Do Cicadas Eat Basil

Cicadas do eat basil, but only under very specific circumstances that might surprise you.
 
Most of the time, cicadas aren’t interested in your basil plants at all, and here’s the real kicker: adult cicadas don’t eat leaves in the traditional sense because their mouthparts simply aren’t built for chewing.
 
So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “do cicadas eat basil?” the short answer is yes, but it’s the nymphs and the egg-laying behavior of females that cause the damage you might be seeing.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how cicadas interact with basil, why they might be drawn to your garden, and how to protect your precious herb from these noisy insects.
 
Let’s dig into the real relationship between cicadas and basil so you can garden with total confidence.
 

Yes, Cicadas Eat Basil, But Only in a Specific Way

When we talk about whether cicadas eat basil, we need to separate the adults from the nymphs and understand their feeding habits.
 
Adult cicadas have a straw-like structure called a stylet, which they use to pierce woody stems and drink xylem sap, not to munch on soft leafy greens like basil.
 
However, female cicadas can cause significant harm to basil by using their ovipositor to slice into the stems to lay eggs, which looks like they’re eating your plant, but it’s really just reproductive behavior.
 
So, while adult cicadas don’t literally consume basil leaves, they absolutely can damage your basil plants in ways that make it look like they’ve been snacking on them.
 

1. Adult Cicadas Prefer Sap Over Leaves

Adult cicadas eat basil only in the sense that they might mistake it for a suitable place to feed, but they actually prefer the sap from trees and larger shrubs.
 
Their mouthparts are designed to tap into the vascular system of woody plants, not the tender tissue of basil.
 
If you see adult cicadas on your basil, they are more likely resting or using the plant as a perch rather than actually eating it.
 
That said, the question “do cicadas eat basil?” becomes a lot more relevant when you consider the damage from egg-laying, which can be mistaken for feeding damage.
 

2. The Real Damage Comes from Egg-Laying

The biggest threat to your basil isn’t adult cicadas eating the leaves, it’s the females cutting into the stems to deposit their eggs.
 
Female cicadas use a sharp, saw-like organ to slit the bark of woody plants, but they’ll also target herbaceous stems like those of basil if they’re thick enough.
 
These splits can cause “flagging,” where the branch or stem above the cut wilts and dies because the water and nutrient flow is disrupted.
 
So, even though cicadas don’t eat basil in the classic sense, their egg-laying can destroy your basil plants and defeat the purpose of growing them.
 

3. Nymphs Feed on Roots, Not the Leaves

If you’re wondering whether cicadas eat basil below the soil, the answer is also nuanced.
 
Cicada nymphs live underground for years, feeding on the xylem sap of tree roots, and they rarely target the small, fibrous roots of annual herbs like basil.
 
So, the nymphs don’t really eat basil roots, which means your basil isn’t in danger from the juvenile stage of the cicada lifecycle.
 
The confusion usually comes from seeing adults swarming around gardens, but the nymphs are entirely subterranean and have very different tastes.
 

Why Cicadas Might Be Drawn to Your Basil Plants

Understanding why cicadas might visit your basil requires looking at their behavior beyond just feeding.
 
Cicadas are attracted to open areas with plenty of sunlight and trees nearby, which is why garden edges are common hotspots.
 
Your basil might not be their first choice for a meal, but it can be a convenient place for them to rest or mate.
 
During a mass emergence, cicadas will land on virtually any upright object, including your basil plants, which makes it seem like they’re eating everything in sight.
 
Let’s clarify the reasons cicadas interact with basil so you can tell the difference between a real threat and a harmless visitor.
 

1. Basil’s Upright Growth Is a Perch

Cicadas are clumsy flyers, and they often land on the first sturdy thing they encounter, which is often tall plants like basil.
 
They’re not intentionally seeking out basil to eat it; they’re just using it as a landing zone on their way to more suitable hosts.
 
Since basil has relatively firm stems, it provides a good grip for cicadas to hold onto while they call for mates.
 
So, while you might see cicadas on basil, it’s not because they think the plant is a meal, it’s because it’s a convenient stopping point.
 

2. Proximity to Trees Makes It a Risk

If you have oak, maple, or other hardwood trees near your garden, your basil is simply in the flight path of cicadas.
 
Cicadas need those trees for their nymphs to feed on the roots, and the adults will swarm around them after emerging.
 
Your basil patch might be right in the middle of that activity, making it a prime target for accidental egg-laying.
 
This is why the question “do cicadas eat basil?” gets so much attention during periodical cicada emergences, the sheer numbers make any plant vulnerable.
 

3. Thin Stems Can Be Attractive for Egg-Laying

Interestingly, female cicadas sometimes prefer stems that are not too woody, because they’re easier to pierce with their ovipositor.
 
Basil stems, especially when they’re young and tender, can be just the right thickness for a cicada to lay eggs in.
 
This makes basil a possible target, even though the cicada isn’t eating the plant itself.
 
So, the answer to “do cicadas eat basil?” is that they might not eat it, but they can definitely use it as a nursery, which wrecks the plant.
 

How to Protect Your Basil from Cicada Damage

If you’re worried that cicadas eat basil and want to safeguard your harvest, there are a few simple and effective strategies you can use.
 
The goal isn’t to eliminate cicadas, it’s to prevent them from landing on your basil or laying eggs in the stems.
 
Since cicadas are large and not very agile, physical barriers work incredibly well.
 
Let’s walk through the best ways to shield your basil from these loud insects.
 

1. Use Floating Row Covers

The most reliable way to stop cicadas from damaging basil is to cover your plants with a fine mesh netting or floating row cover.
 
This barrier prevents adult cicadas from reaching the stems to lay eggs, and it also keeps them from perching on the leaves.
 
Make sure the netting is securely anchored to the ground so cicadas can’t crawl underneath.
 
This is the gold standard for answering “do cicadas eat basil?” with a resounding “not on my watch!”
 

2. Prune and Remove Damaged Stems

If you see the characteristic slit marks on your basil stems, prune them off immediately to prevent the eggs from hatching and to stop the wilting from spreading.
 
Cut below the damaged area and dispose of the stem in a sealed bag, don’t compost it.
 
This won’t undo the damage, but it will save the rest of the plant and stop cicadas from using that stem as a breeding site.
 
Timing is key here, so check your basil regularly during cicada season.
 

3. Keep Your Garden Tidy and Open

Cicadas prefer to land in areas with open soil and clear sightlines, so keeping your garden tidy can help reduce their presence.
 
Remove tall weeds and heavy mulch where cicadas might hide after emerging.
 
While basil itself isn’t a main food source, a clean garden makes it less inviting for cicadas to linger.
 
You can’t always prevent them from flying through, but you can make your basil less appealing as a resting spot.
 

So, Do Cicadas Eat Basil? Here’s the Final Verdict

So, do cicadas eat basil? The honest answer is that adult cicadas don’t eat basil leaves because they lack chewing mouthparts.
 
However, they can damage basil by laying eggs in the stems, which often kills the plant, and that’s why it feels like they’re eating your herb.
 
Cicadas eat basil only in the sense that they might accidentally harm it during their reproductive cycle, not because it’s a food source.
 
For the vast majority of the time, cicadas are harmless to your basil and are just passing through.
 
The threat comes during mass emergences, when their sheer numbers make any garden plant a potential target.
 
Now that you know the truth about do cicadas eat basil, you can relax and enjoy your garden without worrying about these noisy insects ruining your herbs.
 
Use some netting, keep an eye on the stems, and you’ll be harvesting fresh basil all season long.