Cicadas are set to emerge in large numbers across parts of the eastern United States in 2023 after spending nearly two decades underground. For homeowners and gardeners, this influx of large, noisy insects can present challenges in protecting landscapes, plants, and outdoor living spaces. With some preparation and diligence, it is possible to minimize the impacts of periodic cicadas on homes and gardens.

Understanding the Cicada Life Cycle and Emergence Patterns

Cicadas are unique insects with some of the longest life cycles in the insect world. There are seven species of periodic cicadas in the United States that emerge in large numbers (“broods”) every 13 or 17 years. These long gaps between emergences are tied to the prime number life cycles of the cicadas, which helps prevent predators from syncing up emergence cycles to take advantage of the dense populations.

Here are some key facts about the periodic cicada life cycle:

Cicada nymphs live underground for 13 or 17 years, feeding on sap from tree roots.
In the spring of their emergence year, when soil temperatures reach 64°F, the nymphs will tunnel to the surface and molt into winged adults.
After a few weeks above ground mating, the females will lay eggs in slits they make in small branches.
The next generation of nymphs hatches in late summer and drops to the ground to burrow and feed, restarting the 13 or 17-year cycle.
Different broods of cicadas emerge in different cycles and geographic regions to prevent overlapping massive emergences.
In 2023, Brood XIX is expected to emerge in parts of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest United States.

Knowing when and where cicadas will emerge in large numbers allows homeowners and gardeners to prepare in advance to minimize nuisance and plant damage in landscapes.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs from Ovipositing Damage

One of the most damaging effects of periodic cicadas on landscapes comes from the egg-laying habits of female cicadas. Using their sharp ovipositors, female cicadas make slits in small tree branches and vines to deposit their eggs. This can cause the tips of branches to die back or even kill young saplings if the damage is extensive.

Here are some recommendations for protecting valuable trees and shrubs:

Inspect and prune trees and shrubs in late winter or early spring before cicadas emerge. Remove small diameter branches, suckers, and any dead or dying twigs throughout the canopy that are attractive to egg-laying cicadas. This pruning should focus on branches around 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
Cover small, high-value trees with netting. Use nylon netting with a tight weave and secure it completely around small trees, especially fruit trees, to keep female cicadas off the branches entirely. The netting should be installed before the cicadas emerge in early May.
Use reflective tape, foil, or collars on tree trunks. Wrapping reflective materials around branch collars or the lower portion of trunks can deter cicadas from climbing up and laying eggs. Apply these materials in mid- to late April.
Encourage natural predators. Don’t harm or remove beneficial predatory insects like praying mantises that help keep cicada populations in check. Consider building mantis egg case shelters.
Apply horticultural oil or insect barrier spray. Applying oil sprays formulated for trees and shrubs can deter cicadas from laying eggs.Target small branch treatments in mid-May.

Taking proactive measures to protect trees from ovipositor damage is key to reducing the impacts of periodic cicadas on woody landscape plants.

Safeguarding Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds

Cicadas can also cause frustrations for gardeners as the insects feed on plant fluids and lay eggs in stems of garden vegetation. Using row covers and netting is the most effective approach to protect plants.

Protect Tender Seedlings

Newly sprouted vegetables and annual flowers are very vulnerable to damage. Cover seed beds with fine mesh floating row cover or lightweight Agribon-type fabric. Leave the covers on until plants are 4-6 inches tall.

Shield Individual Plants

Protect valuable perennials, fruit trees, and bushes with netting sleeves or mesh cloches over each plant. Use the finest mesh possible for the covers.

Install Garden Fabric Barriers

Cover entire vegetable gardens or flower beds with lightweight spunbond garden fabric pinned tightly to the ground around the perimeter. This excludes adult cicadas from feeding or laying eggs.

Time Plantings Carefully

Delay planting tender seedlings until early June after the initial波 rm of cicadas has passed. Focus on succession plantings of fast-growing crops like radishes and greens.

Remove Egg-Laying Sites

Pull out any unwanted weeds and vines that can act as egg-laying sites, forcing the cicadas to congregate elsewhere. Clean up plant debris around the garden.

Tolerate Some Damage

Mature plants, herbs, and some vegetables can tolerate some cicada damage without major effects on quality or yield. Some loss may be unavoidable.

With preparation using protective barriers and appropriate timing of plantings, gardeners can continue enjoying productive vegetable and ornamental beds even in a heavy cicada emergence year.

Cicada-Proofing Your Home

When cicadas emerge in large numbers, they can be a nuisance around homes, covering exterior walls and surfaces and getting inside through small openings. Here are some tips to cicada-proof a home:

Seal any small openings – Use caulk and foam sealant to fill cracks and crevices around windows, door frames, pipes, vents, and exterior outlets. Screen rain gutters, downspouts, and chimney flues.
Cover ventilation openings – Wrap 1/4 inch hardware cloth or insect screening over exterior vents for dryers, HVAC systems, and attic fans.
Install door sweeps and draft guards – Weatherstrip around doors and windowsills to block gaps. Door sweeps and draft stoppers will help prevent cicadas coming indoors.
Keep door and window screens in good repair – Fix any holes or rips in window and door screens to block cicadas. Add screens where missing.
Use window air conditioners when possible – Room air conditioners that vent to the outdoors rather than central air prevent cicadas from entering ductwork.
Seal window-unit air conditioners – Use foam filter or duct tape to block any exterior gaps if window units are in use.
Turn off exterior lights at night – Outdoor lighting attracts cicadas. Limit porch and patio lights usage if possible.
Clear away cicada “shells” promptly – Regularly sweep and hose off any cast exoskeletons (shells) that accumulate on outdoor walls and patios.

A bit of sealing and exclusion prevention goes a long way to keep homes cicada-free indoors. Maintain diligence as long as adult cicadas are active through late June.

Coping With the Cicada Noise Nuisance

One of the most infamous traits of periodical cicadas is the loud chorusing drone the males make as they try to attract mates. The sheer density and number of cicadas emerging in Brood XIX may make the din they produce particularly bothersome, especially in wooded residential areas. Here are some strategies for tolerating the temporary noise:

Retreat indoors and keep windows closed – The sound is loudest outdoors. Reduce exposure by spending more time inside and shutting windows facing cicada trees.
Listen to ambient background noise – Turn on fans, air conditioning, or play quiet music indoors to help mask the chatter outdoors. Soothing water features in a yard can also muffle cicada noise.
Avoid problematic activities outdoors – Hold off on outdoor events like parties or barbecues until cicada numbers start to decline in late June and July.
Wear earplugs outdoors if necessary – Foam or silicone earplugs provide protection when temporarily going outside during peak singing times.
Be patient – The chorus will wane as more cicadas complete mating and die off through the summer. Peak annoyance lasts 3-4 weeks.
Avoid insecticides – Spraying trees actually increases cicada activity and noise as they become agitated. Let the emergence run its course naturally.

Remember the cicada din is temporary. Focusing on the unique opportunity to observe these fascinating insects can help keep their song from becoming an intolerable nuisance.

FAQs

When will the cicadas emerge in my area?

In 2023, Brood XIX periodic cicadas are due to emerge in parts of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest United States. Check with local Extension offices for more specifics on anticipated emergence timeframes for your location. Generally, early-mid May is when soil temperatures trigger the nymphs to tunnel to the surface and transform into adults.

How long will the cicadas be around?

Periodical cicadas live for roughly 4 to 6 weeks above ground as adults. Egg-laying reaches a peak in late May and June. Numbers will dwindle in July but some stragglers may linger into early August. The next generation won’t emerge again for another 17 years.

How loud are the cicadas?

The chorus of male cicadas singing can reach 90-100 decibels measured close to trees where they congregate. This is equivalent to the noise level of a lawnmower. Cicada songs can be quite loud but are generally not dangerous unless exposed to continually at very close range.

What plants are cicadas most attracted to?

Cicadas favor laying eggs in the twigs of deciduous trees and shrubs like oak, maple, apple, peach, dogwood, hickory, pear, and ash. Flowers and vines are also egg-laying targets. Grasses and conifers like pines are rarely damaged.

How do I stop cicadas from climbing my trees?

Wrapping sticky tree bands or tape around trunks can deter cicadas from climbing into treetops. Pruning trees to remove small branch growth also reduces egg laying sites. Netting small trees provides a full physical barrier from damage.

What natural predators eat cicadas?

Birds, squirrels, dogs, cats, and other opportunistic predators feast on emerging cicadas. Praying mantises in particular prey on cicadas. Avoid pesticides that could harm predator insect populations to allow natural controls on cicada numbers.

Can cicadas damage my garden plants?

Cicadas feed by sucking fluids from plant stems. This can stunt or distort young seedlings, flowers, and vegetables. Protect plants with floating row covers or mesh cloches. Established shrubs and trees typically suffer little lasting harm from cicada feeding.

Conclusion

The mass emergence of periodical cicadas can be an eye-opening display of nature’s rhythms. While these large insects briefly present some nuisance and plant damage concerns for homeowners and gardeners, there are many effective strategies to limit negative impacts and protect landscapes. Await the cicadas’ arrival with awe for the remarkable living clockwork underlying their life cycle rather than dread. With some simple preparations, homes and gardens can weather the cicada “storm” this season and thrive once again when the bugs retreat underground. The time to ready protective measures is now before the 2023 Brood XIX makes its dramatic appearance above ground.

The Cicadas Are Coming: Here’s How to Protect Your Home and Garden

Cicadas are fascinating insects that emerge periodically in large numbers after spending years developing underground. While their sheer abundance and loud mating calls can present temporary nuisances, a bit of preparation and diligence can help protect homes, gardens, and landscapes from damage when cicada broods appear.

Why Do Cicadas Emerge in Cycles?

Cicadas have some of the longest insect life cycles, synchronized to prime numbers (13 or 17 years) to avoid overlapping broods.
Nymphs develop underground, feeding on tree roots for 13-17 years before emerging.
Mass emergences overwhelm predator populations allowing breeding to succeed.
Different broods emerge on staggered cycles in discrete regions of the eastern US.

How to Protect Trees and Landscape Plants

Prune and remove small diameter branches and twigs where females lay eggs.
Net valuable small trees to fully exclude egg laying.
Use reflective collars, tape, or grease on bark to deter climbing.
Apply horticultural oils to make trees less attractive for ovipositing.
Time new plantings to avoid damage to tender young plants.

Safeguarding Vegetable Gardens

Cover seed beds and new transplants with floating row cover.
Shield individual plants with mesh cloches or net sleeves.
Install spunbond garden fabric as physical barriers over beds.
Delay direct seeding tender plants until after initial emergence.
Pull weeds and clear plant debris that serve as egg laying sites.

Cicada-Proofing Your Home

Caulk and seal any small exterior openings they can enter through.
Screen vents, chimneys, and exterior fan openings.
Weatherstrip around windows/doors and install door sweeps.
Keep screens in good repair and use window A/C units when possible.
Limit use of exterior lights which attract them.
Promptly clear shells that accumulate on outdoor surfaces.

Coping with the Noise Nuisance

Spend more time indoors with windows shut to reduce exposure.
Mask the outdoor chorus with fans, A/C units, or ambient water features.
Avoid outdoor activities near dusk when singing peaks.
Use earplugs as needed when temporarily going outside.
Be patient! Their song wanes as numbers dwindle through summer.

Conclusion

With smart preparation and tolerance, periodic cicada emergences can be weathered without major headaches. Their unique life cycle is a wonder, not a crisis!