Although cicadas are something most of us have heard of, there are still a lot of misconceptions or misunderstandings of what it means when they finally emerge. Understanding their behavior can help us appreciate their role in our ecosystem and better prepare us for their appearance.
Are cicadas dangerous?
Cicadas do not pose any harm to humans or pets. They do not sting or bite, nor are they poisonous. The sheer volume of cicadas can be startling for some people, and their deafening noise can be a nuisance. Males “sing” to attract females, and the loud buzzing or chirping sounds of millions of cicadas can be intense, reaching up to 100 decibels or more.
Why do I see holes in the ground?
Cicadas leave exit tunnels when they emerge from the ground as adults. These exit tunnels, which are roughly the size of a dime, are created as they tunnel their way to the surface. Once the cicadas emerge from these tunnels, the holes remain as evidence of this emergence.
Do cicadas eat grass?
Cicadas do not typically eat grass, but they will feed on the sap of trees and woody shrubs by piercing the bark with their mouths. This sap provides them with the nutrients needed during their relatively short adult lifespan, which is focused on mating and laying eggs. However, you may find small holes or areas of your lawn where sod has been lifted and where raccoons, skunks, opossums, birds, and foxes have searched for cicadas that are in their younger nymph stage.
Do cicadas damage trees?
Yes, female cicadas can cause damage to trees when they make small incisions into small, thin branches, where they deposit their eggs. These incisions can weaken the branches, particularly in smaller or younger trees, while healthy adult trees should remain unharmed. The weight of the egg-laden branches may also cause young, thin trees to droop or break. These eggs will hatch after 6-10 weeks, where they will then drop to the ground before burrowing deeper to feed on tree roots.
Are they harmful to the environment?
No! In fact, cicadas play a positive role in local ecosystems. They serve as a significant food source for birds, small mammals, and even some humans who like to cook and eat cicadas. After cicadas die, their bodies break down and release nutrients into soil, which can stimulate plant growth and development. This is why the use of insecticides during this period is discouraged, especially as it would be ineffective due to the sheer volume of cicadas.
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