Cicadas will emerge across 11 states in massive numbers
This spring, billions of cicadas will emerge across New York, New Jersey, and nine other states, filling the air with their deafening mating calls. These insects, which have spent 17 years underground, will surface once soil temperatures consistently reach 64 degrees. Their distinctive buzzing can be louder than a jet engine, making their arrival impossible to ignore.
According to entomologist Gene Kritsky, Brood XIV will be the dominant group emerging this season. However, habitat loss due to urban expansion may reduce their numbers in some areas.
Why cicadas will emerge in overwhelming numbers
These insects follow strict life cycles of either 13 or 17 years, depending on their brood. Last year, New York City and Long Island experienced a rare co-emergence of Brood XIII and Brood XIX. This time, Brood XIV will take center stage, flooding the Eastern United States with billions of cicadas.
While their numbers will be substantial, some regions might see fewer cicadas than in previous cycles. The destruction of forested areas has significantly impacted their breeding grounds. When populations become too small, predators can wipe them out before they reproduce.
Where cicadas will emerge in 2025
Residents in at least 11 states will experience the cicada swarm, with the highest concentrations expected in:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Indiana
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Maryland
Urban and suburban areas will not be spared, as parks and tree-lined neighborhoods will become prime locations for cicada activity.
Are cicadas dangerous?
Although cicadas may look intimidating, they pose no threat to humans. Entomologists emphasize that these insects don’t bite, sting, or spread diseases.
However, cicadas can be harmful to young trees. Female cicadas lay eggs inside branches, which may cause damage to saplings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises homeowners to protect trees by covering them with mesh or netting during the peak of cicada activity.
How long will cicadas stay above ground?
Once they emerge, cicadas have a brief but intense life cycle before they die. Their emergence follows a predictable pattern:
- Crawling out: After 17 years underground, cicadas break through the soil and shed their exoskeletons.
- Mating calls begin: Within a week, males start their loud, piercing calls, which last up to three weeks.
- Egg-laying phase: Females create slits in tree branches and deposit hundreds of eggs.
- Adults die off: Their mission complete, cicadas fall to the ground, leaving the next generation behind.
- New cycle begins: Six to ten weeks later, newly hatched nymphs burrow underground, where they will remain for another 17 years.
Why cicadas emerge in massive swarms
Cicadas rely on a unique survival strategy called predator satiation. By emerging in enormous numbers, they overwhelm natural predators like birds, raccoons, and squirrels. Even though thousands will be eaten, millions will survive, ensuring the next generation continues the cycle.
Cicada chorus: Louder than a jet engine
The noise level from Brood XIV will be hard to ignore. Kritsky has recorded cicada choruses reaching 102 decibels, which is even louder than:
- A chainsaw (100 dB)
- A motorcycle (95 dB)
- A commercial jet taking off (80 dB)
For comparison, a rock concert reaches 110 dB, meaning cicadas will be nearly as loud.
How to prepare for the cicada invasion
With cicadas preparing to emerge in full force, homeowners and residents should take a few precautions:
? Protect young trees: Use mesh or netting to prevent cicada egg-laying.
? Seal entry points: Close windows and doors to keep cicadas outside.
? Limit outdoor activities: If noise becomes unbearable, consider earplugs when outside.
? Monitor pets: Dogs and cats may eat cicadas, but consuming too many can cause digestive issues.
Will urban areas see fewer cicadas?
Although cicadas thrive in wooded environments, urban and suburban locations will still be affected. Parks, gardens, and backyards with trees will become prime gathering spots for these insects.
However, in densely populated cities where trees are sparse, cicadas may struggle to find ideal nesting sites. As a result, females may lay eggs in shrubs, ornamental plants, or smaller trees instead.
Cicadas will emerge soon—are you ready?
As spring temperatures rise, billions of cicadas will swarm the Eastern United States, completing one of nature’s most fascinating life cycles. Their return marks a rare, once-in-a-generation event that scientists and nature enthusiasts eagerly anticipate.
While their buzzing may be overwhelming, these insects play a vital role in the ecosystem. By aerating soil and serving as food for wildlife, they contribute to environmental balance.
With their emergence just weeks away, the big question remains—are you ready for the cicada swarm of 2025?
