The cicadas are coming! They will emerge from the ground after a few of days of 80-degree temperatures, and some rain. They have been living in the soil for the last 17 years munching tree roots and waiting. These ‘violins with wings’ are expected to reach peak numbers in our area May 14 – June 14. During their 4–6-week lifecycle, the cicada nymphs emerge from the ground, climb trees and molt, exposing the adult cicadas, they mate, and the females lay eggs in deciduous tree twigs. The eggs, up to 600 per cicada, become nymphs which fall to the ground, burrow and feast on tree roots for the 17-year next cycle. Their cacophonous sound is a mating chorus that comes from the vibrating, air-filled, male abdomen. Each cicada species has its own distinct sound which can reach 100 decibels.  

There are seven cicada species, three with 17-year cycles and four with 13-year cycles. Scientists speculate that these prime number cycles make it difficult for predators to synchronize with them. Mike Raupp, professor of entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park, estimates that 1.5 million cicadas per acre could emerge in some areas of Maryland. That is billions of cicadas in 15 states. This cicada tsunami is another evolutionary protection designed to overwhelm predators and assure their survival. Fortunately, the 17-year and 13-year cicadas only emerge at the same time every 221 years. Our invaders, “Brood X”, were born here in 2004.  

Cicadas are arthropods like shrimp, and their flavors have been compared. Animals eat cicadas; dogs, wild turkeys, birds, fish, and humans find them tasty. Some suggest NOT feeding birds and squirrels while they have access to the cicada buffet. 

Some tips for dealing with these visitors are: 

  • Cicadas drink tree fluids, so wear a hat while walking under trees to protect from cicada “rain”. 
  • Cut your lawn in the early morning or near dusk when the cicadas are less active, otherwise they may be drawn to the sound of the mower and appear to swarm. 
  • If cicadas are damaging your deciduous trees, insecticides are not effective, you can place 1/4” netting around the trees; hose cicadas off with water; place an insect barrier tape around the trunk of the trees; or simply pick them off (not with your hands) and put in a trash bag.  
  • Be careful, they do not sting or bite, but females do have pincers for slicing into trees.  
  • DO NOT let your dog eat them!  Cicadas are not toxic, but the hard exoskeleton (shell) can irritate the dog’s stomach lining and cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Fatalities from overindulging are rare.   Watch your dog closely and contact your veterinarian if the dog becomes ill. 
  • Be patient and you may not see them again until 2038. 

Jenna Jadin, Professor Raupp’s former student, created “Cicada-Licious: Cooking and Enjoying Periodical Cicadas” a cookbook manual, in 2004, incorporating cicadas into modern recipes.