Cicada Bugs In The Garden: How They Affect Your Plants
Have you ever heard the loud buzzing sound of cicada bugs in your garden? These insects are a common sight during the warmer months of the year, but did you know that they could have a negative impact on your plants? In this article, we will explore the world of cicada bugs and how they affect your garden.
What Are Cicada Bugs?
Cicada bugs, also known as periodical cicadas, are insects that belong to the family Cicadidae. They are large insects that can grow up to 3 inches long with wingspans of up to 6 inches. Cicada bugs are known for their distinctive buzzing sound, which can be heard from a distance.
There are over 3,000 species of cicada bugs worldwide, but the most well-known species are the periodical cicadas that emerge every 13 or 17 years. These cicadas spend most of their lives underground, feeding on the sap of tree roots. When it's time for them to emerge, the nymphs crawl out of the ground and shed their exoskeletons to reveal their adult form.
How Do Cicada Bugs Affect Your Plants?
Cicada bugs do not directly harm your plants, but their feeding habits can cause damage. Adult cicadas use their sharp mouthparts to pierce the bark of trees and shrubs and feed on the sap. This can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease and other pests. Cicada bugs can also lay their eggs in the branches of trees, which can cause the branch to break under the weight of the developing larvae.
In addition to their feeding habits, cicada bugs can also create unsightly scars on the bark of trees and shrubs. These scars can remain visible for several years after the cicadas have left.
How Can You Control Cicada Bugs?
If you have a small garden, you can try to physically remove the cicada bugs by hand. This can be time-consuming and may not be effective if you have a large infestation. There are also insecticides that can be used to control cicada bugs, but these should be used with caution as they can harm beneficial insects as well.
An alternative method of controlling cicada bugs is to use netting to protect your plants from the bugs. This is especially effective for young trees and shrubs, which are more vulnerable to damage.
The Benefits of Cicada Bugs
Despite their potential to cause damage, cicada bugs also have some benefits. Their feeding habits can help to aerate the soil around trees and shrubs, which can improve the overall health of the plant. Cicada bugs are also an important food source for birds and other wildlife.
Furthermore, the emergence of periodical cicadas is an amazing natural phenomenon that occurs only once every 13 or 17 years. The synchronized emergence of billions of cicadas is an incredible spectacle that has fascinated scientists for centuries.
Now that you know more about cicada bugs and how they affect your garden, you can take steps to protect your plants from damage. Whether you choose to physically remove the bugs, use insecticides, or use netting to protect your plants, it's important to take action before the bugs cause too much damage.
Remember that while cicada bugs can be a nuisance, they also play an important role in the ecosystem. So the next time you hear the loud buzzing sound of cicada bugs in your garden, take a moment to appreciate these fascinating insects.
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