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Hey, Central Florida! Something big is buzzing our way in 2024—the Cicada Super Bloom. This isn’t just any bug visit; it’s a rare event when two different groups of cicadas, which we usually see every 13 and 17 years, decide to show up at the same time! Imagine, this mix-up happens only once every couple of hundred years, making it a special moment for us all to witness.

Now, while cicadas might sound scary with their loud buzzing and their large numbers, they’re not here to harm our gardens. They just come up to say hello, mate, and go back into the ground. However, they do lay eggs in the branches of our trees, and that can sound a bit worrying.

But don’t fret; there are straightforward steps we can all take to keep our gardens looking great. We’ll share some simple tips on how you can prepare your garden so when the cicadas come, you’ll be ready to protect your green friends without breaking a sweat.

From securing the yard boundaries to checking on your watering schedules, we’ll make sure you have all the info you need to handle this natural spectacle like a pro!

What’s Happening with the Cicadas in 2024?

In 2024, we’re about to witness a truly unique event—the Cicada Super Bloom. This happens when two different groups of cicadas, which usually emerge every 13 and 17 years, come out at the same time. This is something you might see only once or twice in a lifetime because it happens about every 200 years!

When this occurs, a huge number of cicadas will surface from underground all across many parts of the Eastern United States. They come up, make a lot of noise, and are pretty noticeable with their unique buzzing sounds. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but remember, they’re not harmful; they’re just part of a fascinating natural cycle.

And while they might be loud, they’re a critical piece of our natural environment, helping us understand more about nature’s timelines and ecosystems.

Simple Tips to Prepare Your Garden

Preparing your garden for the arrival of cicadas is straightforward and worth the effort. Here are some simple steps we can all take:

• Check and Secure Your Boundaries: First things first, let’s check the fences or garden boundaries. Ensure there are no significant gaps where unwanted critters could enter. Secure any loose parts that might be damaged by the increased activity around your yard.
• Clear Dead Plant Material: Cicadas are attracted to decaying organic matter because it’s a great place for laying eggs. By cleaning up any dead branches, fallen leaves, or plant clutter, you make your garden less attractive for cicadas to settle in.
• Adjust Your Watering Schedule: During the cicada season, you might want to tweak how and when you water your garden. Cicadas typically come out when it’s warm, and they can dry out the soil around plants. Make sure you water your plants deeply and less frequently to encourage strong, deep root growth, making it harder for cicadas to disturb your plants.

By following these tips, we make our gardens less inviting for cicadas and protect our plants’ health, ensuring they continue to thrive. With minimal adjustments to our normal garden care routines, we can handle this natural event smartly and smoothly.

Protecting Trees and Shrubs

One effective way to keep cicadas from causing too much fuss around your trees is by wrapping the bases. This stops them from climbing back up after they emerge from the ground to lay eggs. We can especially use a simple mesh or burlap to wrap around the trunks of younger trees. This method doesn’t harm the tree but serves as a barrier to those pesky cicadas.

While our team at Next Level Turf can’t stop the cicadas, we do possess knowledge and tools to help strengthen your trees against such infestations. Regular maintenance and care enhance your trees’ overall resilience, ensuring they remain healthy even when faced with the stress of hosting cicada eggs. It’s small efforts like these that can make a big difference in keeping your garden thriving through the cicada season and beyond.

After the Cicadas: Cleaning Up and Moving Forward

Once the cicada season winds down, some cleanup is likely to be needed in your garden. Bits of branches and a lot of fallen cicadas might be scattered around. Here’s how we can tackle this together:

• First, gather and dispose of all the cicada debris. This will prevent any rot or mold in the garden, which could harm plant health. Use gloves and gently remove any debris from the branches and shrubs.
• Next, give your garden a good check. Look for any signs of stress on your plants or damage that might have occurred. Adjusting your garden care after a cicada visit might include giving some extra nourishment to the plants. They might appreciate a bit more fertilizer to boost their recovery from any stress caused by cicadas.
• Lastly, keep an eye on the health of your trees and plants in the weeks following the cleanup. If you notice any unusual changes, it could be a good idea to have a professional take a look. Small changes can make a big difference in recovery.

Cicadas Are Coming: Get Your Garden Ready!

As we look ahead to the Cicada Super Bloom of 2024, remember it’s a natural phenomenon that we can manage effectively with a few proactive steps. Our gardens are resilient, and with a little extra care and preparation, they can handle the cicada season without missing a beat.

At Next Level Turf, we’re here to help you prepare, protect, and revive your garden every step of the way with our insect control program. So, if the thought of handling all this feels overwhelming, just remember, we’re only a call away. Let’s make sure your garden not only survives the cicada bloom but also thrives thereafter. Reach out to us today, and let’s get your garden ready!