As trillions of cicadas emerge from underground, the spring and summer of 2024 will see a natural phenomenon the likes of which hasn’t occurred since 1803.

Different groups of cicadas usually emerge at different times, but not this year. Brood XIX and Brood XIII of cicadas are set to emerge in the same year for the first time in over two cen­turies, potentially blanketing trees and the ground with them­selves and their shed exoskeletons for several weeks.

Where to Expect Cicadas

Brood XIX is expected to begin emerging earlier as ground temperatures warm in the southeast region of the country. Meanwhile, Brood XIII is likely to emerge slightly later throughout much of the Midwest. Given the potential overlap of the two broods in several Midwestern states, area residents may be particularly inundated with cicadas starting in the late spring and throughout the summer.

How Cicadas May Impact Your Home

While often compared to locusts and potentially unpleasant to behold, cicadas generally pose no threat to humans or structures. Still, they may cause distractions, excessive noise, destruction of vegetation and anxiety. Consider the following tips for limiting the impact cicadas may have on your life:

Tune it out. Consider investing in earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, as cicadas produce significant and constant noise.

Cover outdoor pools and hot tubs. Cicadas often land on water surfaces, making these enjoyable parts of your home less appealing or even clogging drains.

Schedule yard work appropriately. Vibrations from lawnmowers and other equipment can attract cicadas, potentially distracting you during dangerous tasks.

Consider trees. During their emergence, cicadas will spend much of their time in trees and may be particularly drawn to fruit trees. Consider applying netting with holes no larger than ¼ inch wide, and beware of weakened branches.

Reconsider insecticides. Using chemicals and even hiring professionals to elim­inate cicadas may endanger your family, neighbors and pets. Since cicadas bear little-to-no threat to humans, tolerance may be advisable.

Cleaning Up Cicadas

Cicadas will start to die off approximately four to six weeks after emergence. This can result in thousands of remains lingering in yards or attached to structures. Homeowners may wish to deal with cicada carcasses promptly instead of letting them sit. Consider the following cleanup options:

Sweep them from structures. Cicada shells may stay attached to home siding or other property. If the shells get wet, they may develop mold.

Consider roofs and gutters. Cicada remains may clog gutters and other drains, leading to substantial water-related issues for homes.

Act promptly to avoid smells. Decomposing cicadas may cause an odorous nuisance.

Rake them up. Consider raking the remains into a bag or hole for disposal as needed.

Add them to your garden. Cicada remains can be used for mulch.

Leave them be. If the sight or smell isn’t bothersome, leaving cicada carcasses alone is of­ten fine, as they can add nutrients to a lawn.

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