Do you remember back in 2022 when we had the "Cicada Apocalypse"? Brood IX emerged with a force we had not seen in seventeen years. We were dive-bombed by the red-eyed, alien-looking insects. Our dogs had an endless buffet and we were often left cleaning up the mess because they did not agree with our pet's digestive system. The area hummed loudly from their constant buzzing.
Those were the days because you have not seen anything yet.
In just a few short weeks, two broods of Cicadas will join force and emerge at the same time over much of the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S. The 13-year brood Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII are expected to number in the trillions. A double brood event has not happened in over 200 years!
So, what does this mean for your plants and gardens?
What Are Cicadas Doing When They Underground?
When cicadas are underground, they're in the nymph stage, which is essentially their developmental phase. They burrow into the soil shortly after hatching from their eggs and spend several years, depending on the species, feeding on the sap from tree roots. During this time, they undergo several molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow larger. They're essentially preparing for their emergence as adults. Once they've completed their development underground, they emerge en masse as adults, typically at intervals of 13 or 17 years depending on the species, to mate and lay eggs before the cycle begins anew.
Is There More Than One Species of Cicadas?
There are actually thousands of species of cicadas worldwide, but they are typically categorized into two main groups: annual cicadas and periodical cicadas.
Annual Cicadas: These cicadas have a shorter life cycle, typically emerging every year or every few years. They are often found in smaller numbers and are not synchronized in their emergence like periodical cicadas.
Periodical Cicadas: These cicadas have longer life cycles, with either 13 or 17 years being the most common. They emerge in large numbers and are known for their synchronized mass emergences, where millions of cicadas may appear almost simultaneously in a given area.
Within these groups, there are numerous species, each with its own unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors. Some species are more widespread, while others are more localized to specific regions.
Will Cicadas Eat My Plants
Cicadas typically do not eat plants as adults. Adult cicadas primarily feed on tree fluids, such as sap, using their specialized mouthparts called stylets to pierce the bark and access the fluids. They may also drink water from sources like dew or raindrops.
However, female cicadas do use their ovipositors (egg-laying organs) to insert eggs into tree branches, which can cause some minor damage to the branches. This damage is usually not significant enough to harm healthy trees, but it can potentially stress weaker or smaller trees.
The real concern for plants comes from cicada nymphs, which live underground and feed on tree roots for several years before emerging as adults. Heavy infestations of cicada nymphs can damage or even kill young or weak trees by reducing their access to nutrients and water. However, this is typically more of a concern for orchard crops, newly planted trees, or trees in poor health rather than established, healthy trees.
What Damage Will Cicadas Do To Garden Plants?
Cicadas typically do not cause significant damage to garden plants. As adults, cicadas primarily feed on tree fluids and do not typically target garden plants for feeding. However, there are a few potential ways in which cicadas could indirectly affect garden plants:
Oviposition Damage: Female cicadas use their ovipositors to lay eggs in tree branches, which can cause some minor damage to branches. While garden plants are not their preferred egg-laying sites, if there are no suitable trees nearby, cicadas may occasionally lay eggs in smaller woody plants or shrubs.
Weakened Plants: Heavy infestations of cicada nymphs feeding on tree roots can weaken trees, shrubs, and other plants, making them more susceptible to other stressors such as drought, disease, or pest infestations. However, this is typically more of a concern for larger trees rather than smaller garden plants.
Physical Damage: In some cases, the sheer numbers of cicadas during a mass emergence can lead to physical damage to garden plants. Cicadas may accidentally bump into or land on plants, potentially causing minor bruising or breakage of leaves and stems.
Overall, while cicadas may cause some minor inconvenience or aesthetic damage to garden plants during their emergence, they are not typically a major threat to the health or survival of garden plants.
Is There Anyway To Prevent Cicada Damage To My Plants?
Preventing cicada damage to plants can be challenging, especially during periods of mass emergence when large numbers of cicadas are present. However, there are a few strategies you can try to minimize potential damage:
Protective Coverings: You can cover smaller plants with lightweight mesh or cheesecloth to physically protect them from cicadas. Be sure to secure the coverings tightly around the plants to prevent cicadas from getting underneath.
Netting: Use netting to cover trees and shrubs, especially those that are particularly valuable or susceptible to damage. Make sure the netting is fine enough to prevent cicadas from passing through.
Barrier Tape: Wrap sticky barrier tape around the trunks of trees to prevent nymphs from climbing up and causing damage to the branches. However, this method may not be practical for large numbers of trees.
Plant Diversity: Plant a diverse range of species in your garden. While cicadas may still feed on some plants, having a variety of plant species can help distribute any potential damage more evenly and reduce the impact on individual plants.
Timing: If possible, avoid planting new trees or shrubs during a cicada emergence period. Newly planted trees are more vulnerable to damage from cicada nymphs feeding on their roots.
Healthy Plants: Keep your plants healthy and well-watered. Healthy plants are better able to withstand minor damage from cicadas and are less likely to suffer long-term effects.
It's important to note that while these strategies may help reduce potential damage from cicadas, they may not completely eliminate the risk, especially during periods of heavy cicada activity. Additionally, some methods, such as covering plants with netting or mesh, may also restrict access to pollinators, so consider the potential trade-offs before implementing them.
Are Cicadas Dangerous To My Pets?
Cicadas are not typically dangerous to pets such as cats and dogs. They are not venomous, and their primary defense mechanism is flight. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Ingestion: Pets may be curious about cicadas and may try to eat them. While cicadas are not toxic, consuming large numbers of them could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.
Choking Hazard: The hard exoskeletons of cicadas could pose a choking hazard if pets swallow them whole. It's a good idea to keep an eye on pets when they are outside during a cicada emergence and discourage them from eating cicadas.
Allergic Reactions: Some pets may be allergic to insect bites or stings, including those from cicadas. While cicadas themselves are not aggressive and do not typically sting, it's possible for pets to have an allergic reaction if they are stung by other insects attracted to the same areas where cicadas are present.
Fungal Infections: In areas where cicadas are abundant, there may be an increase in fungal spores in the environment, which could potentially lead to respiratory issues in pets with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Keeping pets indoors during peak cicada activity periods can help minimize exposure to fungal spores.
Overall, while cicadas may be a temporary nuisance for pets and pet owners during their emergence periods, they are not typically a significant threat to pet health. As with any outdoor activity, it's a good idea to supervise pets and take precautions to prevent them from ingesting or coming into contact with potentially harmful substances.
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