. Not only can you avoid improper overindulgence if you just take simple precautions but you can also let your pet safely enjoy the season on: Leash and Supervision : For pets, having them closer by on a leash or confined area makes it much easier to prevent overconsumption.
Training Commands: Practice commands that discourage eating things off the ground—an excellent habit not only for cicadas but for other outdoor hazards as well.
Quiet Retreats: Have a cozy space indoors where pets can escape the noise and excitement, especially if they seem distressed by the buzzing.
Keep your pet entertained indoors: Play safe indoor toys or interactive activities to keep pets fascinated and engaged without the potential risks of outdoor exploration during cicada season.
Last Tip: If your pet appears rather crazily interested in cicadas, keep them company while being fun in using suitable, pet-safe toys while distracting them.
As the cicadas begin to emerge this spring, pet parents can feel more at ease knowing that these bugs pose little danger to pets. With some good supervision, basic training, and access to a safe indoors, your pet should be able to enjoy a healthy, stress-free cicada season. So embrace this rare natural event-and help your pets navigate it safely. For any concerns, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
