The question of whether brown cicadas pose harm to plants and to wooden structures is a common concern for gardeners and homeowners. This article examines the true nature of these insects and the risks they present. It also offers guidance on recognizing damage and preventing problems before they arise.
Brown cicadas are a type of sap feeding insect that emerges in large numbers during seasonal cycles. By understanding their life style and feeding habits the risk they pose can be assessed more accurately. This article lays out the facts in clear terms and provides practical steps for management.
Overview of Brown Cicadas
Brown cicadas are insects that belong to a family within the order hemiptera. They spend part of their life underground as nymphs and feed on the sap of plant roots. Adults emerge for a brief period in warm weather and feed on tree sap using specialized mouth parts.
In general these insects are not aggressive toward humans. They do not bite people and they do not bore into solid wood structures. Their presence is mostly noticeable as a mass emergence which can be loud and dramatic but not usually destructive to established wood or to mature trees.
Life Cycle and Feeding Habits
The life cycle begins when eggs are laid by females in small twigs and branches. The nymphs hatch and drop to the soil where they spend several seasons feeding on root sap. This subterranean feeding supports their development until emergence into the above ground environment.
The adult cicadas feed on sap as well but their diet does not consist of consuming wood fibers. They use their beak like mouth parts to pierce the bark and withdraw sap from living tissues. Their feeding activity can cause small surface wounds on certain hosts but the overall impact on a mature plant is generally minimal.
Impact on Plant Health
On established trees and most shrubs cicada feeding does not cause severe or lasting harm. The amount of sap removed by adults is relatively small for a large plant. A healthy tree has sufficient reserves to tolerate the normal feeding activity of adult cicadas without long term stress.
In cases of very dense populations the stress on juvenile trees and newly planted stock can be more noticeable. Young trees with limited root systems or weak vigor may experience reduced growth during a large emergent period. In rare situations repeated years of attacks can contribute to twig dieback in small ornamental plants.
Damage to Wood and Structures
Cicadas do not bore into wood nor do they eat structural timber. They do not create tunnels inside walls or foundations. Therefore they do not pose a direct threat to the integrity of houses and most wooden structures.
The most visible interaction with wood is the renewal of old skins and shell casings on tree trunks and on fences or other outdoor wood items. This is a cosmetic issue rather than an indicator of structural damage. In some cases heavy season outcomes can coincide with temporary staining on wood surfaces due to sap staining, but this is not a lasting problem for the wood itself.
Ecosystem Roles and Benefits
Cicadas play an important role in ecosystems as a food source for many predators including birds and small mammals. Their emergence provides a pulse of nutrients that enriches the local environment as bodies decompose and become available to soil organisms. This ecological function can in fact benefit the general health of a garden or landscape over time.
The presence of cicadas also stimulates natural cycles of growth and regeneration in some plant communities. While this does not directly enhance plant health in every case, a balanced ecosystem often shows resilience when cicadas appear in moderate numbers. The cumulative effect is usually beneficial rather than harmful.
Common Misconceptions
A common belief is that brown cicadas destroy trees during every emergence. This is not accurate for most established trees and shrubs. The reality is that only a minority of trees in harsh conditions experience significant stress from cicada feeding.
Another misconception is that cicadas threaten wood structures. In truth they do not bore into or undermine structural materials. The storm of activity around emergence may be alarming but the structural integrity of buildings and other wooden items is not compromised by cicadas.
Management and Prevention
Managing cicada activity focuses on reducing stress on vulnerable plants and protecting small ornamentals. It is helpful to plan for emergent periods by supporting plant vigor and by using practical protective measures as needed. The following guidance provides a solid framework for action.
Healthy plants are the best defense against cicada related stress. Water during dry periods and maintain even soil moisture particularly for young trees and shrubs. Avoid excessive pruning that can create fresh growth during the active emergence window because new growth can be more attractive to feeding insects.
Practical measures to reduce risk
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Inspect trees for damaged or weakened branches and prune out damaged twigs during the dormant season
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Choose tree species and varieties with strong wood and good overall vigor for high risk sites
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Protect small fruit trees and ornamental plants with lightweight mesh netting during peak emergence periods
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Remove and dispose of insect shells and any broken branches promptly to reduce cosmetic mess
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Ensure adequate soil moisture and avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization during the lead up to an emergence
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Encourage natural predators such as birds by providing appropriate habitat while avoiding aggressive control measures
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Clean and seal gaps around exterior wood from previous years to minimize potential cosmetic staining
Conclusion
Brown cicadas are generally not harmful to mature plants or to wood structures in most landscapes. Their most notable impact tends to be cosmetic and limited to young or stressed plants during very dense emergences. Understanding their life cycle and feeding habits helps homeowners and gardeners respond in an informed and practical manner.
By focusing on plant vigor, selective pruning, and modest protective measures during peak periods, most landscapes can tolerate cicada activity without lasting damage. The ecological benefits these insects provide also contribute to a balanced ecosystem. With informed management there is no need to fear these annual visitors.
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