Imagine sipping your morning coffee on a warm summer day, only to be interrupted by the cacophony of cicadas buzzing in the background. If you’ve found yourself wondering what these noisy insects feed on during their short but impactful time above ground, you’re not alone.
Cicadas might be noisy (and destructive), but they’re also misunderstood. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into what these pests are – and what they prefer to be munching on.
Cicada 101: Who Are These Noisy Neighbors?
Before we dive into their diet, let’s get acquainted with our buzzing buddies.
Cicadas are insects that are known for their loud, distinctive mating calls, which can reach up to 100 decibels. These creatures spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, emerging every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species, to molt into adults, mate, and then die.
Starting Underground
Cicadas spend the majority of their lives underground, where they feed on the sap from tree roots.
This subterranean diet sustains them through their nymphal stage, which can last anywhere from a few years to nearly two decades. The sap provides them with the nutrients they need to support their growth and development until they’re ready to emerge and transform into adults.
Interestingly, cicadas have specialized mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking, allowing them to efficiently extract sap from tree roots. This feeding behavior is generally harmless to mature trees, but it can occasionally stress young or weak trees, making it important for homeowners to monitor their plants’ health.
Continued Destruction Up Above
Once cicadas emerge from the ground, their dietary habits shift slightly. Adult cicadas continue to feed on plant fluids, primarily from tree branches and leaves. They use their sharp mouthparts to pierce plant stems and suck out the sap, much like they did when they were nymphs.
While this feeding behavior can cause minor damage to plants, it’s usually not severe enough to harm healthy, established trees.
The bad news? Large swarms of cicadas can overwhelm young or vulnerable plants, leading to wilting or stunted growth. If you have prized gardens or newly planted trees, you should keep an eye out for signs of cicada activity.
Cicadas and Your Garden
For many homeowners, the sight of cicadas in their garden can be a cause for concern. After all, who wants their carefully cultivated plants to fall victim to these noisy invaders?
Here are some tips:
Plant Selection
One of the most effective ways to protect your garden from cicadas is to choose plants that are less attractive to them. Cicadas prefer woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, particularly those with thin bark. By incorporating more herbaceous plants and perennials into your garden, you can reduce the likelihood of cicada damage.
You may also want to consider planting species that are known to be more resilient to cicada feeding. For example, oaks, maples, and pines are generally less affected by cicadas than fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.
Physical Barriers
Another effective strategy for protecting your garden from cicadas is to use physical barriers. Netting or mesh can be placed over young trees and shrubs to prevent cicadas from accessing their branches and leaves. This is particularly important during the peak of cicada emergence when swarms are at their most active.
Make sure that the netting is secured tightly and extends all the way to the ground, as cicadas are persistent and can find their way through even the smallest openings.
Regular Monitoring
Keeping a close eye on your garden during cicada season is crucial for minimizing their impact.
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of feeding, such as wilted leaves, sap oozing from branches, or small puncture marks on stems. If you notice any of these symptoms, take action promptly to protect your plants.
In some cases, pruning affected branches can help reduce the spread of cicada damage and promote healthy growth. Make sure your plants are well-watered and fertilized, as healthy, vigorous plants are better equipped to withstand cicada feeding.
Cicadas and Trees
While gardens are often the focus of cicada concerns, trees are equally important when it comes to managing these insects.
As mentioned earlier, cicada nymphs spend the majority of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots. While this feeding behavior is generally harmless to mature trees, it can stress young or recently transplanted trees. If you’re planting new trees in your yard, consider doing so during years when cicada emergence is not expected to minimize the risk of damage.
Once cicadas emerge as adults, they continue to feed on plant fluids from tree branches and leaves. In large numbers, this feeding can cause minor damage, such as wilting or leaf drop. However, healthy, established trees are typically able to withstand cicada feeding without significant long-term effects.
To protect young or vulnerable trees, consider using physical barriers, such as netting, to prevent cicadas from accessing their branches.
Striking a (Natural) Balance
While cicadas may seem like a nuisance, they actually play an important role in the ecosystem.
When cicada nymphs burrow underground, they create tunnels that help aerate the soil. This process improves soil structure and promotes healthy root growth for plants and trees. In this way, cicadas contribute to the overall health of your yard, even if their presence can be a bit disruptive.
Cicadas also serve as an important food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and other insects.
Adult cicadas only live five to six weeks – so rest assured their time above ground is short.
Tips for Coexisting with Cicadas
While cicadas can be a bit of a headache for homeowners, there are several strategies you can employ to coexist peacefully.
First, consider timing your planting and maintenance activities to avoid peak cicada emergence periods. For example, plant new trees and shrubs during years when cicada emergence is not expected, and schedule major pruning and landscaping projects for the fall or winter.
Similarly, planting native shrubs and flowers can attract birds and other wildlife that feed on cicadas, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Finally, stay informed about cicada emergence patterns in your area and take proactive steps to protect your plants and trees.
And if you’re really struggling with cicadas, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Hawx Pest Control, we understand that cicadas (and scores of other pests) can be incredibly frustrating to deal with – no matter how helpful they might be to the overall environment.
If you want to find solutions that protect the environment (as well as your sanity), give Hawx a call. Join our family of satisfied customers, and we’ll help you maintain a beautiful, thriving yard year-round.
