HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RARE CICADA SEASON

 


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How to Prepare

This year, while your family is soaking up the sun, you might hear some unwelcome background noise outside. Alongside the sizzle of barbecues and crackle of  reworks, billions to trillions of cicadas may be chirping as part of the United States experiences a rare event of buzz-worthy proportions.1,2 So, will these noisy nuisances put a damper on your outdoor activities or throw a wrench into your landscape goals? Are there steps you should take to protect your people and your plants this season? We've got you covered with what you need to know.


WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR'S CICADA SEASON DIFFERENT?

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR'S CICADA SEASON DIFFERENT?

Unfortunately for your serene backyard relaxation plans, two broods of periodical cicadas are emerging this year.1 Luckily, this phenomenon is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We haven’t had this double emergence since 1803, and the next won’t likely occur until 2245.1

The Great Southern Brood (Brood XIX) and the Northern Illinois Brood (Brood XIII) only come out to greet us every 13 and 17 years, respectively.1 With both emerging at the same time, the estimated total of cicadas is in the billions to trillions—which is why they won't be easy to tune out.1, 2
WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE CICADAS EMERGING?

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE CICADAS EMERGING?

In time for beach vacations and poolside fun, the broods are anticipated to emerge around late April or May.1 Adult periodical cicadas live for three to four weeks above ground, so they’ll likely stick around until June.3 You may encounter these cicadas in your backyard or during family travels since seventeen states are predicted to welcome at least one brood. Brood XIX is expected in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Brood XIII is forecasted to emerge in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.4
WHAT DO PERIODICAL CICADAS LOOK LIKE?

WHAT DO PERIODICAL CICADAS LOOK LIKE?

These aren't your annual backyard cicadas, which typically emerge around mid-summer and are green.5 The periodical cicadas you may see on your porch or deck this year are about one to two inches in size with black bodies, red eyes and orange-veined wings.6

ARE CICADAS HARMFUL TO MY FAMILY OR MY YARD?

 

ARE CICADAS HARMFUL TO MY FAMILY OR MY YARD?

Fortunately, cicadas don' sting or bite humans, and they aren't poisonous.5 Still, it'll be hard to ignore the blare of cicada chirps while backyard camping or stargazing. The impact on trees and plants also shouldn't be substantial. However, female cicadas could make small slits in stems and twigs to deposit and lay eggs, which could affect young trees.3,5 So, it's best to take proper precautions to protect your plants. You'll want to avoid transplanting, trimming and pruning trees before and during this periodical emergence to avoid plant damage.3 For peace of mind, you can also apply insecticides to ornamental trees, fruit and nut trees, shrubs, flowers and non-porous surfaces to control cicadas in your backyard or garden.


HOW CAN CUTTER HELP?

HOW CAN CUTTER HELP?

Consider Cutter® Backyard™ Bug Control Spray Concentrate when prepping your outdoor space for this year's rare cicada season.

READ ENTIRE LABEL BEFORE USE. Always read and follow the label directions for use and allowable application sites (where to use).

Backyard™ Bug Control Spray Concentrate

REFERENCES:
Geist L. Billions of cicadas bring buzzy magic to Missouri in 2024. University of Missouri. 2024. [Retrieved from: https://extension.missouri.edu/news/billions-of-cicadas-bring-buzzymagic-to-missouri-in-2024.]
UConn. The 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence. University of Connecticut. 2024. [Retrieved from: https://cicadas.uconn.edu/.]
Skvarla M. Periodical Cicada. 2021. [Retrieved from: https://extension.psu.edu/las-cigarras-periodicas.]
Wong K, Sinnen C. Brood X Rising. Scienti c American Magazine. 2021;324(6):54. Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brood-x-cicadas-are-emerging-atlast1/.]
Day E. Periodical Cicada. Blacksurg, Virginia: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 2021. [Retrieved from: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-276/444-276.html.]
PestWorld.org. Periodical Cicadas. NATIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION. 2024. [Retrieved from: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/occasional-invaders/periodicalcicadas/.]