Photo Album: Property Full of Brood X Cicadas in Princeton, NJ
That's a lot of cicadas!
A Cicada
While servicing this property, I came across an interesting pest in the shrubs - cicadas and a lot of them!
Brood X Cicadas in New Jersey
These are Brood X cicadas that are now screaming in trees across the country after being underground for over 17 years. Although they look a bit horrifying, you don't need to worry, they don't bite or sting.
Not Harmful at All
Cicadas won't affect your gardens or plants because they don't chew on things. They actually drink sap from trees or stems. Their mouthparts are in the shape of a straw, which can pierce rootlets, roots, and branches.
Leave the Cicadas Be
Since these are considered ornamental pests and pose no threat to the homeowner or her property, I'm going to leave them along and continue treating the home.