The air crackles with a newfound quiet, a silence that feels both strange and welcome. That's why for weeks, Illinois residents lived under the reign of the cicadas, their buzzing a constant, inescapable soundtrack to daily life. Now, as the days grow shorter and summer begins its graceful fade into autumn, many are asking: are the cicadas gone in Illinois? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is layered with the intricacies of nature's cycles.
The great cicada emergence of 2024, a dual spectacle featuring both the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII, has been an experience etched in the memories of Illinoisans. Day to day, from the initial sightings in late April to the peak of their activity in May and June, these insects captivated and sometimes exasperated the state. Their sheer numbers were staggering, their mating calls deafening, and their presence unavoidable. But now, as July progresses, the persistent hum has faded, leaving many to wonder if this unique chapter has finally closed. Have these periodical guests completed their mission, or are there still stragglers lurking in the foliage, waiting to surprise the unsuspecting?
Quick note before moving on.
Understanding the Cicada Life Cycle
To truly understand whether the cicadas have departed Illinois, it's crucial to grasp the fundamentals of their fascinating life cycle. In real terms, cicadas are insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, characterized by their piercing-sucking mouthparts. Unlike locusts, which are often mistakenly associated with cicadas, they do not form swarms that devour crops. Instead, cicadas primarily feed on tree xylem, a watery fluid found in woody plants.
The life cycle of periodical cicadas, like those that emerged in Illinois, is remarkably long and primarily spent underground. Day to day, the adult cicadas that we witnessed this past spring represent only the final stage of their lives. After mating, the female cicadas deposit their eggs into small slits they create in tree branches. So these branches, weakened by the egg-laying process, may eventually wither and break off, a phenomenon known as "flagging. " This process, while sometimes alarming to homeowners, is usually not harmful to mature trees, although young or newly planted trees may require protection Worth keeping that in mind..
Once the eggs hatch, tiny nymphs emerge and drop to the ground, where they burrow into the soil. Think about it: these nymphs then begin their subterranean existence, feeding on the sap from tree roots. Over the next 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood, they undergo several molting stages, growing larger with each molt. On top of that, throughout this period, they remain hidden from view, diligently extracting nutrients from the roots of trees. The timing of their emergence is a complex and still not fully understood phenomenon, likely influenced by factors such as soil temperature and internal biological clocks Which is the point..
This is where a lot of people lose the thread.
When the time is right, the mature nymphs emerge from the ground en masse, usually after a warm spring rain. They then climb onto trees, shrubs, or any vertical surface, and undergo their final molt, transforming into winged adults. This is the stage we observed in Illinois, characterized by the distinctive buzzing calls of the males, who are attempting to attract mates. After mating, the cycle begins anew with the females laying eggs. So the adult cicadas, having fulfilled their reproductive purpose, typically die within a few weeks of emerging. Their brief but intense above-ground existence is a stark contrast to their long years spent in the earth The details matter here. Practical, not theoretical..
The simultaneous emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII made the 2024 event particularly noteworthy. Practically speaking, such an alignment is a rare occurrence, happening only once every 221 years. Still, this amplified the already significant impact of the cicada emergence, leading to increased media attention and widespread public interest. Here's the thing — it also raised concerns about the potential impact on ecosystems and infrastructure, although these concerns were largely unfounded. While the sheer number of cicadas could be overwhelming, they posed little threat to established trees and crops Simple, but easy to overlook..
Trends and Latest Developments
The question of whether the cicadas are truly gone in Illinois is complex, and the answer depends on what one considers "gone." The peak of the emergence has certainly passed, and the deafening chorus of mating calls has largely subsided. Because of that, most of the adult cicadas have completed their life cycle and died. That said, it is still possible to find individual cicadas, particularly in areas with dense vegetation or where the emergence was particularly heavy. These stragglers may be late bloomers, or they may simply be hiding in the foliage.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cicada sightings have decreased dramatically in recent weeks. Social media feeds that were once inundated with cicada photos and videos are now largely silent on the subject. News outlets that were once filled with stories about cicada encounters now report on other topics. This suggests that the main wave of cicadas has indeed passed Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
The official docs gloss over this. That's a mistake.
Even so, it — worth paying attention to. Consider this: the nymphs that hatched from the eggs laid this spring are now burrowing into the soil and beginning their long subterranean journey. These nymphs will remain hidden from view for the next 13 or 17 years, quietly feeding on tree roots and preparing for their own emergence in the future. So, in a sense, the cicadas are never truly gone; they are simply in a different stage of their life cycle Simple, but easy to overlook..
Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time It's one of those things that adds up..
On top of that, the impact of the cicada emergence will continue to be felt for some time to come. Consider this: the "flagging" caused by the egg-laying females may result in some tree branches dying off. Still, this is usually a temporary phenomenon, and most trees will recover without any long-term damage. In some cases, the pruning effect of the cicadas may even benefit trees by stimulating new growth. The decaying bodies of the adult cicadas will also provide a valuable source of nutrients for the soil, enriching the ecosystem.
Tips and Expert Advice
While the main cicada emergence has passed, there are still a few things Illinois residents can do to deal with any lingering cicadas and prepare for future emergences. Here are some tips and expert advice:
1. Monitor Young Trees: Newly planted or young trees are more susceptible to damage from cicada egg-laying. Continue to monitor these trees for signs of "flagging" and consider using netting to protect them from further damage And that's really what it comes down to..
- Wrap the trunks and lower branches of vulnerable trees with fine mesh netting. This will prevent female cicadas from laying their eggs in the branches. Ensure the netting is securely fastened and covers all susceptible areas.
- Regularly inspect the netting for any tears or gaps. Repair any damage immediately to maintain its effectiveness. Remove the netting in the fall to allow the tree to grow freely.
2. Clean Up Debris: Clear away any dead cicada bodies and fallen branches from your yard. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and reduce the attraction of scavengers And that's really what it comes down to. Nothing fancy..
- Use a rake or broom to gather dead cicadas and fallen branches. Dispose of them properly in a compost bin or trash receptacle.
- Consider using a leaf blower to remove cicada debris from hard-to-reach areas, such as under decks or in rock gardens.
3. Avoid Pesticides: Broad-spectrum insecticides can harm beneficial insects, such as pollinators and natural predators of pests. Avoid using pesticides to control cicadas, as they are generally ineffective and can have unintended consequences.
- Focus on non-chemical methods of cicada control, such as netting and hand-picking. These methods are more environmentally friendly and less likely to harm beneficial insects.
- If you are concerned about the impact of cicadas on your trees, consult with a certified arborist for advice on appropriate management strategies.
4. Learn and Appreciate: Take the time to learn more about cicadas and their role in the ecosystem. Appreciate the unique phenomenon of periodical cicada emergences and the opportunity to witness a remarkable natural event.
- Read books, articles, and websites about cicadas. Visit museums and nature centers to learn more about their biology and ecology.
- Share your knowledge and experiences with others. Encourage your friends and family to appreciate the wonders of nature.
5. Prepare for the Next Emergence: Start planning for the next cicada emergence in 13 or 17 years. This will give you ample time to protect your trees and appreciate the spectacle.
- Keep records of when and where cicadas emerged in your area. This will help you to predict when the next emergence is likely to occur.
- Plant cicada-resistant tree species. Some trees are less attractive to cicadas for egg-laying, such as conifers and ginkgo trees.
FAQ
Q: Are cicadas dangerous to humans or pets? A: Cicadas are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, and they are not poisonous. That said, some people may be allergic to cicadas, and pets may eat them excessively, leading to digestive upset.
Q: Will cicadas damage my trees? A: Mature trees are generally not harmed by cicadas. Young or newly planted trees may experience some damage from egg-laying, but this is usually not serious.
Q: How long do cicadas live? A: Adult cicadas typically live for only a few weeks after emerging from the ground. On the flip side, their nymphs live underground for 13 or 17 years Still holds up..
Q: What do cicadas eat? A: Cicada nymphs feed on the sap from tree roots. Adult cicadas do not feed.
Q: When will the next cicada emergence occur in Illinois? A: The next emergence of periodical cicadas in Illinois will depend on the brood. Brood XIII will emerge again in 2041, while Brood XIX will emerge again in 2037 Most people skip this — try not to. Simple as that..
Conclusion
So, are the cicadas gone in Illinois? For the most part, yes. The peak of the emergence has passed, and the vast majority of adult cicadas have completed their life cycle. Because of that, while it is still possible to find individual cicadas, their numbers are dwindling rapidly. Still, the cicada life cycle continues underground, with the nymphs quietly feeding on tree roots and preparing for their own emergence in the future. The impact of the 2024 emergence will continue to be felt for some time to come, both ecologically and in the memories of Illinois residents Small thing, real impact..
The cicada emergence of 2024 was a unique and memorable event, a reminder of the power and wonder of nature. Also, while the buzzing may be gone for now, the lessons and experiences of this past spring will remain. Now, as we look forward to future emergences, let us continue to learn, appreciate, and protect these fascinating creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit. Share your cicada experiences and photos on social media using #IllinoisCicadas and connect with other nature enthusiasts!
