The arrival of cicadas in gardens can be a significant concern for many homeowners and gardeners. These insects, while harmless to humans, can cause substantial damage to plants and trees, particularly young or newly planted ones. The sheer noise and presence of cicadas can also be overwhelming, making outdoor spaces feel invaded. Understanding how to prevent or mitigate the impact of cicadas in your garden requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining knowledge of these insects’ life cycles, feeding habits, and the most effective deterrent methods.
Understanding Cicadas
Before diving into prevention tips, it’s essential to understand the basics of cicada biology. Cicadas are part of a large family of insects, with different species having different life cycles. The most well-known are the periodical cicadas, which emerge in massive broods every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. These cicadas spend most of their lives underground, feeding on plant roots, before emerging as adults to mate and lay eggs. The damage to plants primarily occurs during the egg-laying process, as female cicadas slit the bark of branches to deposit their eggs, which can cause dieback in trees and shrubs.
Life Cycle of Cicadas
The life cycle of cicadas is intriguing and somewhat unique among insects. They have three main stages of development: eggs, nymphs, and adults. Eggs are laid in branches and twigs, where they remain for about 6 to 10 weeks before hatching into nymphs. The nymphs then drop to the ground, where they burrow into the soil to feed on roots. This underground stage can last from a few years to several decades, depending on the species. Once mature, the nymphs emerge from the soil, molt one last time, and become adult cicadas. The adult stage is relatively short, usually lasting a few weeks, during which time the cicadas mate and the cycle repeats.
Prevention Tips for Gardeners
While it’s challenging to completely eliminate cicadas from your garden, several strategies can help minimize their impact:
Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are less susceptible to cicada damage can be a proactive approach. While no plant is completely immune, some species are less preferred by cicadas. Consider selecting plants native to your area, as they might have natural defenses against local cicada species.
Physical Barriers: For young or sensitive plants, covering them with fine-mesh netting can prevent cicadas from reaching them. This method is particularly effective for smaller gardens or for protecting specific, valuable plants.
Insecticidal Soap or Horticultural Oil: These can be used to control cicada populations but must be applied directly to the insects to be effective. Given the large numbers of cicadas that can emerge, this method might not be practical for widespread infestations.
Remove Debris: Keeping your garden free of debris can reduce the number of places nymphs can hide and pupate, potentially lowering the adult cicada population in the following years.
Timing: If you’re planning to plant new trees or shrubs, consider doing so a year or more after a major cicada emergence to minimize the risk of damage.
Mitigating Cicada Damage
In addition to preventive measures, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage caused by cicadas:
- Pruning: Regular pruning of damaged or dying branches can help prevent the spread of disease and encourage healthy growth in affected plants.
- Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your plants for signs of cicada damage, such as flagging (dieback of branches), and take action promptly.
- Soil Care: Maintaining healthy soil through proper watering, fertilization, and mulching can help your plants withstand cicada feeding pressure.
Conclusion
Dealing with cicadas in your garden requires patience, understanding, and a well-planned strategy. While their periodic emergences can be disruptive, the long-term damage can often be managed with the right approach. By understanding cicada biology, selecting appropriate plants, and employing deterrent and mitigation strategies, gardeners can minimize the impact of these insects and enjoy a healthier, more resilient garden.
How often do periodical cicadas emerge?
+Periodical cicadas emerge either every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. These emergences are highly predictable and can be tracked based on the location and the specific brood.
Can cicadas damage lawns?
+Cicadas primarily feed on the roots of trees and shrubs. While they might be present on lawns, especially during their emergence, they do not typically cause significant damage to grass. However, the presence of large numbers of cicadas can lead to an increase in bird and animal activity, which might result in lawn damage as these animals forage for cicadas.
Are cicadas harmful to pets?
+Cicadas are not toxic to pets, but eating large numbers of them can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. It's also possible for pets to experience an obstruction if they swallow the hard exoskeletons of cicadas. Monitoring your pets' behavior around cicadas and preventing them from eating the insects can mitigate these risks.
By adopting a proactive and informed approach, gardeners can not only protect their gardens from cicada damage but also appreciate the unique role these insects play in the ecological landscape. Cicadas, with their ancient songs and synchronized lifecycles, are a fascinating part of nature, reminding us of the intricate and interconnected world we live in.
