Cicadas are fascinating insects that emerge every few years to serenade us with their distinct mating calls. These periodical cicadas, especially the ones that swarm in vast numbers, can become a nuisance to gardeners and homeowners alike. Their presence can threaten our beloved gardens, jeopardizing the growth of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, we can effectively protect our gardens from cicada damage and ensure a healthy, thriving environment for our plants.
In this article, we will explore a comprehensive set of strategies and techniques to help you safeguard your garden against cicadas.
Understanding Cicadas
Before diving into effective protection methods, it is vital to understand cicadas and their life cycle. Cicadas belong to the family Cicadidae and are primarily known for their unique life cycle and loud calls.
The Cicada Life Cycle
Cicadas undergo a life cycle consisting of five stages: egg, nymph, adult, and finally, death.
- Egg Stage: Female cicadas lay their eggs in slits they make in tree branches. This process can cause damage to branches, especially on young or tender plants.
- Nymph Stage: Once the eggs hatch, nymphs drop to the ground and burrow underground, feeding on plant roots for several years – sometimes up to 17 years for certain species.
- Adult Stage: Those who survive eventually emerge as adults. They climb trees and start the mating process, producing loud songs to attract mates.
Understanding this life cycle helps you identify when you need to take protective measures to your garden.
Types of Cicadas
Cicadas fall into two main categories: periodic cicadas and annual cicadas.
- Periodic Cicadas: These emerge in specific cycles (usually 13 or 17 years) and can appear in large numbers, leading to significant damage to trees and gardens.
- Annual Cicadas: These emerge every year and are less damaging but can still impact garden health.
Also, understanding that cicadas do not harm the plants directly by feeding (unlike some other pests) is essential, but their egg-laying behavior can lead to branch dieback.
Strategies to Protect Your Garden
Now that you have a foundational understanding of cicadas, let’s explore effective strategies to protect your garden from these pesky insects.
Physical Barriers
One of the most effective ways to protect your garden is by creating physical barriers that prevent cicadas from reaching your plants.
Netting and Floating Row Covers
Using garden netting or floating row covers can keep cicadas away from your plants. These barriers are particularly effective for:
- Young fruit trees
- Vegetable seedlings
- Flowering plants
How to Use Netting
- Measure: Determine the size of your plants and the area you want to cover.
- Select Netting: Use lightweight, breathable netting that allows sunlight and rain through while keeping cicadas out.
- Install: Secure the netting over your plants or garden area, ensuring it is anchored to prevent cicadas from slipping underneath.
By using such techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of cicadas damaging your plants.
Timing is Key
Understanding when cicadas are likely to emerge can help you prepare your garden effectively.
Monitor Emergence Patterns
Keeping track of cicada emergence can help you:
- Plant your garden earlier or later in the season.
- Protect young plants during peak emergence times.
For periodic cicadas, local extension services or agriculture departments usually have the best tracking of emergence years.
Planting Selection
Planting specific types of trees and plants can also reduce the chance of severe damage.
Choosing Resistant Varieties
Some plants are less appealing to cicadas for egg laying. Consider planting:
- Resilient Trees: Oaks, pines, and other hard-wooded trees tend to be less affected by cicada egg-laying.
- Optimal Vegetables: Crops like corn and beans can withstand some cicada activity better than delicate flowers and fruits.
Additionally, introducing a diverse range of plants can divert cicadas from focusing on your precious fruits and vegetables.
General Garden Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy garden is crucial for minimizing cicada damage.
Regular Pruning
Regularly pruning your trees and shrubs can significantly reduce the risk of damage due to cicadas. By keeping plants healthy and encouraging new growth, you will have a better chance of protecting against cicadas.
Watering and Fertilization
Ensuring your plants are well-watered and adequately fertilized improves their overall resilience, making them less vulnerable to cicada damage. Strong, healthy plants are more likely to recover from cicada activity.
Biological Control and Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators within your garden can also serve as an effective strategy to reduce cicada populations.
Beneficial Insects
Certain insects prey on cicadas, helping keep their populations in check. Some beneficial insects include:
- Beetles: Ground beetles and predatory beetles can help eliminate young nymphs.
- Birds: Birds, such as blue jays and sparrows, may feed on adult cicadas.
To attract these beneficial insects and birds:
- Plant native flowers and vegetation.
- Avoid using pesticides, which may harm these beneficial creatures.
Using Non-Toxic Deterrents
If you prefer non-chemical solutions, consider using deterrents to keep cicadas away.
Homemade Repellents
Natural repellents made from common household materials may help deter cicadas. Consider using:
- Mix of water and garlic: Cicadas are less likely to feed on plants that smell of garlic.
- Chili pepper spray: Diluting chili powder in water and spraying it on leaves can work as a natural deterrent.
Application Tips
- Apply repellents in the early morning or late afternoon for maximum effectiveness.
- Reapply regularly, especially after rain.
Protecting Young Trees and Plants
Young trees and plants are particularly vulnerable to cicada damage. To protect them:
Tree Guards and Wrappings
Using guards, or protective tree wraps, can shield young tree trunks from egg-laying activities.
How to Install Guards
- Choose a guard that fits around the trunk snugly but does not constrict growth.
- Secure it tightly to keep cicadas away from potential egg-laying areas.
Temporary Spacing Solutions
If your garden includes young plants, consider temporarily moving them indoors or to a protected area until cicadas have completed their life cycle.
Conclusion
Protecting your garden from cicadas is not a one-size-fits-all approach. By employing various strategies such as physical barriers, understanding cicada life cycles, selecting resistant plants, maintaining a healthy garden, promoting natural predators, and using non-toxic deterrents, you can create a thriving garden environment that is less susceptible to cicada damage.
Although cicadas can be challenging, using these techniques will help ensure that your garden remains protected and fruitful, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and bounty of your labor. Stay vigilant, and happy gardening!
What are cicadas and why are they a threat to gardens?
Cicadas are insects known for their distinctive loud mating calls, mainly produced by males. They have a life cycle that includes many years underground, after which they emerge in large numbers to mate, laying eggs in the process. This egg-laying behavior is particularly concerning for gardeners, as cicadas can damage young plants by inserting their eggs into the stems, potentially weakening or killing them.
In particular, the periodical cicada species can emerge en masse every 13 or 17 years, leading to a significant threat to crops and garden plants. The damage becomes more pronounced when they are found in large populations, which can quickly lead to substantial losses in terms of both plant health and yield if proper preventive measures are not taken.
How can I prepare my garden for cicada season?
Preparing your garden for cicada season involves several proactive strategies that can help mitigate their impact. First, it’s essential to monitor local cicada emergence reports so you know when to expect them. Creating protective barriers, such as netting or fine mesh, around vulnerable plants can be an effective way to keep cicadas away from areas where they may lay eggs.
Additionally, consider treating your garden soil with beneficial nematodes during the pre-emergence phase of cicadas. These natural predators can help manage cicada larvae and other pests, reducing the likelihood of them maturing into damaging adults. Adding organic matter and keeping plants healthy will help them withstand any potential cicada injury as well.
What types of plants are most affected by cicadas?
Cicadas tend to target young, tender plants, especially those with soft stems. Common garden plants such as fruit trees (apples, pears), ornamentals, and young perennials are particularly susceptible to cicada damage. When cicadas lay their eggs, they create small slits in the stems, which can lead to wilting, dieback, and stunted growth in affected plants.
While established plants can sometimes handle cicada damage, younger plants require more vigilance during cicada seasons. It’s essential to identify your garden’s key vulnerable plants and take protective measures accordingly to ensure a thriving and bountiful harvest.
How can I effectively use physical barriers against cicadas?
Using physical barriers like row covers or mesh insect netting can be one of the most effective ways to protect your plants from cicadas. Covering individual plants or rows of vulnerable crops can prevent cicadas from accessing them to lay eggs. Make sure the fabric is tightly secured at the ground level to prevent cicadas and other pests from getting underneath.
When using physical barriers, ensure that they allow sunlight and moisture to penetrate for healthy plant growth. It’s advisable to check periodically for any holes or wear in the material that might allow cicadas access. You may need to replace or repair barriers throughout the cicada emergence period to maintain their effectiveness.
Are there any organic pesticides I can use against cicadas?
While there are limited options for organic pesticides specifically targeting cicadas, some techniques can help repulse or deter them from your garden. Neem oil is one such organic solution that can be sprayed on plants to deter cicadas and other pests without harming beneficial insects when applied correctly. Keep in mind that timing and application are crucial for maximum effectiveness.
Additionally, introducing beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps and predatory beetles, can help manage cicada populations naturally. These predators can significantly reduce the number of cicadas present in your garden ecosystem without the need for synthetic chemicals. It’s essential to maintain a balanced garden environment that supports these beneficial forms of wildlife.
What should I do if cicadas have already damaged my plants?
If cicadas have already caused damage to your plants, the first step is to assess the extent of the damage. For minor injuries, pruning away the damaged stems can promote new growth and help the plant recover. Make sure to disinfect your pruning tools between cuts to prevent the potential spread of disease.
Providing adequate water and nutrients to affected plants can help boost their resilience. Applying a balanced fertilizer, if appropriate, and staying vigilant for any signs of disease or secondary pest infestations can enhance recovery. In some cases, protective measures like barriers may still need to be implemented to prevent further damage in the future.
When is the best time to apply protective measures for cicadas?
The best time to apply protective measures is before the expected cicada emergence. Researchers and local agricultural extensions usually provide specific dates when cicadas are predicted to appear, which can vary based on geographical location. Implementing barriers, such as netting or row covers, should be done about a week or two prior to the anticipated emergence to ensure effectiveness.
It’s also wise to maintain regular monitoring in your garden. Revisiting your protective measures throughout the cicada season and making adjustments as needed can ensure your plants remain safe from damage. Be proactive about keeping your garden conditions favorable to encourage healthy growth in all seasons.
Can cicadas harm adult plants or trees?
While adult cicadas tend to prefer younger plants for egg-laying, they can still cause damage to more mature plants and trees. The primary risk comes from the insertion of their eggs into the stems, which creates wounds that may lead to dieback or stress in older trees if the infestations are severe. Healthy, established trees can usually withstand some cicada activity without significant detrimental effects.
However, persistent cicada damage can lead to a weakened state in trees, making them more susceptible to other pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and following proper care practices will help maintain the health of your plants and trees, ensuring they remain robust during cicada seasons and beyond.