THE cicadas are back, which for many means a tiring cleaning process.
A professional gave him advice on how to clean up the aftermath of the zombie-like insects.
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Courtney Walsh, cleaner at Homeaglowgave seven tips for keeping a yard free of cicadas.
Creepy crawlies typically emerge from their dens every 17 to 13 years, depending on the litter.
This year, many have already left, but the shelf life is not very long.
The short time above ground means a potentially daunting cleanup process.
DISAPPEARING
Walsh’s first tip is to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
She recommended keeping track of the cleaning process quickly to avoid bad appearance or unpleasant odors.
“This could look like weekly sweeps of the yard, patio and any decks to remove dead insects,” she said.
Walsh added advice on how to make carcass removal quicker in larger spaces.
“Dead cicadas’ exoskeletons can easily be blown into a corner or pile using a leaf blower,” she said.
“Using a leaf blower in this way can speed up the cleaning process, especially for large areas like lawns, sidewalks and patios.”
Once all the carcasses are gathered in one place, Walsh recommended treating them like fallen leaves and rounding them up with a rake.
She also weighed in on how to dispose of the critters depending on whether you own or rent.
“One option is to dig holes and bury the piles of exoskeletons and carcasses,” she said.
“However, for renters or those who do not have adequate space to bury dead cicadas, placing trash bags in the yard is an easy and effective way to dispose of them.”
For those who have a pool, she recommended using a pool net to catch floating carcasses.
Walsh weighed in on how to set your space up for success before the critters show up.
“Before all the cicadas emerge, it’s a good idea to install fine mesh or netting around areas you want to protect, such as garden beds and patios,” she said.
“This can prevent cicadas from dying in these spaces, making cleaning easier and protecting them from any damage during cleaning.”
She also pointed out a place where cicadas tend to hide – the gutter.
“Many carcasses can end up in gutters and outside pipes, which can cause flooding and other problems if they are not cleaned up before a period of rain,” she said.
“To clean gutters of dead cicadas, take a bucket and carefully carry it to an extension ladder.
“Once at the top, begin removing the carcasses with a gutter shovel, along with any other debris, into the bucket.”
She recommended composting the remains instead of throwing them in the trash.
“If you go this route, make sure you don’t add too many at once,” she said.
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