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Cicadas do eat basil, but it’s not their first choice on the menu.
These noisy insects are known for their love of plant sap, and basil can definitely be a target when cicada populations are high.
If you’ve been asking do cicadas eat basil because you’ve spotted damage on your herb plants, you’re not alone in that worry.
In this post, we’ll talk about why cicadas might eat basil, how to tell if they’re the culprits, and what you can do to protect your precious basil plants from these buzzing visitors.
Let’s dig into the truth about cicadas and basil so you can keep your garden thriving.
Why Cicadas Eat Basil Plants
Cicadas eat basil primarily because they’re after the sap inside the plant’s stems and leaves.
These insects use their sharp, straw-like mouthparts called stylets to pierce the plant tissue and drink the nutrient-rich fluids.
While cicadas prefer woody trees and shrubs, they won’t hesitate to snack on tender herbs like basil when food sources are abundant or when they land there by accident.
The real question about whether cicadas eat basil comes down to the type of cicada and the stage of its life cycle.
1. Adult Cicadas and Basil Feeding
Adult cicadas have a short lifespan above ground, typically just a few weeks, and their main focus is mating.
However, during that time, adult cicadas may feed on various plants to sustain their energy.
When it comes to basil, adult cicadas will occasionally take a few sips of sap, especially if the basil is near trees where cicadas are congregating.
The damage from adult cicadas feeding on basil is usually minimal, but it can leave small puncture marks and cause slight wilting.
2. Nymphs and Their Underground Feeding
Cicada nymphs live underground for years, feeding on the roots of trees and other plants.
While nymphs rarely eat basil roots, they can sometimes chomp on the roots of herbs if they’re in the same soil area.
This is more common when basil is planted near trees that cicadas prefer, so you might notice root damage without ever seeing the nymphs.
So, do cicadas eat basil roots? It’s possible, but it’s not their main food source by any stretch.
3. Why Cicadas Might Choose Your Basil
Cicadas are attracted to plants that are healthy and full of moisture, and basil fits that description perfectly.
If your basil is lush and well-watered, it becomes a tempting snack for a thirsty cicada.
Also, cicadas are clumsy fliers and often land on any plant in their path, including basil, while they’re looking for a mate or a place to rest.
So, while cicadas eating basil isn’t a common sight, it’s definitely something gardeners should watch for during cicada emergence seasons.
How to Tell If Cicadas Are Eating Your Basil
Understanding whether cicadas eat basil requires you to spot the signs of their feeding activity.
You’ll want to inspect your basil plants closely if you notice any suspicious damage.
Cicadas leave behind a very specific pattern of damage that differs from other pests like caterpillars or aphids.
1. Look for Puncture Marks and Oozing Sap
When cicadas eat basil, they pierce the stem or leaf veins, leaving behind tiny puncture holes.
These holes might be hard to see with the naked eye, but you’ll often notice sap oozing out and drying into a sticky residue.
If you see small, brownish spots or a glossy film on your basil leaves, that’s a strong sign cicadas have been feeding.
2. Check for Wilting and Discoloration
Cicadas feeding on basil can cause the plant to wilt, especially if they’ve damaged a major stem.
The basil might also develop yellow or brown patches around the puncture sites as the tissue dies.
This wilting look often confuses gardeners because it mimics drought stress, but you’ll know it’s cicadas if you see the holes and sap.
3. Hear the Buzzing or See the Cicadas
The easiest way to confirm that cicadas eat basil is to catch them in the act.
If you hear the loud, high-pitched buzzing of cicadas in your garden, take a closer look at your basil plants.
You might spot a cicada clinging to a stem, its mouthparts buried in the plant tissue.
Since cicadas aren’t great at hiding, they’re usually pretty easy to spot if you’re paying attention.
How to Protect Your Basil from Cicadas
Once you confirm that cicadas are eating your basil, you’ll want to take action to save your herbs.
The good news is that cicada damage to basil is rarely fatal, but it can weaken the plant and reduce your harvest.
Here are some effective ways to keep cicadas away from your basil plants.
1. Use Floating Row Covers
The most reliable way to stop cicadas from eating basil is to cover your plants with floating row covers.
These lightweight fabrics allow sunlight and water through while keeping insects out.
You’ll want to secure the edges with soil or clips so cicadas can’t sneak underneath.
This barrier works wonders during peak cicada emergence when the insects are everywhere.
2. Prune Damaged Basil Stems
If you’ve noticed cicada damage on your basil, go ahead and prune off the affected stems.
This encourages new growth and removes the weakened tissue that might attract more pests.
Make clean cuts just above a leaf node, and your basil will bounce back quickly.
Pruning also improves airflow, making your basil less appealing to cicadas in the first place.
3. Keep Your Garden Clean and Tidy
Cicadas are drawn to cluttered areas with lots of cover, so a tidy garden might help discourage them.
Remove weeds, fallen branches, and other debris where cicadas might hide.
Also, avoid planting basil directly under trees that are known to attract cicadas, since those trees serve as landing zones.
A clean garden sends a signal that your basil isn’t an easy target.
4. Try Homemade Repellents
While not foolproof, some gardeners swear by garlic or neem oil sprays to keep cicadas away.
You can mix a few crushed garlic cloves with water and a drop of dish soap, then spray your basil plants.
The strong smell might deter cicadas from landing and feeding on your basil.
Reapply after rain or watering to keep the scent strong enough to work.
So, Do Cicadas Eat Basil? Final Thoughts
Cicadas do eat basil, but only under certain circumstances.
These insects are much more interested in tree sap, but they’ll opportunistically feed on basil when it’s convenient.
If you see signs of cicada damage on your basil, don’t panic because your plant can usually recover with a little care.
If you’ve been asking whether cicadas eat basil, the answer is yes, but the damage is often minor and manageable.
Now you know exactly what to look for and how to protect your basil so you can enjoy fresh, healthy leaves all season long.