Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NOPE. It's CICADAS... by the hundreds of thousands.
If you haven't heard all the "buzz" about these noisy insects through social media or the news, this will be an interesting read for you.
All across the Midwest United States, these interesting insects are making their big debut, but with a twist.
If you've never encountered a live cicada, perhaps you've heard them in the trees, or seen their exoskeletons... just hanging about like yesterday's dirty laundry.
What's the twist you're wondering?
For the first time, since 1803, there will be two different broods emerging AT THE SAME TIME. Brood XIII and Brood XIX. Each species has a specific number of years they spend underground, thirteen and seventeen years to be exact. After 2024, Brood XIII and Brood XIX cicadas won’t sync up their emergences again for another 221 years. These types of cicadas are periodical insects that spend most of their lives underground feeding on tree roots (https://nbcnews.to/3K9EhSX).
What does this mean for the trees in your backyard?
During their year emerged, they feast on tree leaves, tree sap and most importantly, the "fleshy" parts of the tree, the xylem. This fact is crucial because the xylem carries water and nutrients to the rest of the tree. Damaged or exposed xylem of a tree can prevent nutrients from properly getting to the tree. Exposed sections also leave the tree vulnerable to diseases or further infestation of other pests. One or two cicadas are not an issue, but hundreds or thousands with two brood types emerging at the end of May could be.
Don't panic. This apocalyptic event is not a "death sentence" to your trees, but something to be cautious about. Tree disease and infestation happens, but the beauty about it is... it's preventable. Here at Cleveland Tree & Stump, we are taking extra precautions when trimming non-dormant species of tree in your yard this summer. Each tree trimmed and pruned will be treated with pruner sealer to ensure maximum protection during the cicadas' one year stay. Pruner sealing is only used in specific situations where a tree's health is at risk of infestation. This method limits the amount of sap from the cut in the tree, almost like a bandaid on a bleeding wound. It also acts as a deterrent to any pests looking to make your backyard oasis their next snack.
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