What to Know About Cicadas and Your Landscaping

You're not alone if you've heard a loud buzzing in your yard lately. Cicadas—those red-eyed insects that emerge underground every 17 years—appear across the region, including here in Mashpee and throughout Cape Cod. While their presence may seem overwhelming, cicadas are more of a temporary nuisance than a real threat to your landscape.

Do Cicadas Damage Landscaping?

The good news is that cicadas do not ruin landscaping. They don't chew on leaves, flowers, or grass and won't destroy your garden beds or vegetable patches. Most of the damage they cause is related to their egg-laying behavior. Female cicadas make minor cuts in tree branches to lay eggs, which can result in a condition known as "flagging"—a temporary dieback or breakage of tender young branches.

Although this can be unsightly, healthy, established trees and shrubs recover without issue. You may also notice small emergence holes in your lawn where cicadas emerged from the ground, but these will fill in over time with regular lawn care.

So, while cicadas may leave their mark, your landscape will bounce back quickly. In the meantime, enjoy their unique chorus—it only comes around every 17 years!

Dogs and Cicadas: Tasty Treats or Trouble?

You're not alone if you've caught your dog munching on cicadas. Cicadas are slow-moving, crunchy, and quite appetizing to curious pups.

In most cases, eating a few cicadas won't harm your dog. They even offer some protein and nutrients. But there are a couple of things to watch for:

Digestive irritation: The hard outer shell can be tough on sensitive stomachs.

Allergic reactions: Rare but possible—similar to shellfish allergies.

As always, monitor your dog for signs of discomfort. If your pet shows unusual symptoms, the best move is to call your vet quickly.

Wilson on the Cicada hunt

My dog, Wilson, absolutely loves munching on cicadas. He treats them like backyard snacks and thinks they're the best thing to hit the lawn since squirrels. And despite his crunchy indulgence, Wilson is as happy and energetic as ever!

FAQs About Cicadas on Cape Cod and in Mashpee, MA

1. When will cicadas be most active in Mashpee?

Cicadas typically begin to emerge in mid-May and remain active into late June, depending on ground temperature and weather conditions.

2. Are cicada numbers heavy on Cape Cod?

Cicada populations vary. The emergence may be more scattered in Mashpee and other Cape towns than inland areas, but they're still noticeable in wooded neighborhoods.

3. Will cicadas harm my vegetable garden or lawn?

No. Cicadas do not feed on vegetables, flowers, or grass. Any impact on your lawn—such as small holes—will heal naturally.

4. How can I protect new trees or shrubs from cicadas?

Wrap young branches in mesh netting (with holes 3/8" or smaller) to prevent females from laying eggs in tender stems.

5. Should I delay planting new trees?

If possible, wait until after cicadas disappear (late June). If you must plant now, protect young branches with netting or wraps.

6. Is pesticide treatment necessary?

No. Cicadas do not need to be sprayed. Their life cycle is short, and they pose no lasting threat to your landscape. Plus, birds and wildlife benefit from the abundance.

Final Thoughts + Local Landscaping Help

Cicadas are a fascinating part of nature and not something to fear. With patience and a watchful eye on your trees and pets, you can ride out this brief natural event without lasting harm to your yard.

Need Help Post-Cicada?

If you're in Mashpee, Falmouth, or anywhere on Cape Cod, concerned about cicada-related damage, or want help with landscape recovery, contact King and Queen Landscaping today. From pruning and planting advice to complete landscape cleanup, we're here to keep your property looking its best year-round.

👉 Request a free estimate or call us to schedule a visit. Let's protect your landscape and keep it looking great long after the cicadas are gone.