Experts warn Chicagoans to expect unusual numbers of cicadas this spring.
(CHICAGO) The year was 1803. Thomas Jefferson was in the White House, the Louisiana Purchase was ratified, and Ohio became a state. In other news, billions of cicadas dug their way out from their underground slumber across the country. An event that only happens every 221 years.
Fast forward to 2024, and the rare double brood cicada emergence will once again occur this spring.
What is the double brood emergence of 2024?
There are several different types of cicadas. One type emerges every year, and the noise they make is one of the familiar sounds heard during a hot summer. In addition to the annual cicadas, there are broods of 17-year cicadas and 13-year cicadas. These stay underground and emerge at the same time.
Beginning in the spring of 2024, two broods, one that appears every 13 years and one that appears every 17 years, will emerge together. They are known as the Great Southern Brood and the Northern Illinois Brood.
When will the Chicago area see the cicadas?
The cicadas will begin to emerge in mid-May to June. According to Fredric Miller, Ph.D., senior scientist, of entomology, at The Morton Arboretum, "The spring of 2024 will be a banner year for the periodical cicada: Both the 13- and 17-year broods will emerge, bringing cicadas to most of Illinois in May and June."
How long will it last?
It should only last a few weeks. Chicago won't see another large cicada emergence for another 13 years.
Are cicadas harmful to plants or animals?
If your dog east a few cicadas, he will probably be fine. But experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC) warn of overindulging in the crunchy insects. Dogs may get stomach upset, choke on the hard exoskeleton, or suffer allergic reactions.
As for plants, cicadas aren't likely to harm established plants, but it's probably a good idea to delay planting young trees until the emergence is over. You can also cover susceptible plants with netting.
Don't use pesticides
Experts agree not to use pesticides on the cicadas. It's not likely to make much difference in such a large amount of insects, and the pesticides could end up harming beneficial insects.
The Arboretum has in-depth advice on how to protect your plants from the cicada emergence this spring.
Try to enjoy the unusual event
According to a fact sheet from the state of Illinois, "Besides the noise, which may be substantial, this large group of insects is harmless and can be appreciated and enjoyed by nature lovers of all ages."
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