Cicada Mania: Brood XIV’s Imminent Arrival in the Eastern US

As the days lengthen and the promise of warmer weather fills the air, a familiar sound will soon echo across neighborhoods in the eastern United States: the distinctive buzz of cicadas. This year marks the emergence of Brood XIV, a group of periodical cicadas that have been developing underground for the past 17 years. According to Gene Kritsky, the founder of Cicada Safari, a citizen science project dedicated to tracking these fascinating insects, Brood XIV is expected to make its presence known in 13 states.

The appearance of cicadas is often seen as a harbinger of spring’s full arrival and the impending summer season. Their loud, rhythmic buzzing serves as a natural soundtrack to the changing seasons, announcing their presence to anyone within earshot. For many, the emergence of cicadas is a memorable event, a fleeting opportunity to witness a unique natural phenomenon. But where exactly will these cicadas emerge, and when can residents expect to see (and hear) them?

Brood XIV is classified as a periodical cicada brood, meaning its members follow a strict 17-year life cycle. These cicadas spend the majority of their lives as nymphs, feeding on tree roots underground. After 17 years of development, they emerge synchronously in massive numbers to mate and lay eggs. Alongside Brood XIX, which emerged in 2024, Brood XIV is considered one of the largest periodical cicada broods.

Kritsky anticipates that the emergence of Brood XIV will likely begin in the third week of April, coinciding with periods of significant rainfall. The cicadas’ emergence is triggered by soil temperatures reaching 64 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once these temperatures are reached, the nymphs begin their ascent to the surface, signaling the start of the cicada spectacle.

The states expected to host Brood XIV this year include Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Experts predict that Kentucky and Tennessee will experience the highest cicada densities, with substantial populations also expected in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Pennsylvania. Historical data suggests that the southern states, like Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, will likely be the first to witness the emergence.

Kritsky’s predictions for cicada emergence times in specific regions are as follows:

• Southern States (Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina): Late April
• Mid-Atlantic States (Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania): Early to Mid-May
• Northeastern States (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts): Mid to Late May

Southern Indiana may also experience some cicada activity.

While the prospect of millions of cicadas emerging in a short period might seem overwhelming, Kritsky emphasizes that the emergence process is gradual. It typically takes about two weeks for the majority of the cicadas to emerge in a specific location. Once the emergence begins, cicadas will be present in that area for approximately six weeks.

After emerging from the ground, the nymphs climb onto trees or other upright surfaces. They then firmly grip their chosen spot with their claws and undergo their final molt, transforming into winged adults. According to John Cooley, an ecology and biology professor at the University of Connecticut, the cicada phenomenon is relatively short-lived. By July, there will be little evidence of their presence, apart from the holes in the ground and the egg-laying marks on tree branches.

Although Brood XIV is expected to be abundant in certain areas, it’s important to note that the combined emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII in the previous year covered a wider geographical range. Brood X, another significant 17-year brood, emerged in 2021, impacting a large swath of the eastern United States, including Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

One potential concern associated with cicada emergence is the presence of oak leaf itch mites. These mites can be found in the egg nests left behind by cicadas on oak trees. Kritsky advises avoiding prolonged exposure under oak trees during July, approximately six to ten weeks after the cicadas have laid their eggs. The mites can drop from the nests and cause an irritating itching sensation.

The loud buzzing sound produced by cicadas is, in essence, their form of communication. According to Cooley, male cicadas produce three different types of songs to attract females. They also engage in duets with females before mating.

Although whether or not cicadas sleep remains a mystery, Kritsky notes that they do become quiet at night. He shared an anecdote from a previous cicada emergence where he observed cicadas clinging silently to tree branches in his backyard at night, illuminated by a flashlight.

Despite the potential nuisance caused by their loud buzzing and egg-laying habits, Kritsky reassures gardeners that cicadas are not destructive feeders. They don’t eat leaves or other plant parts. Instead, they initially feed on grass roots as nymphs and later drink xylem fluid from trees as adults.

The only potential damage caused by cicadas is during the egg-laying process. Female cicadas lay their eggs on the ends of tree branches, which can sometimes cause the branches to break or the leaves to turn brown. However, Kritsky emphasizes that this damage is typically minor and doesn’t kill the tree. In fact, he suggests that it may even have a beneficial effect, acting as a natural pruning mechanism that can lead to larger flower blooms in the following year.

Kritsky actively collects data on cicada sightings through his Cicada Safari app and website. He encourages parents and guardians to take advantage of this unique opportunity to educate their children about cicadas and explore the various activities listed on his website. Cicada enthusiasts can also engage in conversations with older family members to learn about past cicada emergences.

Kritsky emphasizes the importance of experiencing the cicada emergence firsthand, especially for children. Taking them outside at night to observe these insects is a "once in a generation activity" that they will likely remember for the rest of their lives.

In summary, the impending emergence of Brood XIV presents a remarkable opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon that occurs only once every 17 years. While the cicadas’ loud buzzing and egg-laying habits may cause some minor inconveniences, their presence is a reminder of the intricate cycles of nature and the fascinating biodiversity that exists within our own backyards. Take the time to observe, learn, and appreciate the spectacle of Brood XIV’s arrival.