Cicada Bugs In The Garden: Understanding These Noisy Insects
When summertime arrives, gardens and backyards become a hub of activity for various insects. One insect that stands out due to its noise is the cicada bug. Cicadas are known for their loud mating calls that can be heard from a distance. However, cicadas are more than just noisy insects. In this article, we will explore these fascinating bugs and their role in the garden.
What Are Cicada Bugs?
Cicada bugs are large insects that belong to the family Cicadidae. They are most commonly found in warm climates and can often be heard making their loud calls during the summer months. Cicadas have a unique life cycle that spans several years, with some species only emerging once every 17 years.
There are over 3,000 species of cicadas worldwide, with many of them found in North America. These insects have a distinctive appearance, with large wings, bulging eyes, and a long abdomen. Cicadas are also known for their vibrant colors, with many species featuring shades of green, brown, and black.
The Life Cycle of Cicada Bugs
Cicadas have a complex life cycle that involves several stages, including egg, nymph, and adult. The female cicada lays her eggs in the bark of trees, where they hatch into small, wingless nymphs. The nymphs then burrow into the soil, where they spend several years feeding on the sap of tree roots.
After several years, the nymphs emerge from the soil as adults. The male cicada then begins calling out to attract a mate, using its loud buzzing sound. Once the female has been successfully fertilized, she lays her eggs, and the life cycle begins again.
The Role of Cicada Bugs in the Garden
Cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem, particularly in the garden. As nymphs, cicadas feed on the sap of tree roots, which helps to aerate the soil. When they emerge as adults, cicadas continue to contribute to the garden by feeding on plant sap, which can help to control pest populations.
However, cicadas can also cause damage to young trees and shrubs. Female cicadas lay their eggs in the bark of trees, which can cause damage to the bark and leave trees susceptible to disease and other pests. In addition, cicadas can cause damage to crops, particularly fruit trees.
Controlling Cicada Bugs in the Garden
If you live in an area with a high population of cicadas, it's important to take steps to control these insects in your garden. Some methods for controlling cicadas include:
- Applying insecticides to young trees and shrubs to prevent cicada damage
- Using physical barriers, such as netting, to protect plants from cicada damage
- Removing adult cicadas from plants using a handheld vacuum or sticky traps
It's important to note that while cicadas can be a nuisance in the garden, they are an important part of the ecosystem. Before taking steps to control cicada populations, it's important to consider the potential impact on the environment.
Cicada bugs may be noisy and sometimes destructive, but they play an important role in the garden and the ecosystem as a whole. By understanding the life cycle and behavior of cicadas, we can learn to appreciate these insects and work to control their populations without causing harm to the environment.
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