Prepare for the arrival of the 'Bourbon Brood' of seventeen-year cicadas, with Kentucky serving as their epicenter.
In the heart of spring, a unique natural phenomenon is about to unfold in Kentucky - the emergence of the Bourbon Brood of periodical cicadas. This event, primarily occurring in central and eastern Kentucky, has been designated as such by the University of Kentucky.
Characterized by their red eyes and loud singing, these cicadas are harmless to humans, pets, and wildlife, as they do not bite or sting. However, their emergence from the soil to molt into their flying, adult form, usually happening in late April to early May, can have an impact on trees and shrubs.
Periodical cicada nymphs, living in the soil, feed on the sap of tree roots. This feeding activity can potentially impact the tree's root system, especially for young, tender trees or shrubs. Female cicadas bore their ovipositor into these branches to deposit eggs, a process that can cause branches to snap, which may not be beneficial for a growing tree. A fallen branch due to egg laying provides a shorter journey for the hatching nymphs from egg to soil.
Heavy populations of periodical cicada nymphs in the soil may lead to increased feeding activity by predatory animals, but it will not immediately boost their population in high-emergence areas. On the contrary, local wildlife such as snakes, foxes, and turkeys will benefit from the extra protein provided by the cicadas.
To prevent tree and shrub damage, the safest and most effective method is by using cicada netting. This netting prevents females from laying their eggs, thereby protecting the trees. Cicada netting should be installed when the cicadas begin to sing, about mid-May for most of the area. Trees that are established in the landscape - too tall to net for most people - will grow throughout the egg-laying period.
While using insecticides is less costly, they are not the safest or most effective way to prevent tree and shrub damage. In fact, insecticides may harm other beneficial insects and the environment.
So, as the Bourbon Brood of periodical cicadas emerges this spring, homeowners with smaller trees such as oak, apple, arborvitae, ash, beech, berry and grape vines, crab apple, cherry, dogwood, hickory, holly, maple, lilacs, magnolia, peach, pear, rose bushes, spirea and willows may want to consider using cicada netting to protect their trees. Enjoy the spectacle of nature while ensuring the health of your garden!
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