Tampines Changkat Cicada Study Aims to Understand, Control Swarms

SINGAPORE – A comprehensive study is underway in Tampines Changkat to investigate the recurring emergence of orange-winged cicadas (Platypleura fulvigera) and develop effective, environmentally sensitive control methods. The initiative, launched on March 1, 2026, by the constituency’s office, will also involve a five-month trial to disrupt the cicada life cycle in affected areas near the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE).

Years of Complaints Prompt Action

Residents of Tampines Changkat have reported annual cicada emergences since 2018. In 2025, approximately 300 cicadas were caught on May 14th. Previous attempts to control the swarms using fogging and insecticides proved ineffective, as the cicadas were unaffected by the treatments, according to Member of Parliament (MP) Desmond Choo.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

The new initiative focuses on a more foundational and structural approach to managing the cicada population. Rather than eradication, the study acknowledges the ecological role of cicadas, noting that their nymphs aerate the soil and contribute to tree growth, and the insects serve as a food source for birds. The plan involves several key components:

• Tree Encircling: 120 trees will be encircled with mats to prevent cicada nymphs from entering or emerging from the soil.
• Trunk Covering: Tree trunks will be covered with aluminum foil to deter nymphs from climbing onto them.
• Population Monitoring: Adult cicadas will be caught to monitor the effectiveness of the measures and establish the resident population size.
• Land Use Analysis: Researchers will analyze historical land use patterns to understand how the cicadas arrived in the area.

Understanding the Orange-Winged Cicada

The cicadas have been identified as orange-winged cicadas (Platypleura fulvigera) with the assistance of a South Korean cicada specialist. While Singapore is home to 10 other cicada species known to live for up to six years, the lifespan and egg-laying habits of the orange-winged cicada remain unknown and will be a focus of the study. Entomologist Foo Maosheng of the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is leading the research.

Community Involvement

A new Nature Kakis chapter for Tampines Changkat has been established, comprising grassroots leaders and residents, to assist with research, monitoring, and implementation of control measures. Ms. Khalisah Shari, a long-time resident and NUS student, expressed her support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of environmentally sensitive solutions.

Noise Levels and Resident Impact

Cicada calls, combined with expressway noise, reached 72.5 decibels on the highest floor of affected blocks, decreasing to 62.3 decibels on the ground floor. This was measured by The Straits Times using a sound level meter. The town hall on March 1st was held in a quieter location, registering 48 decibels.

Looking Ahead

The study aims to not only address the immediate concerns of Tampines Changkat residents but also to build a national understanding of cicada populations in urban tropical environments, preparing the country for potential future outbreaks. The trial is slated to begin by mid-March, coinciding with the start of the current cicada season.