(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It has been called the great cicada invasion, the cicada-pocalypse and even cicada-geddon, and it appears to have begun: Trillions of cicadas are starting to emerge from underground across multiple parts of the United States, including right here in Illinois.
The 2024 emergence is a rare one. That’s because it features two groups or broods of cicadas that haven’t surfaced simultaneously since the early 19th century — and Illinois is one of the only states where these two broods will overlap. To local entomologists, that information is exciting; to the author of this story, it is foreboding.
Regardless of how the creepy crawlers may make you feel, the coming cicada invasion has prompted many to take their questions to the internet. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions people are asking as cicada-geddon begins.
What is a cicada?
Cicadas stand out from other insects, in part, because they spend the majority of their life underground, where they feed off of tree roots. After this so-called dormant period, which lasts for at least two years, the cicadas surface, mate and call it a life. The cicadas lay hundreds of eggs before they die, and the newly hatched nymphs return underground to start the life cycle all over again.
You’ll note that most of the cicadas you spot have red eyes. One suburban family found one with a “one-in-a-million” mutation that changed the color of its eyes.
Read more about the cicada life cycle here.
When do cicadas come out?
There are more than 3,000 species of cicadas, and the majority of them — known as annual cicadas — emerge at different times each summer. Periodical cicadas, though, which only surface on a 13-year or 17-year cycle, are expected to surface sometime between May 15 – 30, once their surrounding soil reaches a temperature of about 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read more about what to expect from cicada-geddon.
What makes 2024 such a special (read: terrifying) year for cicadas?
This summer, in addition to annual cicadas, both a 13-year and a 17-year group of cicadas are arriving at the same time. Something like this hasn’t happened since 1803. In case you’re wondering, Thomas Jefferson was the president of the United States at that time, and Chicago was still 30-plus years away from being incorporated as a city.
Two “cicada enthusiasts” actually flew over 7,000 miles to go on a road trip in Illinois to witness the historic cicada event.
Read more about why so many people are excited about the 2024 cicada-mania.
What happens to a cicada’s shell?
Not long after cicadas crawl up a nearby tree, the insects will shed their exoskeleton, develop wings and leave behind an empty shell. The deserted exoskeleton will often be seen still attached to the tree in what may be a near-perfect cast of the newly hatched cicada.
Read more about one creative way scientists are learning from cicadas.
When will cicada season peak in the Chicago area?
Chris Dietrich, a local entomologist, told WBBM that periodical cicadas in central and southern Illinois already began waning in early June. That means Chicago-area residents won’t be far behind in hearing the mating calls of the males get quieter from the roar they are currently. Annual cicadas, which appear at various times through August, are expected to be active through September.
Read more about an early cicada sighting by a White Sox legend.
Where are the cicadas emerging?
An app can help you track where other people are spotting cicadas. A professor emeritus of biology at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati created his Cicada Safari app back in 2019 to monitor the emergence of Brood 8 in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The free app allows you to upload photos of cicadas and view a map of current sightings.
Read more about the crowdsourcing research about the broods.
How loud are all of these cicadas going to get?
Lisa Hilgenberg, with the Chicago Botanic Garden, said on WBBM Newsradio’s garden podcast that the peak cicada noise levels could get as loud as a lawnmower.
Listen to the latest episodes of the WBBM Gardening Tips podcast.
Do cicadas bite?
According to experts at the Field Museum, cicadas are harmless. They feed by using a tube-like mouthpart to suck fluids out of trees and plants, and, as a result, they never really developed the ability to sting or bite. Of course, cicadas may still startle you.
Read more about the Field Museum’s efforts to educate the public on cicadas.
Are cicadas dangerous to pets?
Cicadas are not dangerous to any pets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As stated above, cicadas are incapable of biting or stinging. It is possible, though, that a dog or cat could get sick from eating too many cicadas. According to the American Kennel Club, excessive cicada consumption could lead to gastrointestinal issues, choking on wings or exoskeleton, allergic reactions as well as ingesting unhealthy amounts of pesticides.
Read more about one author who took it upon themself to encourage curiosity about cicadas.
Are there any environmental benefits to trillions of cicadas emerging?
Although cicadas can be dangerous to young plants and trees, there are a few ways in which the insects give back to the local environment. For one, cicadas are a valuable food source to several animals, including birds, squirrels and frogs. Tricia Bethke, a specialist at the Morton Arboretum, added that the exoskeletons of cicadas will serve as nutrients for soil.
As of June, there were some reports of birds over indulging on the bugs, leading to a vitamin A deficiency.
Read more about the environmental benefits of cicadas.
How safe is it for humans to eat cicadas?
Cicadas are generally safe to eat, except for people who have a shellfish allergy. Frankly, cicadas have had people all over the world saying “bug appétit” for years. It’s best to eat newly hatched cicadas, given their softer shell and the chance that full-grown adults could be infected with a fungus. These so-called “teneral” cicadas stand out for their white color.
Read more about how to turn cicadas into delicious cuisine.
How do I protect my plants and trees from the cicadas?
A female cicada will lay its eggs at the ends of tree branches, and unfortunately, that can cause the branch to dry out and die. Mature trees can withstand this process, but young trees cannot. The Morton Arboretum suggests wrapping tulle — a lightweight netting used to make tutus — around young trees with branches that are less than two inches in diameter. Other fine, mesh netting, such as bird netting, would also work at keeping the cicadas out.
Read more about how to protect young trees and plants from cicada here.
Can cicadas cause damage to your home's air conditioning unit?
Cicadas are attracted by the sounds, vibrations and heat produced by air conditioning units. A local HVAC company says if too many cicadas gather in our outside your unit they can damage electrical components, the fan or the venting, resulting in possibly hundreds or thousands of dollars in damages.
Read more about how cicadas can disrupt an air conditioning unit.
How are Illinoisans reacting to their new cicada overlords?
Illinois’ many forest preserves and nature museums have jumped at the opportunity to highlight such a rare environmental event, but they aren’t the only ones who are excited. One Chicago entrepreneur designed T-shirts commemorating the cicada invasion; local artists have designed giant cicada statues; and researchers have even become fascinated with cicada pee — yep, you read that last one correctly.
Read all of WBBM Newsradio’s latest cicada coverage here.
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