Photo Source: https://www.wbur.org/npr/991168811/here-come-the-cicadas
2024 marks the return of the Midwest’s most punctual guest, or, as I like to think of them, the alien-like creatures who ruined my fourth birthday. Regardless of whether or not you welcome cicadas, it is important to be prepared for their arrival. One great place to start is the Glencoe Public Library’s cicada program held earlier this year, entitled “An Epic Year for Cicadas with Dr. Gene Kritsky.” According to the program description:
“Around a trillion red-eyed flying cicadas will hatch in the U.S. this spring as two adjacent broods emerge from the ground. This double hit of cicadas hasn’t happened since 1803 and Illinois is at the center of the action.”
A recording of the talk can be found here.
If experience has not already convinced you of the necessity for preparedness, hopefully that blurb has. However, if you do not have the time to watch an hour program, here are some quick dos & don’ts for this cicada season:
DO…
…Be aware that the cicadas will start hatching around May of this year.
…Prepare young children in your life for their arrival by warning them about the loud noise and telling them that cicadas are harmless & important to the ecosystem.
…Take objects or potted plants inside if you do not want to pick exoskeletons out of them. Cicadas are not harmful to garden plants or crops and help aerate the soil, but their molting can leave exoskeletons all over.
DON’T…
…Plant new trees until the cicadas have gone away, as they will struggle to survive.
…Kill them! While often annoying and scary to younger children or dogs, cicadas serve vital ecological functions (i.e. aerate lawns and improve water filtration, add nutrients to soil through decomposition, are a food source for birds, etc.), and must be allowed to live long enough to mate in order to secure the next generation.
…Toss or trim twigs holding cicada eggs. Once the nymphs hatch after 6 weeks, fall to the ground, and begin their life within the soil, you are free to clear away said twigs.
