How to keep your vehicle safe and clean from hordes of cicadas this summer

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Brood XIII 17-year cicadas emerged last week in Wisconsin for the first time since 2007.

Certain areas of the state, including Lake Geneva and parts of the southwest Driftless Area, are predicted to be "cicada hot spots" now through the beginning of July when the insects' four-to-six-week adult lifespan ends. Experts expect hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of cicadas to overrun these hot spots in the month of June.

While numerous Wisconsin wildlife species welcome this readily available snack, large numbers of cicadas are notoriously annoying for humans due to their noisy chirping and buzzing and the crunchy carcasses they leave behind.

Though the insects do not bite or sting, AAA Midwest director of public affairs Nick Jarmusz warns that cicadas can damage both the exterior and inner workings of your car and can even endanger drivers.

Here's how to keep your car safe and clean while the cicadas are out.

Gene Kritsky, a professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph, took this photo of the bright eyes of an adult periodical 17-year cicada in 2004.
Gene Kritsky, a professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph, took this photo of the bright eyes of an adult periodical 17-year cicada in 2004.

How can I protect the exterior of my car from cicadas?

Cicadas are more acidic than other insects, meaning they can eat away at your car's paint and clear coat if stuck on there for too long, Jarmusz said. The insects also leave behind a sticky residue. Jarmusz recommends you wash your car more often to protect its finish during cicada season.

Jarmusz urges people washing their cars at home to only use car wash solution. Dishwashing solution is "more abrasive and can damage the finish as well," he said. Pay extra attention to the front and back windshields, side mirrors, headlight and grill when washing your car; these are places where cicadas are likely to get stuck.

"If you have a power hose, use it," Jarmusz said. You can also consider waxing your car to further protect the exterior from cicada nastiness.

Drivers should also ensure their windshield wipers are working properly and the washer fluid is topped off to prevent cicadas from blocking the view. You can even find special bug washer fluid online and at some stores.

This map, created by director of UW-Madison's Insect Diagnostics Lab PJ Liesch, shows where 17-year Brood XIII cicadas have emerged in Wisconsin in the past.
This map, created by director of UW-Madison's Insect Diagnostics Lab PJ Liesch, shows where 17-year Brood XIII cicadas have emerged in Wisconsin in the past.

How to prevent cicadas from damaging your car

Cicadas can cause significant damage by clogging your car's radiator grill, Jarmusz said. This can cause the engine to overheat. Be sure to clear your grill, and consider buying a fabric cover for the front end of your car if you live in a cicada hot spot.

Additionally, cicadas like to hide in warm places. So, pay attention to your air filters and have them looked at if you hear unusual noises.

Cicadas sit in the trees at Savannah Rapids Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Cicadas sit in the trees at Savannah Rapids Park on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

What to do if a cicada gets in your car

Having a cicada in your car can increase the risk of an accident, Jarmusz said ... especially if bugs make you squeamish.

"If one is in your car, don't panic. Do not slam on the breaks, do not stop in a lane. Slow down and pull over to a safe place. Roll down your window and 'shoo' it out."

More: Cicadas have re-emerged in Wisconsin for the first time in 17 years. Why that isn't all bad news.

More: Tons of cicadas will emerge in Wisconsin soon. Here's how to protect your plants and gardens

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What kind of damage do cicadas do to your car?

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