Tips for Minimizing Property Damage During 13-Year Periodical Cicada Swarms

Every 13 years, a fascinating natural phenomenon takes place in parts of North America: the emergence of the 13-year periodical cicadas. These insects appear in massive numbers, creating a loud chorus of buzzing and filling trees and shrubs with their presence. While cicadas themselves do not bite or sting, their sheer numbers and behaviors can lead to notable property damage, especially to young trees, garden plants, and wooden structures.

If you live in an area expecting a 13-year cicada emergence, it’s important to prepare your property to minimize damage during this event. This article will provide detailed tips and strategies to help you protect your landscape and property through the cicada swarm period.

Understanding 13-Year Periodical Cicadas

Before diving into prevention tips, it helps to understand why these cicadas emerge and how they impact property.

• Life Cycle: Periodical cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on sap from tree roots. After 13 years, they emerge in synchronized broods.
• Emergence: Once above ground, adults climb trees and shrubs to molt into winged adults. After mating, females lay eggs by cutting slits into small twigs.
• Damage Mechanism: The primary damage comes from females laying eggs in tree branches. The egg-laying process can cause twigs to split or “flag,” hurting young or small-diameter branches and sometimes leading to limb dieback.
• Duration: The active emergence period lasts about 4-6 weeks before the adults die off.

Understanding this cycle is key to controlling the impact on your property.

Tips for Minimizing Property Damage

1. Protect Young Trees and Shrubs

Young trees (less than 3 inches in diameter) are the most vulnerable during cicada emergence.

• Use Fine Mesh Netting: Drape lightweight netting with mesh smaller than 1/2 inch over young trees and shrubs before cicadas emerge. Secure the edges tightly around the base to prevent cicadas from getting underneath.
• Timing: Install netting a few days before expected emergence based on local news or extension service updates.
• Duration: Keep netting in place throughout the emergence period (typically 4-6 weeks) then remove after most cicadas have died off.
• Avoid Damage While Installing: Handle plants gently when covering them so you don’t cause stress that could weaken branches.

2. Prune Vulnerable Branches Before Emergence

Pruning can reduce egg-laying sites and improve overall plant health.

• Remove Small Diameter Twigs: Look for branches less than 1/2 inch thick where females usually lay eggs. Cutting these back before cicadas arrive limits potential damage.
• Proper Timing of Pruning: Prune late winter or early spring before cicada emergence but after risk of frost has passed.
• Clean Cuts: Use sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts that heal quickly.
• Dispose of Pruned Material: Remove pruned twigs promptly as they may still attract egg-laying if left on site.

3. Water and Fertilize Trees Before Swarm

Healthy trees are more resilient against cicada damage.

• Deep Watering: Provide consistent deep watering during dry spells leading up to emergence to keep trees hydrated.
• Balanced Fertilization: Apply slow-release fertilizer formulated for your specific tree species in early spring.
• Mulch Application: Add organic mulch around tree bases (but not touching trunks) to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

4. Avoid Pesticides Unless Absolutely Necessary

Cicadas are not harmful pests in the conventional sense; spraying pesticides generally does more harm than good.

• Limited Effectiveness: Most insecticides do not work well against adult cicadas due to their brief active period.
• Environmental Impact: Pesticides can kill beneficial insects like pollinators and disrupt ecosystems.
• Alternatives Preferred: Focus on physical barriers like netting instead of chemicals.

5. Protect Wooden Outdoor Structures

While cicadas do not eat wood, their activity can still indirectly affect outdoor structures.

• Inspect Wooden Fencing and Decks: Check for existing weak spots or cracks where water or debris might collect.
• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Use exterior-grade caulk or sealant to close openings where cicadas could enter or cause concentrated debris buildup.
• Regular Cleaning: Remove fallen twigs and debris regularly during swarm season to maintain clean surfaces.

6. Manage Noise Impact

Though noise doesn’t cause physical damage, it affects comfort levels at home during emergences.

• Soundproofing Windows: Install weather stripping or double-pane windows if possible.
• Outdoor Activities Scheduling: Plan outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon when cicada activity diminishes.
• White Noise Machines: Use white noise indoors to mask loud buzzing sounds for better sleep quality.

7. Prepare Your Garden

Vegetable gardens and ornamental plants may also be affected by large numbers of cicadas moving through the area.

• Temporary Covers for Garden Beds: Use row covers or garden fabric over beds to shield plants during peak emergence weeks.
• Support Fragile Plants: Stake tall or delicate plants that might get knocked by swarming insects.
• Remove Excess Leaf Litter: Clear away old leaves where cicada nymphs may hide or where eggs could fall.

8. Educate Neighbors and Coordinate Efforts

Cicadas affect neighborhoods collectively; coordinated efforts can amplify protection results.

• Share Information About Timing: Coordinate installation of protective netting among neighbors so cicadas don’t just move from one yard to another.
• Community Clean-Up Days: Organize events for pruning dead branches or clearing debris after swarm ends.
• Engage Local Extension Services: Many state universities offer resources specific to regional cicada broods with best practices tailored locally.

What If Your Trees Are Damaged?

Despite best efforts, some damage may occur. Here’s how to handle it:

1. Prune Flagged Branches After Emergence
   Cut off damaged twigs showing splitting or dieback once adult cicadas are gone. This prevents secondary infections or pests from settling in wounds.

2. Monitor Tree Health
   Keep an eye on affected plants through the growing season for signs of stress such as wilting leaves, discoloration, or pest infestations.

3. Consult an Arborist if Needed
   If major limbs are damaged or overall tree health declines significantly, hire a certified arborist for professional assessment and care recommendations.

Final Thoughts

While the arrival of 13-year periodical cicada swarms is a spectacular natural event that connects us with nature’s rhythms, it can be a stressful time for property owners concerned about landscape damage. Fortunately, using proactive protective measures such as netting young trees, pruning vulnerable branches ahead of time, maintaining healthy plants through watering and fertilization, and avoiding unnecessary pesticides can significantly reduce property damage risk.

By preparing early and coordinating community efforts, you can enjoy witnessing this rare natural spectacle while keeping your property safe and thriving until the next emergence cycle decades later!

Sources:
University Extension Services | State Department of Agriculture | Arboriculture Best Practices