Cicada 101

Every so often, we get to witness something out of the ordinary: a massive party of cicadas deciding it’s time to emerge and take over the airwaves. This year, two big groups are expected: one that shows up every 13 years and another on a 17-year cycle. But why is Milwaukee buzzing with anticipation? Thanks to the right mix of conditions, these critters might just be making a special appearance in our neck of the woods.

Here’s the lowdown: cicadas spend the majority of their life underground. When they do come up, it’s a full-on frenzy of mating before they die. But hold up, it gets weirder. Some of these cicadas fall victim to a funky fungus that essentially turns them into zombies.

Zombie Cicadas Unmasked

Why call them “zombie cicadas”? Well, this fungus hijacks their bodies in a way that sounds like it’s out of a horror flick. It messes with their bits and pieces, turning them into fungus factories. But despite looking like something from a zombie apocalypse, these cicadas keep on trying to mate.

Researchers, like Matthew Kasson from West Virginia University, have been all over this. They found out the fungus gives the cicadas a jolt of energy, despite their zombified state. And here’s the kicker: infected males start acting like females to attract other males, spreading the fungus even more. Talk about a plot twist!

So, What’s This Mean for Milwaukee?

Even though this whole cicada and zombie scenario sounds like it’s happening far away, it’s got some implications for us here in Milwaukee. With experts like Premier Pest Solutions on the case, we’re in good hands to stay informed and ready. And hey, even though the idea of zombie bugs might give you the heebie-jeebies, they’re harmless to humans. The real story is their wild life cycle and what this fungus means for their future.

Dealing with the Cicada Wave

As fascinating as this all is, a ton of cicadas can be a bit much to handle, especially for our green spaces. They’re not out to get us, but they can mess with young trees and plants. Premier Pest Solutions has got some tricks up their sleeve to help out:

• Barrier Duty: Protecting young plants with netting or mesh.
• Tree Tips: Wrapping young trees to keep cicadas from laying eggs there.
• Yard Care: Keeping your space tidy to discourage cicada partying.
• Smart Spraying: Using treatments carefully to avoid messing with other wildlife.

Wrapping It Up

For folks in Milwaukee and beyond, facing down this cicada invasion doesn’t have to be a big deal. With the right knowledge and help, you can keep your slice of the outdoors looking great. Got cicada concerns or need help prepping? Reach out to Premier Pest Solutions. Let’s keep our green spaces happy, even during cicada season.