Quick Facts About Bush Cicadas for Homeowners

Bush cicadas are a common feature of many yards during the warm months. This article presents essential facts that homeowners should know to understand these insects and their behavior. It also provides practical steps that can help keep trees healthy and outdoor spaces comfortable during cicada activity.

What Bush Cicadas Are

Bush cicadas are insects in the order Hemiptera and in the family Cicadidae. These insects are known for their elaborate wing patterns and their distinctive airborne songs produced by male cicadas. The adult forms are relatively short lived in comparison with the long period spent underground as nymphs.

The above ground life stage is only a portion of a much longer life cycle. The nymphs live underground for several years and feed on root fluids. During the life cycle the insects undergo metamorphosis in which they shed their skins and emerge as winged adults. The species varies in size and coloration while sharing the same basic life history and ecological role.

The behavior of bush cicadas is closely tied to their host plants. Nymphs obtain nourishment from the xylem fluid of tree roots, and adults rely on trees and shrubs for food as well as for mating sites. The presence of healthy woody vegetation supports a robust cicada chorus and reduces the risk of localized plant stress during emergence.

Where Bush Cicadas Live and What They Need

Bush cicadas inhabit a wide range of landscapes that include forests, parks, and suburban yards with trees. They are most commonly found in areas that have a diversity of deciduous trees and shrubs. The distribution within a landscape depends on the availability of suitable host trees for feeding during the nymph stage and for oviposition by adults.

Healthy trees with adequate water and nutrient supply are favored by cicadas. These insects prefer mature trees that provide ample sap through their vascular systems. Areas with dense tree cover and moderate to high soil moisture tend to support larger cicada populations during emergence.

In urban and suburban settings, bush cicadas often appear in backyards that contain a mix of shade trees and ornamental plantings. They can also inhabit community green spaces and street plantings when large trees are present. The life cycle and activity patterns of bush cicadas are shaped by local climate conditions and by the phenology of the host trees.

Life Cycle and Timing

The life cycle of bush cicadas begins with nymphs living underground. These nymphs feed on root fluids and grow for several years while remaining hidden from view. The underground period ends when weather conditions are favorable and the nymphs emerge as winged adults.

Emergence occurs during a defined window that is tied to temperature. Warm days and nights trigger the young adults to crawl from the soil and molt into winged insects. The above ground phase is relatively short in comparison with the subterranean period and it serves to accomplish mating and reproduction.

After the adults reach maturity they take part in mating and egg laying. The females insert eggs into plant tissue while the males produce songs to attract mates. The reproductive cycle completes when the eggs hatch and the newly formed nymphs drop to the soil to begin the underground phase again.

The timing of emergence varies by region and by local climate patterns. In some areas cicadas appear in noticeable waves across several weeks. In other places a more continuous but less dense presence may occur during the warmer portion of the year. The timing is influenced by soil temperature, moisture availability, and the health of host trees.

The Sound and Its Significance

Male bush cicadas produce sound using a mechanism called a tymbal. The tymbal is a ribbed membrane that can be flexed rapidly to create a loud acoustic signal. The sound serves as a mating call and is a key feature of cicada behavior during the breeding season.

The calls function as communication signals that help males attract females and establish territories. The volume and pitch of the call vary by species and by ambient temperature. The chorus that results from many cicadas calling together can fill an area with sound during the heat of the day.

The acoustic activity has ecological significance beyond the individual insect. The mating calls influence the timing of reproduction and also contribute to the complex interactions within the plant and animal communities in a landscape. The loudness of the calls does not indicate a danger to humans and the sound is a natural phenomenon associated with annual or multi year cycles.

Impact on Plants and Home Structures

Cicadas feed on sap from trees and shrubs as part of their normal biological process. The feeding is usually light for mature trees, but heavy feeding on young trees can cause some stress that may appear as twig dieback or slowed growth. In most healthy landscapes the stress is temporary and the trees recover after the cicada wave passes.

The presence of cicadas also results in the shedding of skins as the insects molt to the winged adult form. These exuviae can accumulate on branches, fences, and patios. The mass presence of excreta and shed skins can create a noticeable level of outdoor mess during peak activity. The accumulation is typically a cosmetic issue rather than a fundamental threat to plant or structural integrity.

Despite the volume and duration of cicada activity, the overall impact on well maintained trees is generally modest. Trees that are under severe drought stress or that already carry significant health problems may experience greater stress during cicada episodes. In such cases arborists may advise mitigation strategies focused on improving tree vigor to minimize risk.

Common Misconceptions

A number of myths have arisen around bush cicadas and their behavior. One common misconception is that cicadas bite humans. In reality cicadas do not bite people during their above ground phase and pose little risk to human skin or health.

Another frequent misunderstanding concerns crop damage. Cicadas do not feed on field crops or grains in a way that leads to widespread agricultural losses. Their feeding primarily targets trees and shrubs and their effect on crops is generally not a direct contributing factor to crop failure.

Some observers confuse bush cicadas with locusts. Locusts display markedly different migration patterns and feeding regimes. Cicadas are sap feeders and do not migrate in large swarms with the same ecological and agricultural implications as locusts.

Practical Measures for Homeowners

Understanding what to expect during a cicada emergence helps homeowners plan outdoor activities and maintain aesthetic value in their landscapes. The central goal is to support tree health and minimize nuisance while avoiding unnecessary chemical interventions that may disrupt local ecosystems.

The practical approach emphasizes observation and proactive care rather than broad pesticide usage. Healthy trees that receive proper water and nutrition during stress periods are less susceptible to damage from cicada feeding. Maintaining a diverse landscape with adequate irrigation can contribute to overall resilience during an emergence.

Homeowners can also manage the visible aspects of cicada activity. Cleaning up exuviae from decks and walkways reduces mess and makes outdoor spaces more enjoyable during the peak period. After the season ends, pruning away dead or weak limbs can help promote continued tree vigor and reduce potential structural risk.

The following actions are recommended to guide homeowners through cicada activity. It is important to implement these steps with patience and in consideration of personal outdoor preferences and local conditions.

Recommended Actions for Homeowners

• Do not spray broad spectrum insecticides during the peak emergence period unless a licensed professional recommends the treatment.

• Preserve overall tree health by providing adequate irrigation during dry periods and by applying mulch in a shallow ring around the base of trees.

• Clean up shed skins and debris from patios, sidewalks, and driveways to keep outdoor spaces clean and to reduce visual distraction.

• Monitor trees for signs of distress and seek advice from an arborist if you observe persistent wilting, unusual leaf loss, or cracking bark.

• Plan outdoor activities with an understanding of the time frame for cicada activity so that children and pets are not kept indoors for unnecessarily long periods.

• Consider long term landscape strategies that focus on tree vigor, soil quality, and proper pruning practices to maintain robust hosts for cicadas and other wildlife.

• Limit the use of chemical controls to circumstances where professional guidance indicates a clear and documented need.

Conclusion

Bush cicadas provide a natural and fascinating example of insect life cycles and ecological interactions in suburban landscapes. Homeowners benefit from understanding the general biology, the conditions that favor cicada activity, and the practical steps that support tree health and landscape aesthetics. By focusing on plant vitality and informed observation, homeowners can enjoy cicada seasons while maintaining healthy and resilient trees and outdoor spaces.