The 17 year Cicadas are coming!!
Brood XIV (14)
Woohoo! In the last emergence in 2008, Soares Flower Garden Nursery was a hot spot for cicadas! It was a sight and sound to behold! At Soares Nursery we are embracing this once every 17-year event as a chance to experience one of nature’s phenomena. Last chance to see them until 2042! We are working with U MASS entomologists to record data for the emergence, and will be a reporting area as the activity starts. We are also working with Russ Norton of the Cape Cod Extension Service to help monitor soil temperatures and track the emergence. We will be have activities, lectures, Cicada information and door prizes. Come join the fun!
CICADA FUN FACTS:
• First recorded by European settlers in 1634.
• Host Plants (all trees) include Oak (their favorite), but they also enjoy Apple, Birch, Black Locust, Dogwood, Hickory and Maple.
• Brood XIV will emerge in regions from KY, GA, IN, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV and MA. Cape Cod has the distinction of being the predominant emergence point in all of MA. They are found in no other country in the world, and we are at the northernmost limit of their range.
• In MA Magicicada septendecim is the primary species that will emerge from Mid-May through Mid-June.
• There have been reports in previous emergences of 12,000 to 1.5 million cicadas emerging per acre.
• They are a feast for predators! Cicadas provide an abundance of food for birds, rodents, coyotes, ants, beetles, raccoons, squirrels and turtles. More food = more babies born!
• Birds will eat cicadas rather than caterpillars. Caterpillar density increases dramatically after emergences. Bird populations also increase. After the emergence in 2008, Turkey populations increased by 95%
• Males make the most noise – they are one of the loudest in the insect world ranking at 80-120 Decibels. For reference: Traffic is 80 decibels, and a rock concert is 120 decibels. We will provide ear plugs! The noise is loudest during the day when it is warm.
• They can be eaten fried – but don’t try if you are allergic to shellfish!
• When they die, they enrich the soil with nutrients as they decompose.
What to do if your yard is part of the emergence?
• Mature Trees are not affected, except for the tips of branches where the cicadas make a small cut to lay their eggs. Some research suggests that cicadas are natural pruners for mature trees.
• Young trees (3-5 years old) might need to have protective netting placed over them to avoid excessive tip damage. Regular bird netting will not work – the mesh needs to be smaller.
• They rarely lay eggs in shrubs. Perennials and annuals are not affected.
• There is no need to spray! It is not effective and would harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
• They don’t bite! They just fly around and bump into you – just swat them away!
• Your pets are safe – just don’t let them eat too many!