 1100
W. Moana Ln., Reno, NV 89509
11301 So. Virginia St., Reno, NV
89511
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They Will Sing, but They Won't
Sting!
That humming, buzzing chorus of insects heard on summer nights is
usually due to cicadas -- small, stout-bodied, large-headed insects with
sucking mouth parts. Cicadas are usually green with red and black markings.
They are an inch or more in length and have 2 pairs of wings. Cicadas also have
a 3-jointed beak, an abdomen of six segments and prominent compound eyes. While
they may be rather noisy, we have nothing to fear. They do not swarm,
bite, sting, or stab. Cicadas are the longest-lived insects in North America.
After 7 years of dormancy underground, the species emerges for 3 to 5
weeks of activity in the sunlight and then dies. The female egg laying
apparatus (the ovipositor) is used to slice through bark of twigs where she
lays her eggs. These slits damage young twigs and branches by splintering the
sapwood and leaving injured wood where other insects can enter. The leaves on
damaged branches turn brown and the branch eventually falls to the ground. Smaller
trees and shrubs, including fruit trees, can be severely damaged. Some of the trees and shrubs affected in our
area are maples, ash, elm, flowering and fruiting cherry, pear, and peach
trees, viburnum, spirea, rhododendron and various other shrubs.
Small trees and shrubs can be protected with cheese cloth or other fine
netting that is securely fastened around the trunk. This will prevent the
female from splitting the branches and laying her eggs. Sevin (Carbaryl) is an
effective insecticide, although repeated applications will be needed. Follow
ALL label instructions for mixing, applying and frequency of applications.
