Do Cicadas Devour Your Garden Produce?

Have you ever wondered if those noisy, periodic visitors, cicadas, pose a threat to your garden's crops? As they emerge en masse, it's natural to worry about potential damage. But do cicadas really eat garden crops, and if so, which ones?

Cicadas are fascinating creatures that spend most of their lives underground, feeding on sap from plant roots. However, when they emerge as adults, their diet shifts to a more varied menu. So, let's delve into their feeding habits and explore the potential impact on your garden.

Cicada Feeding Habits

Adult cicadas primarily feed on the sap of tree branches and twigs. They use their strong, piercing mouthparts to create a small hole, called a "window," in the plant tissue. Through this window, they suck out the sap, which provides them with the energy they need to reproduce.

While cicadas prefer trees, they may also feed on large shrubs and even some garden crops under certain circumstances. However, it's essential to understand that their primary goal is to mate and lay eggs, not to ravage your garden.

Crops Attractive to Cicadas

Cicadas are more likely to feed on certain crops than others. They tend to prefer plants that are stressed, weak, or have already been damaged. Some of the crops that may attract cicadas include:

• Fruiting trees, such as apple, cherry, and plum
• Vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and melons
• Ornamental trees and shrubs with small leaves

Cicadas may also be drawn to crops that are growing near their preferred host trees. For example, if you have a vegetable garden near a stand of trees where cicadas are emerging, you might see some activity in your garden.

Cicada Damage to Crops

While cicadas can feed on a variety of plants, the damage they cause is typically minimal. The small holes they create to access sap are usually not enough to significantly harm mature plants. However, young plants or those already under stress may be more susceptible to damage.

In most cases, the primary concern with cicadas is their noise and the potential for their shed exoskeletons to accumulate on plants, which can be unsightly but not harmful. Moreover, cicadas play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food for birds and other predators.

Managing Cicadas in the Garden

If you're concerned about cicadas in your garden, there are a few steps you can take to minimize their impact:

1. **Maintain Plant Health:** Keep your plants healthy and well-watered to reduce their susceptibility to cicada feeding.

2. **Physical Barriers:** You can use netting or row covers to protect young plants or vulnerable crops from cicadas.

3. **Attract Natural Predators:** Encourage birds and other predators to visit your garden by providing shelter and food sources. They will help keep cicada populations in check.

In conclusion, while cicadas may feed on garden crops, the damage they cause is usually minimal. By understanding their feeding habits and taking a few simple precautions, you can coexist with these fascinating creatures and still enjoy a bountiful harvest. Embrace the symphony of their song as a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem that thrives in your garden.