When Will the Cicadas Come Out in 2024? Everything to Know About the Rare Double Emergence

An unprecedented overlap of two broods will turn spring forests into a buzzing spectacle.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

An unprecedented overlap of two broods will turn spring forests into a buzzing spectacle.

When Will the Cicadas Emerge in 2024? The Science Behind the Rare Double Brood Event

In 2024, nature enthusiasts and the merely curious alike will witness one of the insect world’s rarest spectacles: the simultaneous emergence of two periodical cicada broods—Brood XIX and Brood XIII. This event, which last occurred more than two centuries ago in 1803, will bring trillions of these noisy, fascinating insects above ground in a vast swath of the eastern United States. What does this mean? When will it happen? Where will you see it? Read on for everything you need to know about 2024’s remarkable cicada season.

What Exactly Is a Cicada?

Cicadas are large, easily recognizable insects with bulging eyes, veined wings, and a distinctive, ear-splitting song. Unlike most bugs, cicadas spend the majority of their lives underground—some for up to 17 years—before surfacing for a brief, intense period of adult life. There are two main types of cicadas: annual cicadas, which appear every year in smaller numbers, and periodical cicadas, which only surface every 13 or 17 years in massive synchronized broods.

Size: Most cicadas grow to about 2 inches long.
Song: Cicada choruses can reach up to 100 decibels, making them louder than a motorcycle.
Life Cycle: Cicada nymphs live underground, feeding on sap from tree roots, before emerging to molt, reproduce, and die within weeks.

Fun Fact: Each cicada species has a unique mating song. Males vibrate a membrane called a tymbal to attract females.

What’s Special About 2024: The Double Emergence Explained

2024 is not a typical cicada year. Instead, two periodical broods with different life cycles are emerging together:

Brood XIX—known as the Great Southern Brood—emerges every 13 years in the Southeast.
Brood XIII—the Northern Illinois Brood—emerges every 17 years in limited parts of the Midwest.

For the first time since Thomas Jefferson was president, their cycles coincide. This results in overlapping regions especially in parts of Illinois and Iowa, where locals may witness both broods emerging at the same time. As dramatic as it sounds, most people will see one brood rather than both, since their ranges only slightly overlap. However, the sheer number of cicadas will still be spectacular; some experts estimate an average of a million cicadas per acre in many areas.

When Will Cicadas Come Out in 2024?

The timing of the cicada emergence largely depends on soil temperature. Cicadas typically begin to surface when soil eight inches below ground level hits about 64°F (18°C). In practice, this often means:

Southern States (e.g., Georgia, South Carolina): Cicadas may start appearing in late April or early May.
Midwest and Northern States (e.g., Illinois, Iowa): Cicada emergence typically peaks in mid-to-late May and can last into June.

The entire aboveground spectacle typically concludes in about four to six weeks, wrapping up by late June.

Typical Cicada Emergence Timing by Region
Region	Expected Emergence
Southeast (Brood XIX)	Late April – Early May
Midwest (Brood XIII)	Mid-May – Early June
Overlapping Areas (Illinois, Iowa)	Mid-May – June

Warm weather, rain, and local soil conditions can shift these dates by a week or two. After trees leaf out and irises bloom, expect cicadas to begin emerging in earnest.

Where Will the Cicadas Be in 2024?

The emergence will cover a wide region, but the specific broods are mostly distinct in their territories:

Brood XIX: Sweeps across the Southeast U.S., including Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, and more.
Brood XIII: Focuses on portions of Northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and parts of Indiana.
Overlap Zone: Limited regions in Illinois and Iowa will see both broods at once—an exceedingly rare phenomenon.

If you’re hoping to see (or avoid!) this double emergence, check interactive maps from universities and entomology outreach organizations. Remember, the densities will be highest in forested, undisturbed areas—especially near mature trees, where broods have thrived through multiple cycles.

What Is It Like When Cicadas Emerge?

The periodical cicada emergence is a sensory overload. Here’s what you can expect:

Noisy Days (and Nights): The collective calls of millions of cicadas can drown out traffic, conversation, and even some power equipment. The sound can exceed 100 decibels.
Visible Swarms: Hundreds to thousands of cicadas may cluster on tree trunks, branches, foliage, and even fences or siding. Molted nymph shells accumulate under trees as the newly emerged adults dry and harden their wings.
Short Lifespan: Adult cicadas mate, lay eggs, and then die, with their bodies contributing organic matter to the ecosystem.
Harmless to Humans and Pets: Cicadas do not bite, sting, or carry disease. They’re not poisonous and are even a food source for many animals (and some adventurous humans).

Why Do Cicadas Emerge in Cycles?

Scientists suggest that the 13- and 17-year life cycles of periodical cicadas are an evolutionary adaptation. By staying underground for a prime number of years, cicadas reduce the risk of overlapping too often with predators or with other broods, helping ensure massive numbers survive to reproduce when they finally emerge. This strategy, known as “predator satiation,” means that even if some fall prey, enough survive through sheer numbers.

Can Cicadas Cause Harm? Impacts on People, Pets, and Plants

Cicadas are generally harmless, but their emergence can be disruptive:

They do not bite or sting humans or pets.
Some outdoor pets or wild animals may binge on cicadas, which can cause digestive issues—rarely, very sensitive pets may vomit if they overeat cicadas.
Young ornamental trees may incur damage from cicada egg-laying in their branches, which can cause “flagging”—wilting or dead branch tips. If you have recently planted small trees, consider using netting during the peak of emergence.

Most plants and mature trees tolerate cicadas with little lasting impact, and after the mass die-off, their carcasses contribute nutrients to the soil.

Zombie Cicadas and Freaky Fungi

Some cicadas may be infected by a fungal pathogen known as Massospora cicadina, which turns affected insects into so-called “zombie cicadas.” This fungus consumes the lower body from within, then erupts in a white, chalky plug that replaces much of the abdomen (and the genitalia) of the cicada. Despite the dramatic change, infected cicadas continue to act as normal, attempting to mate, sing, and fly—thereby helping the fungus spread.

This fungal infection does not pose any known threat to humans, pets, or other wildlife, but it does lend a sci-fi element to cicada season, fascinating scientists and the public alike.

How to Prepare for Cicada Season

For Homeowners: Cover small or newly planted trees with netting if you want to prevent cicada egg-laying damage.
Enjoy the Show: Plan a walk in a wooded area during peak emergence to really experience the phenomenon.
Pet Owners: Monitor pets outside. Cicadas are not toxic, but some animals may try to gorge themselves with mild digestive upset as a result.
Gardeners: Established trees and shrubs will have no long-term ill effects. If you just planted a young tree this spring, temporary netting is wise until July.

The Ecological Role of Cicadas

Cicadas play a surprisingly important ecological role:

Food Web: Emerging cicadas provide a veritable feast for birds, mammals, reptiles, and even some fish.
Soil Enrichment: As carcasses decay post-emergence, they return nutrients to the earth and act as a natural fertilizer.
Aeration: The countless upward tunnels dug by nymphs help aerate soil and allow rainwater to soak in more effectively.

Fascinating Cicada Facts

Some cicada choruses are loud enough to damage human hearing if exposed up close for extended periods.
Cicadas have helped scientists study long-term ecological cycles and crowd dynamics.
The next comparable double emergence will occur in 2037, but the next one involving the largest broods is expected in 2076—dubbed “cicada-palooza” by entomologists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why do some cicadas come out every 13 years and others every 17 years?

The 13- and 17-year life cycles are evolutionary adaptations that help periodical cicadas avoid regular predation and prevent overlapping too often with other broods, increasing their survival odds through unique timing.

Q: How long will the cicada emergence last?

The visible cicada season generally lasts four to six weeks, beginning with the first mass emergences in late April and ending by late June, although exact timing depends on weather and region.

Q: Will cicadas damage my garden?

Generally, large established plants and trees are unaffected. Young, newly planted trees may experience some damage if females lay eggs in their tender branches. Protective netting can help prevent this.

Q: Are cicadas dangerous to people or pets?

No. Cicadas do not bite or sting, nor are they toxic. However, moderate your pet’s intake if they are inclined to snack on these insects in large quantities.

Q: Will it be possible to see both broods?

Only in specific overlap areas—primarily parts of Illinois and Iowa. Most of the eastern and central U.S. will see just one brood, depending on location.

Key Takeaways for 2024 Cicada Emergence

2024 is a historic year for cicada watchers, with Brood XIX and Brood XIII coinciding for the first time in 221 years.
The timing: Emergence starts in late April in the South and moves north into June, lasting 4–6 weeks.
The where: Southeast (Brood XIX), upper Midwest (Brood XIII), and narrow overlap in Illinois and Iowa.
The impact: Loud, dramatic, and spectacular—but not harmful. A vital event for local ecosystems.

References and Helpful Resources

For detailed, up-to-date maps and localized information, check resources from local universities and state agricultural extensions.
For help protecting young trees, consult local arboretums or garden centers for netting and care advice during peak cicada emergence.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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