Singapore has implemented a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to manage the seasonal emergence of cicada swarms, particularly in the Tampines Changkat area, where complaints have been on the rise since 2018. This initiative, described as the nation's "most comprehensive," began in March and concluded after five months with encouraging results for residents. The primary species targeted is the orange-winged cicada (Asianopleura fulvigera), known for its loud calls up to 120 decibels and its tendency to fly into homes.
The core of the cicada management strategy involved a combination of methods. Light traps proved highly effective, catching an estimated 22,000 adult cicadas in Tampines Changkat since March. Other measures focused on disrupting the cicada life cycle before they reach adulthood. This included wrapping over 500 trees with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent nymphs from climbing to molt, and laying tarpaulin or mats at the base of trees to stop nymphs from emerging from the ground. These efforts have led to observed reductions in noise and nuisance by residents.
A task force, led by Tampines Changkat MP Desmond Choo, is continuing to study the cicadas' behavior and explore additional control measures. These include the potential for targeted pesticides, which would affect insects feeding on treated plants and could be more effective against younger nymphs feeding on root sap, though further evaluation is required due to concerns about impact on non-target biodiversity. Tree pruning to remove branches containing cicada eggs is also being considered, but reliable identification methods are still lacking. The findings from Tampines Changkat will be shared with other towns facing similar cicada challenges, including East Coast Town Council, which has also experienced a rise in cicada-related feedback, particularly concerning noise, since 2021.
While previous attempts in 2025 using fogging and insecticides were ineffective and some trees were cut down, the current strategy avoids broad extermination due to cicadas' role in the ecosystem, such as aerating soil and serving as a food source for birds. The focus remains on environmentally sensitive disruption of their life cycle, especially at identified hot spots. The 2026 emergence season has reportedly tapered off in both Tampines Changkat and the Changi-Simei area, with plans to continue tree wrapping and further misting ahead of the next emergence season in early 2027.
