Cicada grubs are the nymphs, or immature forms, of cicada insects. When full-grown, they measure about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length and are thickest in the middle. The head is small and pointed, and the eyes are large. There are no wings, and the legs are short. The body is white or pale yellow and has no markings.

The cicada grub lives in the soil, where it feeds on plant roots. It is particularly fond of the roots of trees, such as oak and maple. When full-grown, the grub burrows to the surface of the ground and molts (sheds its skin) one last time.

A new exoskeleton forms and the cicada nymph emerges. The nymph crawls up a tree or other object, where it clings with its claws until its skin hardens. At this point, the wings unfurl, and the Cicada is ready to mate. We will discuss their diet in the next section.

What Do Cicada Grubs Eat?

Cicada grubs are the larvae of cicadas, and they spend most of their lives underground. When they first hatch, they are extremely small and lack the hard exoskeleton that characterizes adult cicadas. Instead, they have a soft white body. As they grow, they molt multiple times, shedding their skin as they get larger.

Cicada grubs primarily eat plant roots, but they will also consume other vegetation types if available. In some cases, cicada grubs can cause extensive damage to crops or gardens. However, they are not typically considered pests since adult cicadas do not feed on plants. When Cicada’s grubs finally mature, they burrow to the surface and emerge as adults. After a few weeks of feeding on nectar and mate-finding, adults die, and the cycle begins anew. Here are some things that cicada grubs eat:

1. Tree roots

Cicada grubs are the larvae of Cicadas, and they eat tree roots. Cicadas are attracted to trees because they provide food and shelter, and Cicada grubs will tunnel into tree roots to feed on them. This can damage the tree and make it more vulnerable to disease and pests. In severe cases, Cicada grub infestations can kill trees. 

2. Shrubs

Cicada grubs are the stage in Cicada’s life cycle where they develop underground. Cicada grubs have strong front claws, which they use to burrow through soil and climb plants. Cicada grubs primarily eat stems of plants, particularly shrubs. Cicada grubs can cause extensive damage to shrubs as they can eat away all the plant tissue, leaving only the plant’s skeleton. Cicada grubs are particularly fond of feeding on oaks, hickories, and maples.

3. Grasses

Cicada grubs eat grasses because the roots are an important food source. During their time underground, cicada grubs can cause significant damage to lawns and gardens. 

4. Dead Leaves

They eat dead leaves because it is one of the easiest things to find, and it is a good food source.

5. Fruits

Cicada grubs will also eat fruits if they can find them. Fruits are not a primary food source for cicada grubs, but they will be consumed if available.

6. Crops

These bugs’ larvae will also eat crops like corn and soybeans. They will burrow into the ground and eat the roots of the plants. This can damage or kill the plants. Cicada grubs can be a major pest in agricultural areas.

What Eats Cicada Grubs?

Cicada grubs are the larval stage of cicadas, and they’re found underground, feeding on plant roots. When they’re ready to pupate, they tunnel their way to the surface, where they emerge as adults. While cicada grubs are underground, they’re vulnerable to being eaten by various animals. Skunks, moles, and armadillos will dig them up and eat them. Birds, such as blue jays, crows, and sparrows, will also eat them if they can find them.

If a predator finds a cicada grub, it doesn’t have much chance of escape. However, if it can reach adulthood, it will have a much better chance of survival. Once a cicada becomes an adult, it’s no longer vulnerable to being eaten by predators. Cicadas are also capable of defending themselves with their sharp beaks. If a cicada has ever bitten you, you know their bites can be painful. So, while Cicada grubs are food for many animals, they’re not an easy meal to come by.

How To Deter Cicada Grubs From Your Garden?

Cicada grubs can quickly turn a lush garden into a brown, barren wasteland. These voracious pests feast on plant roots, destroying entire crops in days. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to deter cicada grubs from your garden.

One of the best ways to deter cicada grubs is to clean your garden. Remove any dead leaves or debris that could provide shelter for these pests. Cicada grubs are also attracted to moisture, so be sure to water your plants early in the day so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. You may also consider mulching your plants to help keep the soil moist.

If cicada grubs are already present in your garden, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of them. One option is to handpick the grubs and dispose of them in soapy water. Another possibility is to treat the affected area with an insecticide labeled for use against cicada grubs. However, it is important to note that many insecticides can also damage plant life, so be sure to read the label carefully before use. Whichever method you choose, taking steps to control cicada grubs will help you keep your garden looking its best.

Are Cicada Grubs Helpful For Our Ecosystem?

Cicada grubs are the larval stage of the Cicada, and they spend years underground developing before coming to the surface and metamorphosing into adults. During this time, they feed on plant roots, which can damage gardens and lawns. However, many scientists believe that Cicada grubs play an important role in the ecosystem.

For one thing, they aerate the soil as they burrow underground, which helps plants to grow. They also break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that other plants can use. In addition, Cicada grubs are an important food source for many animals, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. As a result, they play a vital role in the food chain.

While Cicada grubs can cause some damage to plants, it is clear that they also provide many benefits to the ecosystem as a whole.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, we can say that Cicada grubs are helpful for our ecosystem but can also be a major pest in agricultural areas. Skunks, moles, and armadillos will dig them up and eat them. Birds, such as blue jays, crows, and sparrows, will also eat them if they can find them. If you’re dealing with a Cicada grub infestation, the best thing you can do is to keep your garden clean and remove any potential shelters for these pests. You may also want to consider using an insecticide labeled for use against cicada grubs.

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