Bug-Pocalypse: Preparing for the Cicada Invasion of the Century
Key takeaways:
Periodical cicadas emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years. In summer 2024, a brood of each type will emerge at the same time across the U.S. Southeast and Midwest.
Cicadas are harmless to humans and pets. They don’t sting, bite, or transmit diseases.
The invasion, dubbed the “cicadapocalypse” in the media, should only last until the end of June.
If you’re afraid of bugs, you may want to talk to a therapist, ask your healthcare professional about anti-anxiety medication, or practice deep breathing for the duration.
Have you heard the buzz around town? If you’re in the Southeast and Midwest of the U.S., it’s probably cicadas. The male insects make noise to attract females for mating.
The flying insects, family to leafhoppers, treehoppers, and spittlebugs, are emerging in droves this summer. Read on to find out why parts of the U.S. will see more cicadas this year. Plus, learn their health risks (there really aren’t any) and what to do if a cicada lands on you.
What is significant about this year’s cicada emergence?
Cicadas are nothing new. There are over 3,000 different species around the world, divided into two groups: annual and periodical. This year, two specific broods will rise to the surface at the same time.
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Annual cicadas appear every year and live for 2 to 3 years. They live primarily in woods, parks, and forests, so long as they’re near trees.
Periodical cicadas emerge either every 13 or 17 years. This means the 13-year broods rarely appear in the same year as the 17-year broods. Until they do, like this year. The last time this happened was in 1803, and Thomas Jefferson was president.
Some are calling the double feature a “cicadapocalypse” — and with good reason. Scientists predict trillions of periodical cicadas will emerge in May and June.
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Should you be worried about the cicada invasion?
Not really. Your biggest concern might be young trees in your yard or on your land. Adult females cut slits into trees to lay their eggs with appendages called ovipositors. This could injure or kill saplings.
How to defend against cicada infestations
If you’re worried about small, young, or weak trees, cover them with a fine mesh material. Otherwise, you can go about your business and ignore them.
“Cicadas are harmless and will not be around for long,” said Stephanie Butcher, a University of Georgia Agriculture & Natural Resources agent.
Cicadas don’t eat leaves, fruit or vegetables, or flowers, so no need to worry about your garden either.
When to expect this year’s cicada invasion to die down
Periodical cicadas only live for a few weeks, just long enough to mate and lay eggs before dying. Most of them should be gone by the end of June.
Are cicadas dangerous?
Cicadas don’t pose any danger or health risks. “They don’t bite or transmit any diseases,” said Evan Lampert, PhD, a University of North Georgia biology professor.
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The flying insects aren’t poisonous or venomous to people or pets. However, if your pet eats too many, their tummy may get upset.
If anything, cicadas provide environmental benefits, such as:
Supplying food for birds, fish, and other animals
Aerating lawns and improving ground water filtration
Adding nutrients to the soil when they decompose
Those going fishing “can even use them as bait,” said Lampert.
What to do if a cicada lands on you
When cicadas come up from the ground, they look for trees to start feeding. It’s possible that a cicada will mistake you for a tree and land on you. Don’t worry. Like we said above, it won’t sting or bite you.
“Simply brush it off,” said Butcher. “But it’s unlikely one would land on someone.”
Lampert suggests you take a fun photo and post it to the Cicada Safari app for iPhone or Android. Then gently pick up the insect and place it on a tree when finished.
Ways to manage the cicada invasion if you’re afraid of bugs
For people with entomophobia, a fear of insects, the thought of a cicada invasion may cause severe anxiety. These tips can help you manage symptoms:
Talk to a therapist about treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.
Ask your healthcare professional about anxiety medications, like benzodiazepines.
Read about cicadas, and then look at photos to practice at-home exposure therapy to help lower your fear.
Exercise indoors for a few weeks.
Remind yourself they’re harmless.
Steer clear of trees if you go outdoors.
Practice breathing exercises, especially when you’re outside.
Reframe your thoughts from “I’m utterly afraid of cicadas,” to “I can coexist with cicadas for a few weeks.”
Remember, they’ll only be buzzing around for a short time.
The bottom line
Cicadas emerge either annually or periodically. Periodical cicadas typically emerge every 13 or 17 years. But this year, the 13-year and 17-year bugs will appear at the same time across the Southeast and Midwest in the U.S. Thankfully, the flying insects are harmless to people and pets. Still, if you’re afraid of bugs, you may want to talk to a counselor, take anxiety medication, or remind yourself that they’ll only hang around until mid- to late-June.
Why trust our experts?
References
Childs, R. (2011). Periodical cicada. University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Golembiewski, K. (2024). Billions of cicadas are set to appear in a rare ‘double brood emergence,’ scientists say. CNN.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Periodical cicada.
It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing. (2021). Cicadas can make as much noise as a motorcycle. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Annual cicadas.
National Park Service. (2024). I didn't know that!: Emerging cicadas.
National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Periodical cicadas.
Rosenholm, G. (2024). Here come the cicadas! Forest Service.
Taylor, J. (n.d.). Does the cicada invasion have you buggin?
The White House. (n.d.). Thomas Jefferson.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Cicadas.
University of Connecticut. (n.d.). Periodical cicada information pages.
University of Minnesota Extension. (2018). Cicadas.
