Introduction
Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their loud, distinctive calls and unique life cycles. However, many gardeners worry that cicadas destroy garden plants and cause significant damage. Understanding the relationship between cicadas and garden health is essential to protect your plants while appreciating these remarkable insects. This article explores whether cicadas truly harm gardens, how they affect various plants, and actionable strategies to minimize any potential damage.
Do Cicadas Destroy Garden Plants?
How Cicadas Interact with Gardens
Cicadas primarily feed on xylem sap from trees and woody plants using their piercing mouthparts. While adult cicadas do not consume leaves or flowers like some other insects, their reproductive behavior can impact plants.
During egg-laying, female cicadas cut slits into small branches and twigs to deposit eggs. This process, known as oviposition, can cause:
- Twig dieback or flagging, where affected branches dry out and die.
- Reduced growth in younger trees or shrubs due to damage to new growth.
Despite this, cicadas rarely kill established trees or mature plants. The damage is generally superficial and temporary, with healthy plants recovering quickly.
Impact on Vegetables and Annual Plants
Cicadas do not typically harm vegetables or herbaceous annuals. Since these plants lack woody stems, females cannot lay eggs on them, and cicadas do not feed on their leaves or fruits. Therefore, cicadas pose minimal direct threat to typical garden vegetables.
Why Do Cicadas Cause Concern Among Gardeners?
The Noise and Appearance
Cicadas’ loud mating calls can create an impression of infestation and damage. Their mass emergence, especially in periodical cicada years (every 13 or 17 years), can alarm gardeners unfamiliar with their lifecycle.
Visible Damage to Young Trees
Young fruit trees and ornamental shrubs are more vulnerable to cicada egg-laying damage. This can stunt growth or reduce fruit production if damage is extensive. Gardeners often notice brown, withered twigs during cicada emergence years.
Effective Strategies to Protect Your Garden From Cicada Damage
Physical Barriers
- Use fine mesh netting or cheesecloth to cover small trees and shrubs during peak cicada activity (late spring to early summer).
- Secure the netting tightly to prevent cicadas from accessing branches for egg-laying.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune damaged twigs and branches promptly to reduce stress on plants.
- Remove pruned material to prevent attracting other pests.
Timing Planting and Growth
- Avoid planting young trees or shrubs just before cicada emergence periods.
- Establish new plants well in advance to ensure robust growth before cicadas appear.
Natural Predators and Ecosystem Balance
Encourage natural predators such as birds, spiders, and predatory insects. These help keep cicada populations in check without harmful chemicals.
Expert Insights and Case Studies
Entomologists emphasize that cicada damage is usually cosmetic and rarely fatal. A study published by the University of Maryland Extension notes that while cicadas can cause twig dieback, mature trees tolerate this stress well and recover fully.
Home gardeners who implemented mesh coverings reported up to 90% reduction in cicada damage to young trees. Experts recommend monitoring cicada emergence forecasts to plan protection strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
While cicadas can cause some damage to young or vulnerable garden plants through their egg-laying behavior, they do not destroy gardens outright. Mature trees and most garden plants tolerate cicada activity with minimal long-term effects. By employing physical barriers, proper pruning, and timing plantings strategically, gardeners can protect their plants effectively.
Understanding cicadas’ role in ecosystems helps balance appreciation and protection. Next cicada emergence, prepare your garden with these expert tips to minimize damage and enjoy the natural spectacle responsibly.