A trillion cicadas will descend on the US this spring in rare event that could leave unforgettable stench (2024)

FAQs

A trillion cicadas will descend on the US this spring in rare event that could leave unforgettable stench? ›

After years of living underground, two broods of cicadas will emerge later this spring in parts of the Southeast and Midwest. The total number of cicadas could reach a trillion, according to the University of Connecticut. The two broods are periodical, meaning they only come aboveground once every 13 or 17 years.

Brood XIX is arguably the largest (by geographic extent) of all periodical cicada broods. Fourteen states are expected to see Brood XIX emerge: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Shortly after a 17-year cicada nymph hatches from its egg, it burrows into the ground, where it spends—as its name suggests—the first 17 years of its life. When it emerges from the ground, it lives only four to six more weeks—just long enough to mate, fertilize or lay eggs, and start the cycle all over again.

When cicadas come out, they're eaten by just about anything with an insectivorous diet. The fact that cicadas emerge in the millions, however, makes them relatively resilient to predation. Even when a ton of them are eaten, there are still plenty more ready to mate and lay eggs.

Contrary to popular opinion, adult cicadas do not cause serious plant damage from their feeding activities, but do damage plants as the result of their behavior of cutting small slits in the plant they use for places to deposit their eggs.

Periodical cicadas are about 1-1.5 inches long, though their wingspan is about double that length. They can be distinguished by their orange-colored veins and large red eyes. There are seven different species of cicadas, three of which surface every 17 years, while the remaining broods emerge every 13 years.

Maps show where in the U.S. to see cicadas

The dual cicada brood emergence will primarily be seen in parts of Illinois and Iowa, as well as parts of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

Despite their name, annual cicadas generally live for two to five years—though some species may live longer—and their brood life cycles overlap, meaning that every summer, some cicadas emerge.

Are they a health concern for humans? No, they do not bite nor sting. Are they a threat to livestock or pets? They are not poisonous, however some dogs and cats stuff themselves with cicadas to the point that they vomit.

And don't worry about getting hurt: while cicadas' legs and claws may be prickly to the touch, they do not bite or sting.

What bug comes out every 17 years? ›

There are two types of periodical cicadas — ones that come out every 13 years and ones that come out every 17 years. They emerge in broods, which are labeled with Roman numerals. In 2024, two broods will emerge: Brood XIX, which is on a 13-year cycle, and Brood XIII, which is on a 17-year cycle.

Sevin Insect Killer Dust Ready to Use kills periodical cicadas in lawns or on ornamental shrubs and flowers. Apply a thin, thorough dusting to affected parts of the plant at the first sign of cicada damage. This dust starts working immediately upon contact.

North America is home to 15 broods of periodical cicadas. Of the over 3,000 species of this insect, those on this continent are the only ones considered periodical. Like all cicadas, they live most of their lives underground. However, 12 of these broods only emerge every 17 years.

You can spray your trees and plants with some essential oils or other sprays that won't harm the vegetation to detour them from coming into your yard. Cicadas hate the smells of peppermint, vinegar, and eucalyptus.

Technically cicadas don't bite or sting; they do however pierce and suck. They might try to pierce and suck you, but don't worry, they aren't Vampires nor are they malicious or angry — they're just ignorant and think you're a tree. Just remove the cicada from your person, and go about your business.

Predators, parasites, and pathogens

Cicadas are commonly eaten by birds and mammals, as well as bats, wasps, mantises, spiders, and robber flies. In times of mass emergence of cicadas, various amphibians, fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds change their foraging habits so as to benefit from the glut.

When will Brood XIX cicadas emerge in Middle Tennessee. Summertime brings hotter temperatures, lake days, barbeques - and droves of cicadas producing that piercing, screeching sound most southerners have gotten used to. 2024 will see the emergence of Brood XIX cicadas, which have been dormant for the past 13 years.

Here's where you'll see the 2024 brood. BALTIMORE -- This year, trillions of cicadas will appear in the U.S., including in Maryland. We don't see cicadas every year, but when they emerge, they're loud and never alone.

The Great Southern Brood is found in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The best place to find cicadas when they emerge is in wooded areas or areas with established trees.