A task force studying the orange-winged species<\/span><\/a> had also undertaken other efforts to manage the insects, they noted.<\/p>\nThese measures included wrapping more than 500 trees with aluminium foil or plastic wrap, while laying tarpaulin or mats at the base of the trees.<\/p>\n
The tarpaulin and mats helped reduce the number of\u00a0cicada\u00a0nymphs emerging from the ground, while the foil and wrap stopped those that emerged from climbing onto the trees to begin moulting.<\/p>\n
The pilot also provided an opportunity to better understand the cicadas in Tampines, the organisations said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSite assessments conducted since February yielded preliminary observations, including possible associations with specific tree species and the presence of localised emergence hot spots,\u201d they said in the release.<\/p>\n
\u201cVariations in the cicada numbers across the surveyed areas suggest that factors such as tree age and composition, landscape and habitat characteristics, and local environmental conditions may influence population density,\u201d they noted.<\/p>\n
Continued monitoring and a better understanding of the cicada\u2019s population dynamics and interactions with its environment would support the development of more targeted interventions, they added, noting limited studies on the species here.<\/p>\n
Findings will allow the task force to better prepare for future cicada emergence events, they said.<\/p>\n
The organisations noted that while tree pruning \u2013 which could remove branches containing cicada eggs \u2013 was explored as a potential additional measure, there are currently no methods to reliably identify such branches.<\/p>\n
The task force is looking into ways to identify trees with cicada eggs, with pruning timed to occur during the potential egg-laying and incubation period.<\/p>\n
The targeted use of new pesticides could also be considered as an additional measure for severely affected areas, they said.<\/p>\n
Applied to affected trees, these pesticides would target insects that feed on the treated plants and could be more effective against younger cicada nymphs feeding on root sap.<\/p>\n
However, further evaluation is required as pesticide use could have unintended consequences on other insects as well as residents who come into contact with such trees, the organisations said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore implementation, the task force will thoroughly review the use of new pesticides to ensure that they can be applied in a targeted manner with minimal impact on non-target biodiversity,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
Findings will be shared with other towns also facing similar challenges with cicadas, said Tampines Changkat MP Desmond Choo, who leads the cicada management task force.<\/p>\n
The towns can together improve the management of future cicada seasons, added Choo, who is also Minister of State for Defence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cicada season may be over, but the work continues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ricky Cheong, who has lived in Tampines Street 33 for about 30 years, said he first noticed the cicadas becoming a problem in 2021, when swarms of the insects were drawn to the lights along the corridor outside his flat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The situation has improved in recent months, said the\u00a065-year-old school attendant who would catch and release the insects when they flew into his flat.<\/p>\n
While he supports efforts to keep them at bay, he is concerned about the possible side effects from the use of pesticides.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe birds eat (the cicadas) too, so this could affect their life cycle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n