Periodical cicadas are iconic insects known for their loud calls, shedding, and periodical broods that emerge every 13 or 17 years. They are about 1.5 inches long and have dark bodies, orange-veined wings, and red eyes. The most common cicada species in Massachusetts is the “dog day” cicada, which emerges in the hottest months. Dog day cicadas are green and larger than most periodical cicadas.
In 2025, Massachusetts will be one of 12 states in the U.S. that will see Brood XIV, a 17-year periodical cicada, in the Cape Cod area for the first time since 2008. Knowing when cicadas will emerge, if cicadas damage trees and plants, and what that damage looks like can help you determine the best way to prepare for these fascinating insects.
When Will Cicadas Emerge In Cape Cod
Cicadas emerge when soil temperatures reach about 64 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 12 - 18 inches. For the Cape Cod area, cicadas can emerge as early as May and stay until late June.
Do Cicadas Cause Tree Damage
A periodical cicada’s primary reasons for emerging are to mate and lay eggs. To lay eggs, female cicadas cut a small V-shaped slit into branch bark or plant stems to deposit their eggs. This can cause flagging or twig dieback. Cicada damage most closely resembles hail damage and should be relatively minor. For healthy, established trees, you likely won’t notice any changes.
Cicadas prefer deciduous trees like elm, chestnut, ash, maple, hawthorn, redbud, and oak, as well as fruit trees. If you’re concerned about tree damage caused by cicadas, look out for branch tips that appear dead with apparent slits or puncture marks.
Will Cicadas Affect Planting New Trees
Because the cicada egg-laying process can damage younger trees, it’s best to avoid planting when you know a brood will emerge.
What To Do For Managing Cicada Damage To Trees
If you have young trees or trees susceptible to damage from cicadas, wrap their branches with mesh netting to deter them. Most trees affected by cicadas should seal off the damage and recover if the tree is otherwise healthy.
At Hartney Greymont, we have local arborists in Cape Cod who can help identify and manage tree damage from any pest.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HARTNEY GREYMONT OFFICE TODAY!
