The Buzz About Cicadas: What Homeowners in NC Need to Know

As the summer sun warms up the vibrant state of North Carolina, an equally vibrant guest makes its appearance - the cicada. These buzzing insects, known for their distinctive calls and periodic emergences, are once again making headlines. Homeowners across NC might be curious, even concerned, about these noisy visitors. Let’s delve into the world of cicadas and explore everything you need to know about them.

What Are Cicadas?

Cicadas are large, winged insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, specifically the family Cicadidae. They are famous for their loud buzzing and clicking sounds produced by males to attract mates. Cicadas are not to be confused with locusts, which are a type of grasshopper.

What Do Cicadas Look Like?

Cicadas have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other insects:

1. Body Shape: Cicadas have a robust body structure with a broad, somewhat triangular shape. They are relatively large insects, ranging from about 1 to 2 inches in length, depending on the species.
2. Coloration: Cicadas exhibit a variety of colors and patterns, but they commonly have a combination of black, brown, green, and sometimes reddish hues. Their colors may vary based on species and geographic region.
3. Head: The head of a cicada is prominent and often features large, bulging compound eyes that provide excellent vision. They also have three small simple eyes known as ocelli located between their compound eyes.
4. Wings: Cicadas are known for their membranous wings, which are typically transparent or translucent with intricate vein patterns. When at rest, cicadas hold their wings flat over their bodies.
5. Abdomen: The abdomen of a cicada is stout and segmented, often featuring patterns or markings that can be species-specific. Male cicadas have sound-producing organs called tymbals located on the sides of their abdomen, which they use to create their loud calls.
6. Legs: Cicadas have six jointed legs adapted for gripping onto surfaces like tree branches. Their legs are strong and designed for climbing and perching.
7. Mouthparts: Adult cicadas have short, straw-like mouthparts known as rostrums or proboscises. These mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking fluids, allowing cicadas to feed on plant sap.
8. Nymphs: Before they emerge as adults, cicadas spend several years as nymphs underground. Nymphs have a similar body shape to adults but lack wings and are typically pale in coloration. They have powerful front legs adapted for digging and burrowing in soil.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

No, cicadas are not considered dangerous to humans. They do not sting or bite, and they are not venomous. However, there are a few considerations regarding cicadas that homeowners and individuals may want to keep in mind:

1. Physical Contact: While cicadas themselves are harmless, their physical presence can sometimes startle people, especially if they fly unexpectedly or land on someone. This is more of a nuisance than a danger, and cicadas are not aggressive toward humans.
2. Damage to Plants: One potential concern related to cicadas is the damage they can cause to plants and trees, particularly when females lay eggs. Female cicadas use their ovipositors (egg-laying organs) to insert eggs into tree branches, which can result in minor damage or stress to young trees. However, established trees can usually tolerate this damage without significant harm.
3. Noise Level: During their mating season, male cicadas produce loud buzzing or clicking sounds to attract females. While this can be quite noisy, especially in areas with large cicada populations, it is not harmful to humans and typically lasts for a few weeks during the summer.
4. Predator Attraction: The mass emergence of cicadas can attract predators such as birds, rodents, and other insects. While this is a natural part of the ecosystem and helps regulate cicada populations, it can sometimes lead to increased activity of certain predators in localized areas.

Why Are Cicada So Active This Summer?

While several species of cicada are active every summer, periodical cicadas have either a 13-year or 17-year life cycle as nymphs underground before emerging as adults. The timing of their emergence is predetermined and synchronized within specific broods. Therefore, some summers may experience increased cicada activity due to the emergence of large broods that have reached maturity.

What Is A Cicada Brood?

A cicada brood refers to a specific group of periodical cicadas that emerge in synchronized cycles at regular intervals. These emergences are organized into distinct broods based on geographic distribution and timing.

Here are the key characteristics of a cicada brood:

1. Life Cycle: Periodical cicadas have either a 13-year or 17-year life cycle as nymphs living underground. During this time, they feed on tree roots. When they reach maturity, they emerge from the ground as adults in massive numbers, typically within a short period, often referred to as a "brood year."
2. Synchronized Emergence: Cicadas within a brood emerge simultaneously in large numbers, creating a spectacle known as a "cicada emergence." This synchronized emergence is a survival strategy that overwhelms predators and increases the chances of successful mating and reproduction.
3. Geographic Distribution: Each cicada brood is associated with specific geographic regions where their emergences occur. Broods may have overlapping ranges or distinct areas of emergence, depending on the species and brood classification.
4. Classification: Broods are classified numerically (e.g., Brood II, Brood X) based on historical records and observations of past emergences. 
5. Duration of Emergence: Cicada emergences within a brood typically last for several weeks, during which time the adult cicadas mate, lay eggs in tree branches, and complete their life cycle before dying off.
6. Species Variation: There are multiple species of periodical cicadas within each brood, distinguished by factors such as coloration, song patterns, and geographic distribution.

These events of synchronized emergences are not only of scientific interest but also play important ecological roles in nutrient cycling, forest dynamics, and food webs.

What Cicada Broods Live In NC And When Are They Active?

North Carolina is home to several broods of periodic cicadas, each with its own emergence schedule. Here are the main broods of periodical cicadas found in North Carolina:

1. Brood II (17-Year Cicadas): Brood II emerges primarily in the northeastern United States, including parts of North Carolina. However, its presence in North Carolina is limited compared to its more significant emergence in states like New York and Pennsylvania. Brood II cicadas have a 17-year life cycle and were last active in 2013 and their next emergence is expected in 2030.
2. Brood XIV (17-Year Cicadas): Brood XIV is another 17-year brood that emerges in various states, including portions of North Carolina. This brood last emerged in 2008, and its next emergence is expected in 2025.
3. Brood X (17-Year Cicadas): Brood X, also known as Brood 10, is one of the largest and most widespread broods of periodical cicadas. It emerges in massive numbers across several states, including parts of North Carolina. Brood X cicadas were last active in 2004 and 2021, and their next emergence is anticipated in 2038.
4. Brood XIX (13-Year Cicadas): Brood XIX is a 13-year brood that emerges in southeastern states, including portions of North Carolina. This brood last emerged in 2011, and its next emergence is predicted in 2024.
5. Brood XXIII (13-Year Cicadas): Brood XXIII is primarily located in western North Carolina and neighboring states. This 13-year brood last emerged in 2015, and its next emergence is forecasted in 2028.
6. Brood XXIV (17-Year Cicadas): Brood XXIV is a smaller brood that emerges in localized areas, including parts of North Carolina. This 17-year brood last emerged in 2020, and its next emergence is projected in 2037.

It's essential to note that the distribution of periodical cicada broods can vary within North Carolina, with some broods having more widespread emergence areas than others. Additionally, factors such as local environmental conditions, including soil temperature and moisture, can influence the timing and intensity of cicada emergences within specific regions.

Can You Do Anything To Keep Cicadas Off Your Property?

There are several strategies you can implement to help minimize the presence of cicadas on your property and reduce any potential impact they may have:

1. Cover Young Trees: Protect young trees, especially fruit trees and newly planted saplings, by covering them with fine mesh netting. This can prevent female cicadas from laying eggs in the branches, reducing potential damage.
2. Use Physical Barriers: Create physical barriers around garden beds and vulnerable plants using row covers, mesh screens, or other materials. This can deter cicadas from accessing plants and laying eggs.
3. Prune Trees: Regularly prune and maintain trees and shrubs on your property. Removing dead or damaged branches can minimize potential egg-laying sites for cicadas.
4. Avoid Pesticides: While pesticides can kill cicadas, they are generally not recommended for use in residential areas due to their potential harm to beneficial insects, wildlife, and the environment. It's best to explore non-chemical methods of cicada management.
5. Clean Up Debris: Remove dead cicadas from outdoor spaces, such as patios, decks, and sidewalks. This can help prevent the buildup of cicada carcasses and reduce attractiveness to predators like birds and rodents.
6. Noise Reduction: If the buzzing sounds of cicadas are bothersome, consider using outdoor fans or creating noise barriers with vegetation or structures. While this won't keep cicadas away, it can help mitigate the noise level in specific areas.
7. Professional Help: In some cases, especially if you have a large property or significant cicada population, you may consider consulting with a pest control professional or arborist for guidance on managing cicadas effectively and responsibly.

By combining these strategies and staying proactive, you can help minimize the presence of cicadas on your property and protect vulnerable plants from potential damage during cicada emergences.