Chances are you’re already dealing with cicadas – the racket and the number of cicada bodies likely will be much worse this year in some states. Here’s why: Two broods of cicadas began emerging simultaneously in April and May in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Although their buzzing sound might be a nuisance, it is not all bad: You can use their bodies as mulch, add them to your compost bin, and even turn them into art!
What is Happening in 2024?
That characteristic buzzing produced by cicadas is a typical sound of the summer. The ones you hear every year are the so-called “annual cicadas.” But other species spend over a decade underground before emerging. These are called “periodical cicadas.”
Seven species of periodical cicadas inhabit the U.S., which are divided into two broods. Four species belong to the brood XIX, having a 13-year life cycle. The other three species belong to brood XIII, with a longer, 17-year life cycle.
Because of their different life cycles, they usually surge from the earth at different times. However, in 2024, they will emerge together in a true cicada invasion, with billions emerging all at once.
The last time it happened was in 1803, 221 years ago! Can you imagine the buzz?
When Will Cicadas Appear?
The estimate is that cicadas will start to appear when the ground reaches around 64 degrees, which is around late spring to early summer, depending on where you live:
- Southern states warm up faster and may have already started seeing them in April.
- The upper Midwest states, where it’s typically colder, may see them only in May or even as late as June.
While brood XIII will emerge in the Midwest and brood XIX will emerge in the Southeast, the states of Illinois and Indiana will have it worse: both broods will emerge there.
Luckily, once above ground, cicadas live only for around four weeks. Then, they will start to die off. Which begs the question: What to do with all the cicada bodies? Let’s dive in.
What To Do With All the Cicada Bodies?
Inevitably, there will be a lot (I mean a lot) of cicada bodies and cicada shells around your yard in 2024. Here’s what you can do to deal with them:
- Turn them into mulch: Cicadas shells are full of nitrogen. Crunch them and add them to your mulch for that extra punch of organic matter.
- Add to your compost pile: If you have a compost bin, just rake the fallen shells and bodies from your lawn and add them to your bin.
- Leave them be: Cicadas’ bodies will naturally fall on the ground and decompose, providing the soil with organic matter.
- Additionally, they are delicious snacks for the local wildlife. Birds and small mammals will most likely get rid of all these cicada bodies for you.Turn them into art: For the bug enthusiasts here, cicada season is a blast. You can collect the shells or bodies and preserve them to later use them as decorations or in other types of arts and crafts.
Additionally, they are delicious snacks for the local wildlife. Birds and small mammals will most likely get rid of all these cicada bodies for you.
Should You Worry About Cicadas?
Cicadas are mostly harmless to pets and humans. They don’t bite or sting, like wasps and other stinging insects of summer. The worst cicadas can do is bother you with their loud buzzing sound.
While cicadas can cause damage to young trees (they are particularly fond of blueberries or other fruit trees), they rarely cause serious injuries to older ones. Most of the time, cicadas actually help improve tree health.
Pro Tip: Because the cicada population in 2024 is expected to be larger than usual, concerns about your young trees are valid. To protect them, wrap them with mosquito mesh or other fine netting.
Cicada Invasion: Keep Your Earplugs Nearby
Cicadas are coming in full force this year, and as irritating as their buzzing may be, keep in mind that these are beneficial insects that cause more good than harm. Cicada season only lasts around a month, so brace yourselves and keep your earplugs at hand.
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