09-04-2025
13 states expected to be buzzing with cicadas this year: When and where they will emerge
The second-largest periodical cicada broods – Brood XIV – will be emerging this spring. There may even be stragglers from other broods, such as Brood I, Brood VI and Brood X, according to the University of Connecticut.
There are at least 15 cycles, or "broods," of periodical cicadas, some of which emerge every 17 years, while others emerge every 13 years. Different broods of cicadas emerge in different parts of the eastern half of the U.S. in different years. Other species will show up every summer.
Brood XIV emerges every 17 years. That means their last time they saw the sun, George W. Bush was president and the average price of eggs was only $1.99.
Here's what we know about these interesting insects.
When will they emerge?
It depends on the weather and location, but typically these 17-year periodical cicadas emerge in the spring, usually in late April and early June, according to The ground temperature plays a big part in when they begin to emerge.
When the ground temperature reaches about 64 degrees 8 inches below the surface, it will signal the cicadas it's time to emerge.
If the weather is consistently warm and dry, the cicadas will finish mating sooner rather than later, which would mean a shorter season. Typically, their lifespan is four to six weeks, and they will start to die off in late June.
Where will the Brood XIV cicadas emerge?
Although there have been reports of Brood XIV in some areas of Indiana and Ohio, the species is mainly found in Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio. The states where they're expected to emerge this year are Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia.
Because stragglers from other broods could emerge, a 100% precise map is nearly impossible. Below are the approximate locations of Brood XIV cicadas, according to Cicada Mania and the U.S. Forest Service.
What do Brood XIV cicadas look like?
All cicadas aren't the same; they can vary in color and size. Brood XIV cicadas can be three-quarters of an inch to 1¼ inches long, according to N.C. State University. But they're typically around 1.75 inches.
Unlike the greenish-colored annual cicadas, periodical cicadas are known for their bold red eyes, black bodies and clear wings.
They can be really noisy. Cicadas are among the world's loudest insects, scientists say. They can make as much noise as a motorcycle, according to the National Institute of Health.
Do cicadas bite or sting?
No. Cicadas aren't equipped to sting like bees or wasps. They do have prickly feet that could poke your skin if they are held.
Cicadas aren't dangerous. They're not harmful to 'humans, pets, household gardens, or crops,' according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
CONTRIBUTING Saleen Martin
