Do Cicadas Bite? Unraveling The Buzz About These Noisy Insects

Deshawn Hills 31 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered if those loud, buzzing creatures that seem to appear out of nowhere during certain times of the year can actually hurt you? It's a common thought, especially when their numbers are quite large, and their sound fills the air. People often get a little worried about these insects, perhaps because of their size or the sheer volume of their collective song. So, the big question on many minds, really, is whether cicadas pose any kind of threat, particularly if they might bite.

The truth is, a lot of folks tend to worry about cicadas, thinking they might deliver a painful nip or even a sting. This concern is pretty natural, you know, when you see so many of them around, sometimes landing on you or near you. It's just a human reaction to something unfamiliar and, well, a little overwhelming in its presence. We want to feel safe, and sometimes our imaginations can run a bit wild when faced with a large group of insects.

But let's clear up this common misconception, shall we? We're going to get right into what these fascinating creatures are truly capable of, and what they absolutely are not. We'll explore their anatomy, their behavior, and why you really don't need to lose any sleep over them biting you or your beloved furry companions, too it's almost a guarantee.

The Truth About Cicada Bites (and Stings!)
Understanding Cicada Behavior
Dispelling Common Cicada Worries
Other Important Cicada Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About Cicadas

The Truth About Cicada Bites (and Stings!)

Let's get straight to the point, because many people are curious about this very thing, you know. Cicadas, for all their loud noise and sudden appearances, simply do not sting or bite. That's a pretty important fact to grasp, especially when you're surrounded by them. They are not built for it, actually. This means you can relax a bit when they are flying around.

Why They Don't Bite (Their Mouthparts)

The main reason cicadas don't bite is quite straightforward: they don't have the right kind of mouthparts to do so. Think about it for a second. Pest experts have told us this, like those from the Indianapolis Star, which is part of the USA Today Network. They explained that cicadas just don't possess the mandibles or the biting mouthparts that would allow them to inflict a bite on a human or an animal. Their mouths are designed for something completely different, in a way. They have what's called a proboscis, which is a straw-like tube used for sipping, not for chewing or biting. It's a pretty specialized tool, you know.

Their mouthparts are really made for piercing plant stems and sucking out the sap. That's how they get their food, so. They are like tiny, living straws, if you can imagine that. This setup means they literally cannot bite you, no matter how much you might think they could. They just aren't equipped for it, and that's a key piece of information for anyone who feels a little nervous around them, you know.

What About Their Legs? The Prickly Sensation

Now, while cicadas don't bite, there's a small detail that might explain why some people feel something. Their legs can be a little prickly, you see. They have tiny hooks or spines on their legs that help them cling to tree bark and other surfaces. So, if one lands on you, you might feel a slight tickle or a tiny poke, almost like a little static shock, sometimes.

This feeling, especially with just the right amount of fear mixed with imagination, might make you think you've been bitten. But it's just their little feet trying to hold on, really. It's not a harmful action, just a natural way for them to move and stay put. It's a bit like when a fly lands on you; you feel its tiny feet, but it's not trying to hurt you, you know.

So, that slight sensation you might experience is purely mechanical, not an attack. It's just their natural way of gripping, and it's something that can easily be mistaken for something more concerning if you're already feeling a bit uneasy about them. Just a little bit of their anatomy at work, that's all.

Are Cicadas Harmful to Pets?

Many pet owners wonder about their furry friends, and that's a totally fair concern. Can our curious pets get bitten by cicadas? The good news is, it's very unlikely for these insects to bite your pets, too. Just like with humans, cicadas don't have the mouthparts to inflict a bite on a dog or a cat, or any other pet for that matter, you know.

While curious pets may find cicadas quite intriguing, perhaps even trying to play with them or, well, even eat them, the insects themselves pose no biting threat. Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous, so even if a pet manages to gobble one up, it's generally not harmful. They are eaten by many organisms in nature, which kind of tells you something about their safety profile, right?

Pets and people may also be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides if folks try to spray for cicadas, which is a much bigger worry than the cicadas themselves. So, it's really better to just let your pets be curious and not introduce any unnecessary chemicals into their environment. They're just a harmless snack, if anything, you know.

Can Cicadas Harm Crops?

Beyond people and pets, there's also a common question about whether cicadas pose a threat to crops or other plants. Generally speaking, adult cicadas are not harmful to mature crops or established trees. Their feeding activity, which involves sucking sap, is usually not enough to cause significant damage to healthy, well-grown plants, you know.

However, young trees or newly planted saplings can be a bit more vulnerable. The female cicadas make small slits in branches to lay their eggs, and this can sometimes cause wilting or "flagging" on smaller branches. This is usually more of a cosmetic issue for established trees, but for very young plants, it could be a bit more impactful. Still, they don't bite or chew on the leaves or fruits, which is what most people think of when they worry about crop damage, so.

So, while they do interact with plants for feeding and reproduction, it's typically not a major concern for large-scale agricultural damage, or even for your well-established garden. They're just doing their thing, really, and that involves plants, but not in a destructive biting way.

The Myth of Venom and Poison

Another big worry people often have is whether cicadas are venomous or poisonous. Let's put that fear to rest right away. Cicadas are not venomous, meaning they don't inject toxins through a bite or sting, you know. As we've discussed, they don't bite or sting at all, so the whole idea of them being venomous just doesn't apply to them.

They are also not poisonous, which means they won't make you sick if you touch them or if a pet accidentally eats one. Many organisms, including birds, squirrels, and even some adventurous humans, eat cicadas without any ill effects. This fact alone should really help ease any worries about them being toxic, you know.

The loud buzz they emit can be alarming, that's for sure, as "Cicada mania," a site dedicated to cicadas, explains. But that noise is just part of their mating call, not a warning sign of danger. It's a completely natural sound, and it's not tied to any harmful substances within their bodies. So, no need to worry about any hidden toxins, really.

When a Cicada Might Land on You (and What Happens)

Sometimes, a cicada might land on you, and that can feel a little startling, especially if you're not expecting it. They're not aiming for you, though; they're just not the best fliers, you know. They can be a bit clumsy in the air, and sometimes they just bump into things, or people, by accident. It's not a targeted landing, basically.

The interesting thing is, adult cicadas do not bite humans unless, and this is a big "unless," they are allowed to remain on someone long enough to mistake a part of the human body for a part of a plant. This is an extremely rare occurrence, though, and it's not a true bite in the aggressive sense. It's more like a confused little poke with their proboscis, trying to find sap, you know. They're just trying to feed, and they've made a mistake.

If one does land on you, the best thing to do is just gently brush it off. There's no need to panic, and there's certainly no danger involved. They are just as surprised as you are, probably, and will fly away as soon as they realize their error. It's just a momentary encounter, and nothing to be concerned about, really.

Understanding Cicada Behavior

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, sometimes for many years, you know. They feed on tree roots during this time, slowly growing and developing. When it's time for them to emerge, they dig their way out of the soil, shed their nymphal skins, and transform into winged adults. This whole process is quite a sight to behold, actually.

Once they are adults, their main goal is to reproduce. The loud buzzing sound you hear is the male cicadas singing to attract females. Each species has its own distinct song, which is pretty cool, if you think about it. They're basically just trying to find a mate, and that's why they make so much noise, so.

Their adult lives are quite short, usually only a few weeks. During this brief period, they mate, and the females lay their eggs. After that, they complete their life cycle. Their entire existence above ground is focused on this one very important task, and it doesn't involve bothering humans or pets, you know. They are just trying to get the job done.

Dispelling Common Cicada Worries

It's easy to get caught up in the "cicada mania" when they are around in large numbers, but a lot of the fears are simply not based on facts. We've talked about the biting and stinging, but let's touch on other worries too. People often associate large insect populations with disease, but cicadas are not known to carry or transmit diseases to humans or pets, you know.

They are also not pests in the traditional sense, like mosquitoes or cockroaches, that invade homes or contaminate food. They prefer to stay outdoors, mostly in trees, doing their thing. They don't have stingers or mandibles, which is why they don't bite or sting, and that's a key point to remember, really.

So, while their sheer numbers and loud noise might be a bit overwhelming for some, it's important to remember that they are largely harmless. They are a natural part of the ecosystem, and their appearance is a unique natural phenomenon. There's no real danger to you, your family, or your animals, so you can just observe them, you know.

Other Important Cicada Facts

Cicadas play a role in the environment, believe it or not. When they emerge in such large numbers, they provide a feast for many animals. Birds, raccoons, opossums, and even fish will gorge themselves on cicadas, which is kind of a natural reset for the food chain, you know. It's a big protein boost for a lot of creatures.

They also help aerate the soil when they tunnel out, and when their bodies decompose, they return nutrients to the ground. So, they're actually quite beneficial to the ecosystem, in a way. They're not just loud nuisances; they're part of a bigger natural cycle, you know. It's pretty fascinating, actually, when you think about it.

If you're interested in learning more about these amazing insects, there are many resources available. For instance, you could check out a dedicated resource like Cicada Mania to get even more details about their life cycle and different types. It's pretty cool stuff, really.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cicadas

People always have questions when these noisy creatures show up, and that's totally normal. Here are some of the things folks often ask.

Do cicadas carry diseases?

No, they don't. Cicadas are not known to carry or transmit diseases to humans or pets, you know. They're not like mosquitoes or ticks in that regard, which is a common worry for many people. You can be around them without concern for illness, so.

Are cicadas poisonous if eaten by pets?

It's very unlikely for cicadas to harm pets if they eat them. Cicadas are not poisonous or venomous, and many animals eat them as a food source, you know. So, if your dog or cat snacks on one, there's generally no need to worry. They're just a crunchy snack, basically.

What should I do if a cicada lands on me?

If a cicada lands on you, the best thing to do is simply brush it off gently. They are not trying to hurt you and will usually fly away quickly. They're just clumsy fliers, you know, and sometimes they land in unexpected places. There's no danger, really.

To learn more about various fascinating insects on our site, and to link to this page for more cicada insights, you can explore our other articles.

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