How to raise cicadas to achieve high yield?

As a breeding industry with broad market prospects and economic potential, cicada breeding has attracted much attention in recent years. With the growing demand for healthy food and the recognition of the nutritional value of cicadas, cicada farming has become one of the areas with higher returns on investment. So how can we raise cicadas to achieve high yields? Let’s take a look below.

‌1. Choose a suitable breeding site

The breeding site for cicadas should be selected in a place with good ventilation, sufficient sunlight and good drainage. A well-ventilated environment allows cicadas to breathe fresh air, while sufficient sunlight can promote their growth and development. A well-drained site can effectively avoid water accumulation and protect the cicadas from being affected.

2. Choose the right host tree species

The selection of host tree species is crucial to the cultivation of cicadas. Tree species with well-developed root systems and rich sap, such as poplar, elm and willow, can provide sufficient nutrition sources for cicadas, promote their rapid growth and increase the success rate of breeding. In addition, some root vegetables such as potatoes , sweet potatoes and yams can be planted in the breeding area to provide more food sources.

‌3. Egg collection and hatching technology

Autumn is the best time to collect cicada eggs, as the egg branches are of the best quality and the hatching effect is most ideal at this time. After special treatment, the egg branches are placed in the incubation room, which can effectively improve the hatching rate. The hatched eggs should show the cicadas wriggling, to ensure their survival rate.

‌4. Feeding management‌

Cicadas mainly feed on tree sap, so it is very important to choose tree species with well-developed root systems and abundant sap. In addition, some plants such as shrubs with well-developed root systems can be planted in the breeding area to provide sufficient food sources.

‌5. Epidemic prevention measures‌

Cicadas are very vulnerable before emerging from the soil and before they emerge from their pupae, and are easily threatened by natural enemies and microorganisms. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt physical and chemical methods for prevention and control, and try to avoid the use of pesticides to protect the growth environment of cicadas.

‌6. Harvesting method‌

The cicadas are harvested before they break out of the soil or when they are about to mature. You can wrap a smooth plastic film around the tree trunk at a height of about 30 cm to prevent the cicada pupae from continuing to climb, making it easier to collect them. Or use a flashlight to search under trees at night and catch unemerged cicada pupae.

That’s it