Managing Annual Cicada Damage

Cicadas are well known for their distinctive sound and periodic mass emergences. They spend most of their lives underground feeding on tree roots and then emerge as adults. Their life cycle is short, but they spend that time repopulating. Although they’re periodic nuisances, their presence is not just a seasonal issue, it can lead to significant damage to your clients’ trees and shrubs. Cicadas can increase the susceptibility to diseases, along with a variety of other issues. As a business owner, it is essential to understand the damage they cause to prevent long-term costs and to keep your clients happy. 

Types Of Damage Caused

The primary damage caused by cicadas is from laying eggs. Female cicadas cut slits into the bark of twigs and branches to lay their eggs. This can result in significant stress to the host plant. Younger plants generally are targeted more than older ones because their wood is softer. There are several signs of damage to determine whether you might be dealing with cicadas. 

• Flagging is the most noticeable sign of damage. It occurs when the tips of branches turn brown and die. The weakening of these branches is from the slits made by female cicadas.
   
• Stunted growth can also occur from cicada damage. Young trees especially are vulnerable due to their tender branches. 
   
• A higher disease susceptibility is another side effect of cicada damage. The wounds from egg laying can create entry points for pathogens. 

Cicadas are found across most of North America. The two most susceptible regions are the East and Midwest, however, they can survive in a wide variety of climates. They usually start to appear during the warmer months.

Prevention Measures and Strategies

Effective management is crucial for prevention and for post-emergence care. 

• Extra precaution around trees under three years old during peak cicada activity can prevent females from laying eggs. The best way to protect these young trees is by using physical barriers like netting or nylon tulle fabric to protect woody plant material with twigs around ¼ an inch in size. Once you stop hearing cicadas you can remove the barriers. 
   
• Branch tips that have been damaged will need tip pruning to lower, or secondary undamaged buds. This should be performed within 4-6 weeks of egg laying to minimize nymphs hatching and embedding in the soil below. For entire branches that have been damaged, pruning lateral branches during colder seasons will help preserve the viability of food stores.
   
• Insecticides are best for widespread infestations or to protect high-value trees. They can help tackle larger areas, just be sure to stop using them when you hear less singing. 
   
• Planting high-value trees or shrubs is best saved for after cicadas are estimated to emerge. If planting cannot be rescheduled, plant to install a physical barrier to protect clients' investment.

It is important to practice these strategies especially if your clients have younger trees. More mature trees can withstand and recover from cicada damage. Understanding the life cycle and annual impact cicadas inflict will help you protect your customers’ vegetation. 

Dig In with SiteOne

Local branch associates are available to help answer questions you may have about cicadas and other pest control. Shop 24/7/365 on SiteOne.com and the SiteOne mobile app.