PMPs in Some Areas of the U.S. Report Emergence of Cicadas

CLEVELAND – For the first time in 221 years, a 13-year brood (XIX) and a 17-year brood (XIII) of cicadas are emerging in the same summer.

This dual emergence covers a good chunk of the Midwest and South, including Illinois, Missouri, northern Arkansas and areas of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Thus, it is not surprising that more than half (53 percent) of those who responded to PCT’s recent reader poll said they have seen, or are expecting to see, cicadas emerge in their region.

Tom Dobrinska, technical services manager, residential and pest vector, Rentokil Terminix, lives in suburban Chicago in what he calls “the heart” of the northern part of Brood XIII. “The emergence here started on Sunday, May 19,” he said. “In Central Illinois, they started over a week earlier."

Dobrinska said the emergence has been spotty. For example, he said about 30 miles west of Chicago there may be little to no sightings and even in forested areas along the Des Plaines river, some trees have them, while others do not. “For example, on my block, there has been no emergence from under my trees, while my neighbors are having them emerge under 2-3 trees of theirs.”

Dobrinsa said that should Rentokil Terminix professionals receive questions about cicadas he advises the following messaging.

Damage: Cicadas leave no lasting damage except to young trees and shrubs. There have been reports of dogs’ digestive tracts becoming blocked from eating too many cicadas. The sound of their mating ritual is considered an auditory nuisance by many. Additionally, the abundance of dead cicadas leaves behind a cheesy odor. 

Control: Insecticides are ineffective for significantly reducing the cicada population. In regards to small ornamental trees and shrubs, consider placing cheesecloth around the branches throughout June. Delay the planting of new trees and shrubs until fall. Also, keep filters from clogging on a daily basis through June. Keep your dogs from overeating the cicada harvest. “Lastly, when all is said and done, bring out the snow shovel and rake to remove the dead cicadas left behind!” Dobrinska said.

Forty-seven percent of poll participants responded they have not and do not expect to see cicadas emerge.

Excel Pest Services has service locations in New Jersey and Florida, so the company will not experience these cicada brood emergences. Nick Ferrante Jr., service supervisor at Excel, said that in years when the company’s service areas do experience this phenomenon, its service professionals stress cicadas’ environmental benefits. “They aerate the soil as they tunnel, which promotes nutrient cycling and improves soil quality. Additionally, their decaying bodies provide a rich source of nutrients for plants, and their emergence serves as a vital food source for a variety of wildlife, thereby supporting the broader ecosystem."