Loud Humming in Elm: Likely Cicadas, Not Bees

A 50×40 ft elm has a loud hum; bees are seen but no hive found. The sound is almost certainly cicadas.

Cicada Basics

• Males produce buzzing via abdominal tymbals to attract mates.
• They feed on xylem fluid from tree roots and branches.
• Large emergences occur periodically; annual species are also common.

No Harm to Tree

Cicada feeding causes negligible damage. Egg-laying slits in small twigs may cause minor flagging. No control needed.

Sound Reference

Listen to a typical chorus: cicadamania.com