Are Cicadas Bad For Plants

Cicadas, with their distinctive songs and periodic emergences, are a staple of summer in many parts of the world. While they may be a nuisance to some, their impact on plants is a topic of interest, especially for gardeners and environmentalists. The question of whether cicadas are bad for plants is multifaceted and depends on several factors, including the type of cicada, the plant species, and the stage of the cicada’s life cycle.

Life Cycle of Cicadas and Plant Interaction

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, feeding on roots of plants. This underground phase can last from a few years to several decades, depending on the species. When they emerge, they do so in large numbers, a phenomenon known as a “brood.” During their above-ground phase, adult cicadas do not eat but instead focus on mating. Females will lay eggs in slits they cut into tree branches, which can cause some damage, especially to younger or stressed trees.

Direct Damage to Plants

The primary direct damage that cicadas can cause to plants is during the egg-laying process. Female cicadas use their ovipositors to cut slits into tree branches to lay their eggs. This can cause:

• Physical Damage: The cutting of slits can weaken branches, making them more susceptible to breaking, especially under the weight of snow, ice, or strong winds.
• Disease Transmission: The cuts made by the cicadas can also serve as entry points for diseases and pests, further endangering the plant.

However, it’s worth noting that most healthy, mature trees can withstand the damage from cicada egg-laying without significant long-term harm. The real concern is usually for younger trees or those already stressed by disease, pests, or environmental factors.

Indirect Effects on Plants

While the direct damage from cicadas might be manageable for many plants, there are also indirect effects to consider:

• Root Feeding: The nymphs of cicadas feed on the roots of plants, which can weaken the plant over time, especially if the plant is already under stress. However, this effect is generally more significant in areas with high cicada densities and prolonged feeding periods.
• Altered Ecosystem Dynamics: Cicadas are an important food source for many animals, from birds to small mammals. A large emergence can affect local food chains, potentially altering ecosystem dynamics in complex ways that can indirectly affect plant life.

Mitigation Strategies

For gardeners and tree owners concerned about cicada damage, several strategies can help mitigate the impact:

• Plant Care: Keeping plants healthy and well-watered can help them better withstand cicada-related stress.
• Protection: For valuable or sensitive plants, covering them with fine mesh during cicada emergences can prevent egg-laying damage.
• Pruning: Removing damaged branches can help prevent disease spread and encourage healing.

Conclusion

While cicadas can cause damage to plants, especially during their egg-laying phase, the impact is usually manageable for healthy, mature trees. The key to mitigating cicada damage is understanding their life cycle and taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable plants. For most gardeners and environmentalists, the benefits of having cicadas as part of the ecosystem, including their role in the food chain and their unique place in nature, outweigh the potential drawbacks.

By understanding the lifecycle of cicadas and their interaction with plants, individuals can better prepare and protect their gardens and trees, ensuring that these natural events cause minimal disruption to the plant life they care about.