Two different broods of cicada will soon emerge and create a spectacular summer spectacle in certain areas in the State of Indiana. This is actually the first time since the year 1803 that two different broods will emerge in a simultaneous fashion. One brood lives on a 13-year cycle and the other lives on a cycle of 17 years.
Where Will the Cicadas Emerge in Indiana?
The brood X111 will be most prevalent in the area of Southeast Indiana in and around Posey County. Many counties that border Illinois will be impacted, too. Brood X1X will be most prevalent around the border of Lake Michigan.
When Do Cicadas Show Up?
In most instances, the Cicadas throughout the State of Indiana show up in the Months of July and those leading into the fall months. The broods showing up this year are part of the periodical broods.
Late spring and summer are known for being loud throughout Indiana and this year will be twice as loud thanks to the two emerging broods.
What are Periodical Cicadas?
Periodical cicadas are those that have the longest known life cycle of any insect. Most of their lives is spent underground in the form of an immature nymph. They make their way to the surface once every 13-17 years to live a very brief life as an adult.
These are black from above and orange-colored underneath. The wings are clear and membranous and the eyes are clear and bright red. They average about 2.5 inches in their length and their wingspan is about three to seven centimeters.
When you see these insects, you will notice that they look much different than the typical annual cicadas that typically abound each summer.
All of the periodical cicadas make highly incessant and high-pitched shrill-based sounds. The females are incapable of making sounds, all of the sounds come from the males.
Are Cicadas a Danger?
According to studies, cicadas are not at all dangerous to humans, their pets, household gardens or to crops. What makes them noticed is the loud sounds produced by the males. These are their courting sounds.
In terms of touch, these are some of the safest insects to be handled. If you pick one up, use the thumb and forefinger to pick it up by its sides. They will not bite or sting, but they are capable of piercing and sucking.
What Problems are Caused by Cicadas?
Cicadas are known for causing damage to trees that produce fruits. This is done in two ways. First, while laying eggs, female cicadas make slits in the smaller branches of the tree. This weakens those branches. When a tree is heavily invaded by cicadas, the tips of the branches may die. They will not pose any harm to flowers in a garden or to vegetables or your lawn.
Do Cicadas Have a Purpose?
Cicadas are considered to be a highly valuable food source for birds and a large assortment of other types of predators. These creatures have the ability to aerate lawns and improve the water filtration that occurs in the ground. The insects add nutrients to the soil when they go through decomposition.
Are Cicadas Good to Have Around?
These insects are mostly beneficial. They are known for pruning trees that are mature, aerating the soil, and once they pass, they provide a source of nitrogen for the soil so that trees and other plant life grow optimally.
Why Do People Hate Cicadas?
Many people find that the noise that cicadas make is annoying. They are considered to be the loudest of all insects on the planet. Some cicadas are capable of reaching sounds over 100 decibels. This is as loud as a motorcycle or a lawn mower.
What are Some Interesting Facts about Cicadas?
The following outlines a few interesting facts about cicadas:
- These insects reside on every continent in the world except Antarctica.
- Cicadas are not considered to be locusts, despite popular belief.
- When it comes to insects, cicadas have among the highest lifespan.
- The Periodical Cicadas may have developed as a result of the ice ages.
- Cicadas spend most of their life under the ground.
- The swarming activity of the cicadas is a survival strategy.
- Cicadas will only emerge when the ground temperature is 64 degrees or higher.
- The insects get the nutrients for survival from trees.
- The female cicadas are capable of laying up to 600 eggs each.
- Despite emerging on a regular schedule, it is unknown how the insects are capable of telling how much time has passed and knowing when it is time to emerge above the ground.
- Cicadas are capable of reaching up to 3 inches in length
- The creatures are able to shed their translucent skins.
- The insects are eaten by many predators. They have even been eaten by people.
- You may track cicadas and aid in research by joining the citizen science app that was created by Mount. St. Joseph University. With this app, you can learn how to remove the insects from your garden and are given facts about their ecological-based importance.
- The emergences of brood 13 and 17 will not line up again for 221 years.
- The Great Southern Brood will appear late in April and the Northen Illinois Brood will emerge in the middle of May.
- The broods will die off by the late part of June. After that, the annual brood will emerge.
- The broods that emerge this year will lay eggs. The eggs will hatch into nymphs and then the nymphs will burrow down into the ground. They will then feed off of tree roots and emerge again in 13 or 17 years, depending on which brood they are part of.
How Do You Get Rid of Cicadas?
Cicadas are noisy, fly around, and deposit excrement around your lawn and in some cases – in your home. This is unpleasant and frustrating for homeowners and their families.
In most instances, professional pest control companies will not recommend pest control treatments for the insects, but there are steps that will help you eliminate an infestation.
Just keep in mind, the creatures will go away on their own in about 6 weeks.
The following outlines steps that you may take to keep the insects from the interior of the home:
- Evaluate the outside of your home for holes in the structure and/or screens of windows and patio doors.
- Look in the branches of trees and shrubs to determine if the insects are in your yard.
- Use netting, soft-pressured water, or foil barrier tape to protect the trees and shrubs in your yard.
- Prune the trees and the shrubs on a regular basis.
- Cover your pool and your hot tub.
- If you see the carcasses and skin molts of the insects, eliminate them.
- Cover or move the patio furniture in your yard.
- If you have to do yard work, do it early or at dusk.
- Spray peppermint, vinegar or eucalyptus in areas where the insects are located as they find the smells offensive.
- You can also use Sevin Insect Killer Concentrate, Sevin Insect Killer Ready to Spray, and similar items.
Need Pest Control Help?
Cicadas do not cause harm to people or pets, but they are considered to be a nuisance to many. They have the potential to damage various types of trees and shrubs. They also leave a highly unpleasant odor. Learning the steps to getting rid of cicadas in the house or your yard may prove to be challenging; however, if you are wanting professional pest control, that is easy! We here at All Pest are highly knowledgeable in the extermination and elimination of cicadas. You may call us today and enjoy a cicadas-free environment as quickly as tomorrow!
Our business opened in the year of 1995 under Mr. Dean Bishop and Mr. Seth (Robbie) Robinson. In 2003, Mr. Phillip Earlywine – who worked with the original owners – purchased the company. Since the beginning, we have grown steadily and continue to place an emphasis on giving each customer personal attention. We are locally owned and operated and pride ourselves in offering comprehensive services at an affordable price. If you would like to learn more about cicadas or how we can help you get rid of the noisy creatures, contact us now by calling: 765-259-0043
We offer a wide assortment of services such as educational services, pre-inspections, home inspections, and pest control. It does not matter what types of pests are bugging you, we can assist you! For your convenience, you may also schedule an appointment online on our website. Our focus is Wayne County, Indiana. If you live within this region, call today and set up an appointment for pest control service. We are licensed, insured, and looking forward to assisting you with all of your pest control needs.
