Cicadas are fascinating insects known for their unique life cycle and distinct buzzing sounds. These fascinating creatures have captured the curiosity of many due to their periodic emergence, occurring once every 17 years. Let's delve into the world of cicadas and explore their intriguing characteristics.

Cicadas belong to the insect order Hemiptera, but they are specifically classified within the suborder Auchenorrhyncha, not the entire order Hemiptera.

Hemiptera is a large order of insects that includes cicadas and other groups like true bugs, aphids, and leafhoppers. The suborder Auchenorrhyncha within Hemiptera includes cicadas, leafhoppers, and treehoppers. Cicadas themselves are further divided into two main groups: annual cicadas and periodical cicadas. Annual cicadas have shorter life cycles and emerge yearly, while periodical cicadas have much longer life cycles, typically either 13 or 17 years, depending on the species.

Throughout their life cycle, cicadas undergo several transformations. Starting as tiny eggs, they hatch into nymphs that burrow themselves beneath the soil, where they remain for several years. During this period, they grow and molt several times until adulthood.

The emergence of adult cicadas is a grand spectacle. They reveal their vibrant and intricate wings as they shed their nymphal exoskeletons. Fully-grown cicadas are characterized by their large, transparent wings, robust bodies, and bulging eyes. They typically have vibrant colors, ranging from greens and browns to shades of black.

The 2024 Cicada Invasion Prediction

The 2024 cicada invasion is predicted to be a significant event due to a rare double-brood emergence. This year, two broods of cicadas — one that lives on a 13-year cycle (Brood XIX) and the other that lives on a 17-year cycle (Brood XIII) — will emerge simultaneously. 


Brood XIX is set to emerge in the spring of 2024 in 15 states across the Eastern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The brood last emerged in 2011 and has a 13-year life cycle.


Brood XIII will emerge in five Midwestern states around the same time, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and possibly Michigan. These cicadas have a 17-year life cycle and last emerged in 2007. The cicadas will begin to emerge when the soil 8 inches underground reaches 64 degrees, often triggered by a warm rain. Once they emerge, adult cicadas will mate, lay millions of eggs, and die, all in about five weeks

The cicadas are harmless to humans, but their emergence in such large numbers can be quite noisy, with their mating song reaching up to 100 decibels — roughly equivalent to a motorcycle or jackhammer. For some states, this event is expected to be the noisiest summer in 221 years.

The Impact on Nashville Homeowners and Pets

While these insects can be quite a spectacle, they also have certain impacts on homeowners and the environment.


Ecological Impact: Cicada emergences can disrupt ecological dynamics, particularly in forest ecosystems. More than 80 species of birds opportunistically switch their diets to cicadas during their emergence. This feeding frenzy on cicadas relieves some of the predatory pressure on the birds' typical prey, forest caterpillars, which consequently increase abundance, resulting in more leaf damage on their host oak trees.


Impact on Homeowners: While cicadas are not dangerous as they do not bite or sting, their emergence can cause some inconveniences for homeowners. The aftermath of a cicada emergence can get messy, with homeowners having to sweep their driveways of the tiny corpses that pile up. Their decomposing bodies can also create quite a stink.


Cicadas can pose a threat to young trees like  Female cicadas lay their eggs in small tree branches, potentially harming the tree. To protect maturing saplings, homeowners are advised to cover them in mesh or netting to keep the insects out. However, larger trees are not at risk, and leaves, flowers, fruits, and garden vegetables won't be eaten by cicadas.

Preparing Your Home for the Cicada Emergence

So, how can you prepare your home for the cicada swarm 2024? Here are some tips:


Protect Your Plants: Cicadas lay their eggs in tree branches. The most at-risk plants are bushes and trees, particularly sapling trees, ornamental shrubs, blueberries, grape vines, bramble fruits, oaks, maples, cherries, dogwoods, and redbuds. Consider setting up a physical barrier, like netting. This can prevent cicadas from reaching the branches where they lay their eggs.


Use Cicadas as Fertilizer: Instead of throwing dead cicadas away, use them as free fertilizers for the plants in your gardens. Cicadas are rich in nitrogen, which is beneficial for plant growth. The holes they leave behind when they emerge can help aerate the soil and get more water to plants.


Avoid Planting New Trees: Avoid planting anything new right before the season starts, as younger plants are more fragile and vulnerable. If you must plant new trees, consider using netting or waiting until after the cicada emergence.


Clean Up After the Emergence: Once the cicadas have died off, you'll likely be left with many dead insects. These can be composted or used as fertilizer. However, if left on the surface, they can attract other pests. Be sure to clean up promptly to avoid any potential issues.

Effective Sealing Techniques to Keep Cicadas Out

When keeping cicadas out of your home, a vital step is effectively sealing all possible entry points. This includes windows, doors, vents, and any other openings that could provide access to these noisy intruders. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help you keep cicadas at bay:


1. Check and repair window screens: Inspect all window screens for holes or tears that cicadas could squeeze through. Cover up any damages using screen repair kits or replace the screens if needed. This simple step will be an effective barrier, keeping cicadas from buzzing into your home.


2. Install door sweeps: Cicadas can often find their way into your home through gaps under doors. To prevent this, consider installing door sweeps, strips of weatherproof material that attach to the bottom of your doors, creating a tight seal. This will keep cicadas out and help maintain a consistent temperature indoors.


3. Seal cracks and crevices: Look closely at your home's exterior walls, foundation, and siding for any cracks, gaps, or crevices. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal these openings, ensuring cicadas cannot enter. Pay special attention to areas where pipes or cables enter your home, as cicadas may exploit these entry points.


4. Secure attic and chimney vents: Cicadas can access your home through attic vents or even chimneys. Install mesh screens over these openings to prevent these insects from entering. Ensure the screens are tightly secured and have small enough gaps to prevent cicadas from slipping through.


5. Consider installing window film: If you live in an area heavily affected by cicadas, investing in window film can provide an extra layer of protection. This film creates a barrier that keeps cicadas from landing on or attempting to enter your windows. It also has the added benefits of reducing glare and blocking UV rays.

How Thrive Pest Control Can Help?

At Thrive Pest Control, we understand the challenges the cicada emergence in 2024 can bring. While cicadas are a healthy part of our ecosystem, we're here to help you navigate this unique event. Whether it's advice on protecting your plants or dealing with the aftermath of the cicada swarm, we've got you covered. Our team of experts can provide you with the best strategies to protect your home and garden from the cicada swarm 2024.

Embracing the Cicada Swarm 2024

The cicada swarm 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime event. While it may be noisy land disruptive, it's also a fascinating display of nature's cycles. So, as we prepare our homes, let's also take a moment to appreciate this rare spectacle. Remember, cicadas play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They help to aerate the soil and are a food source for many animals. So, while the cicada swarm 2024 may be a bit of a nuisance, it's also a sign of a healthy environment.

By: Nida Hernandez of Growthbound Marketing