Will cicadas eat my garden? | MyStateline

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – With billions of cicadas expected to emerge this year in Illinois, you may be wondering if your yard will be safe from the approaching insect horde.

Two cicada broods, Brood XIX and Brood XIII, are expected to emerge this spring and summer in what is being called a rare occurrence.

Brood XIX emerges every 13 years, while Brood XIII emerges every 17 years.

The two broods have not emerged at the same time since 1803.

Scientists expect billions of insects to converge on the Midwest, with central Illinois being a particularly lively hotspot.

While adult cicadas do not usually eat plants, young cicadas can damage plants by choking on roots and branches.

USA Today he said that cicadas eat squash and lay their eggs in trees and other shrubs, adding that trees, ornamental trees, blueberries, grape vines and hard fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, oaks, maples, cherries, dogwoods and redbuds were the most. risk

According to Better Homes & Gardensyou can put up a physical barrier, like netting, to protect your plants.

The life cycle of cicadas lasts about six weeks, so you don’t need to keep your garden protected for long.

It is also recommended: do not throw away dead cicadas. Instead, you can use it as a fertilizer.