Billions of periodical cicadas are getting ready to come out this spring. You might wonder if they are a threat to your garden plants. But, the good news is that cicadas are mostly harmless to most flowers, veggies, and lawns. Experts say cicadas don't eat plants.
So, what do these insects eat, and which plants are at risk? Let's find out the truth about cicadas and their effect on your garden.
What Do Cicadas Eat Above Ground?
Cicadas live mostly underground, eating tree root sap. But when they come out as adults, they eat on woody plants and trees above ground.
Adult Cicada Feeding Habits
Adult cicadas don't bite or chew; they have a straw-like tube for drinking plant fluids. They mainly eat xylem sap, a watery fluid from trees, by piercing the bark and branches.
They like eating from oak, maple, willow, and ash trees. But they'll eat from any big, woody plant they can find. This sap eating is important for them to get nutrients and energy for mating and making more cicadas.
Plants Vulnerable to Cicada Damage
Cicadas don't eat garden plants, veggies, or flowers directly. But they can still harm some plants. Female cicadas lay eggs by cutting into tree and shrub bark.
This can hurt young plants, especially those less than 2-3 years old or with thin branches. To protect your garden, keep young trees and shrubs safe during cicada season. This way, you can keep your garden healthy and beautiful.
Do Cicadas Eat Garden Plants?
Cicadas don't eat garden plants like veggies and flowers. They may swarm over your plants but don't worry, they won't harm them. Experts from the University of Illinois Extension and the Morton Arboretum say most garden plants are safe from cicadas.
Cicadas like to eat sap from trees and lay eggs in young tree bark. They might damage plants a bit, but they won't hurt your garden's veggies and flowers much. Cicadas don't really harm gardens, so your plants are usually safe.
Young plants and small trees are most at risk from cicadas. To protect them, wrap them in tulle until mid-June when cicadas stop emerging.
Using pesticides on cicadas isn't a good idea because they can hurt good bugs and don't work well on these pests. Protect your vulnerable plants and let nature handle the cicadas. After they mate and die, cicadas will break down and become fertilizer for your garden and forests.
Protecting Your Garden from Cicada Damage
Cicadas come out every 17 years and can harm your garden. To keep your garden safe, cover young plants and trees with a light material like tulle or cheesecloth. This stops female cicadas from laying eggs on your plants.
Covering Young Plants and Trees
Ken Johnson, a gardening expert, says cicadas can lay eggs in small tree trunks. This can hurt or even kill the trees. To avoid this, don't plant trees and shrubs a year before cicadas come out or in the spring they emerge.
Instead, use mesh netting with holes no bigger than ¼ inch to keep cicadas away from your plants.
Avoiding Pesticide Use
Don't use pesticides to fight cicadas. Insecticides don't work well on protecting small trees and shrubs. They can also harm good insects in your garden. Focus on physical protection until the cicadas leave in mid-June.
By taking these steps, you can protect your plants from cicadas. This way, your garden will stay healthy during the cicada invasion. Remember, big trees can handle cicada eggs okay, but young plants need more care.
When Do Cicadas Emerge in Your Region?
Knowing when cicadas come out is key for gardeners and homeowners. Most cicadas, over 3,000 types, wake up every 13 or 17 years. They usually show up in spring and early summer.
They wait for the soil to warm up to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually happens in the first few weeks of May.
Cicada Life Cycle and Emergence Patterns
Periodical cicadas emerge together in specific groups. In 2024, a rare event will happen in some areas. 13-year cicadas might come out in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. At the same time, 17-year cicadas will appear in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
This happens only once every 221 years. Knowing when cicadas will come out in your area helps you protect your garden.
