Ready or not, broods of northern cicadas have begun to awaken from their 17-year slumber, according to Chicago-area experts.
Cicadas began emerging about a week and a half ago, according to Morton Arboretum experts, and homeowners should prepare accordingly.
“They don’t have a sting, they don’t bite, they won’t harm people, but they can cause damage to small, vulnerable trees and shrubs,” plant pathologist Stephanie Adams said.
Adams said it’s young plants, two to three years old, that can be most vulnerable.
Additionally, smaller plants, with branches less than two inches in diameter, are at risk. They may not be able to recover from damage caused by female cicadas laying their eggs.
“This damage is caused when the female begins to lay eggs,” Adams explained. “It has a specialized organ that cuts plants, trees and shrubs and lays its eggs inside the thin bark.”
The Arboretum provided an example of how to protect your trees and shrubs. Experts advise purchasing tulle to use as a wrap and protective barrier.
Tulle is recommended because it is a breathable material that allows sunlight to penetrate the plant.
“You’re looking for netting that’s no more than a quarter of an inch in diameter, the more the cicadas can climb and defeats the purpose of protecting them,” said Spencer Campbell, director of Plant Clinic.
Homeowners are encouraged to begin protecting their plants as soon as possible and keep them wrapped until mid-June when emergence ends.
In the meantime, Arboretum experts said they would be busy studying the noisy insects.
“The science around cicadas is still emerging. You only get to study it every 17 years in this region,” Campbell said.
NBC Chicago
