Get your earbuds ready, Nashville; any day now we’re gonna be welcoming cicada Brood XIV. I might be in the minority, but I love these noisy neighbors. They make me feel like I’m in “Jurassic Park,” in a good way. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s cicada uprising.
☀️ When Will Cicada Brood XIV Emerge?
These 17-year periodical cicadas have been underground since 2008! Burrowed beneath eight inches of earth, cicadas typically emerge in late April or early May, when soil temperatures are at about 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and after a good rain.
While fewer cicadas are expected to emerge this year compared to 2024, Tennessee and Kentucky have higher concentrations of this brood than anywhere else, so it will still get plenty loud.
🎵 Why Do Cicadas Sing So Loud?
After cicadas emerge, they begin shedding their exoskeletons, which takes a few hours. Once shed, cicadas will start singing as loud as 102 decibels to try and attract mates. Male cicadas sing three different types of songs to attract females, and the couples will even sing duets together. After mating, female cicadas lay eggs inside tree branches, with eggs hatching 6-10 weeks later and dropping to the ground, where the juveniles will burrow and feed on grass and roots. Female cicadas die after this process, but males continue to mate.
⏳ How Long Will Cicadas Be Around?
Cicadas live for just a few weeks, but because of their staggered emergence, they are typically in an area for 4-6 weeks. Our cicada brood will likely be gone by late June. No broods are emerging in 2026.
🌱 Are Cicadas Helpful to the Environment?
Cicadas are beneficial to the environment in numerous ways.
- Their tunnels underground allow for natural aeration of soil, which creates healthier plants and lawns.
- Eggs naturally prune trees, leading to more flowers and fruit the following year.
- Cicadas provide meals for many birds and other wildlife.
- People can eat them, too! Count me out on this benefit.
🐕 Are Cicadas Harmful?
Cicadas are generally harmless. They cannot bite or sting, and they don’t spread disease. Here are two things to be aware of:
- Young trees can be damaged when cicadas lay eggs. Cover them with fine netting while the cicadas are here.
- While dogs can eat one or two cicadas, it’s wise to keep them from eating more. Cicada exoskeletons are difficult to digest, and can cause severe stomach upset.
