Best Methods for Controlling Cherry Nose Cicadas

Cherry Nose Cicadas, often referred to simply as cicadas, are a common pest that can cause significant damage to fruit trees, particularly cherry trees. These insects are known for their distinctive red “nose” or markings and their loud, persistent mating calls. While cicadas play an essential role in the ecosystem, their presence can be problematic for orchard owners and gardeners who want to protect their crops. Effective control of Cherry Nose Cicadas requires a combination of cultural practices, biological control, and sometimes chemical treatments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the best methods for controlling Cherry Nose Cicadas.

Understanding Cherry Nose Cicadas

Before diving into control methods, it’s critical to understand the biology and behavior of Cherry Nose Cicadas. These insects have a life cycle that includes several years underground as nymphs feeding on root sap before emerging en masse to mate and lay eggs on tree branches.

Life Cycle Highlights:

• Nymph Stage: Lasts between 2 to 5 years underground.
• Emergence: Adults emerge in large numbers during late spring or early summer.
• Mating and Egg Laying: Females lay eggs in tree branches, which can cause branch dieback.
• Adult Lifespan: Adults live for about 4 to 6 weeks above ground.

The damage caused by cicada egg-laying is particularly detrimental to young cherry trees or those with thin branches. Controlling cicada populations before they lay eggs helps minimize tree damage.

Cultural Control Methods

Cultural controls focus on altering the environment or tree management techniques to reduce cicada impacts.

1. Timing Pruning Activities

Avoid heavy pruning of cherry trees during peak cicada emergence periods. Freshly cut branches attract females looking for suitable sites to lay eggs, increasing damage. Instead, prune trees well before or after the cicada flight season.

2. Physical Barriers

Using fine mesh netting or row covers can prevent adult cicadas from reaching tree branches during their active period. This method is especially useful for young or high-value trees.

• Ensure the mesh size is small enough (less than 1/8 inch) to keep cicadas out.
• Secure the barriers tightly around the tree canopy and base.
• Remove covers once the cicada flight period ends to allow pollination and normal growth.

3. Maintaining Tree Health

Healthy trees are better able to withstand cicada damage. Regular watering, fertilization, and mulching improve tree vigor and resilience against stress caused by egg laying and feeding.

4. Removing Egg-Laden Branches

Inspect trees during and after cicada emergence for twig dieback or scarring from egg deposition. Prune out affected branches and dispose of them properly to reduce cicada population buildup.

Biological Control Methods

Promoting natural predators and environmental balance helps keep Cherry Nose Cicada populations in check with minimal chemical use.

1. Encourage Bird Populations

Birds such as blue jays, crows, and woodpeckers feed extensively on adult cicadas during emergence periods. Attracting these birds with feeders, birdhouses, and water sources can enhance natural predation.

2. Introduce Beneficial Insects

Certain parasitic wasps and predatory beetles also prey on cicada eggs and nymphs underground or during adult stages. While not commercially available everywhere, fostering habitat diversity encourages these beneficial insects.

3. Utilize Nematodes

Entomopathogenic nematodes (microscopic roundworms) target soil-dwelling insect larvae including cicada nymphs. Applying nematodes to orchard soil before adult emergence can reduce nymph survival rates.

• Apply nematodes in moist soil conditions for maximum effectiveness.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines on application rates and timing.

Chemical Control Methods

Chemical treatments should be used judiciously as they may harm beneficial insects and pollinators if not applied carefully.

1. Insecticidal Sprays

Several insecticides can reduce adult cicada populations if applied at the right time:

• Pyrethroids: These synthetic insecticides act quickly but must be used with caution due to toxicity risks.
• Neem oil: A natural insecticide that disrupts insect growth and feeding with lower toxicity.
• Imidacloprid: A systemic insecticide effective against sap-feeding insects but should be used carefully due to potential impact on bees.

Application Tips:

• Spray during early adult emergence before egg-laying starts.
• Target the undersides of leaves and young branches where adults tend to congregate.
• Avoid spraying during bloom periods to protect pollinators.
• Follow all label instructions for dosage and safety precautions.

2. Soil Treatments

Some systemic insecticides can be applied as soil drenches or injections around the base of trees to target underground nymphs:

• These treatments may take time (weeks) to move through the tree system.
• Use only when necessary due to potential environmental impacts.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategy

Combining multiple control approaches into an integrated pest management program is the most sustainable way to manage Cherry Nose Cicadas effectively.

Steps for an Effective IPM Plan:

1. Monitoring
2. Track cicada emergence using local extension service forecasts.

3. Regularly inspect trees for early signs of damage or egg-laying scars.

4. Prevention

5. Use physical barriers on young trees.

6. Maintain tree health through proper care.

7. Biological Enhancement
8. Encourage natural predators with habitat improvements.

9. Apply biological agents like nematodes when appropriate.

10. Targeted Chemical Use

11. Apply insecticides only when monitoring indicates high risk.

12. Use selective products with minimal non-target effects.

13. Post-Emergence Cleanup

14. Prune damaged branches after egg-laying ends.
15. Dispose of clippings away from orchards to prevent reinfestation.

Additional Tips for Orchard Owners

• Diversify Plantings: Mixed plantings with other fruit or ornamental species can reduce overall cicada attraction compared to monocultures.
• Community Coordination: Cicada populations often affect wide areas; working with neighbors on control efforts improves success.
• Stay Informed: Local agricultural extensions provide valuable updates on expected cicada emergences and recommended control measures each year.

Conclusion

Controlling Cherry Nose Cicadas requires a thoughtful blend of cultural practices, biological controls, and carefully timed chemical applications. By understanding their life cycle and habits, orchard managers can implement strategies that minimize damage while preserving ecosystem health. Employing an Integrated Pest Management approach ensures sustainable long-term protection of cherry trees from this challenging pest, enabling growers to maintain healthy crops year after year.