Best Ways to Prepare for 17-Year Periodical Cicada Swarms

Every 17 years, a fascinating and somewhat overwhelming natural event takes place in parts of the United States: the emergence of periodical cicadas. These insects, belonging to the genus Magicicada, spend most of their lives underground as nymphs before bursting forth in massive swarms to mate and lay eggs. While they are harmless to humans, their sheer numbers and noise can be startling and disruptive. Proper preparation can help homeowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and communities better manage the presence of these cicadas. This article explores the best ways to prepare for 17-year periodical cicada swarms, ensuring you stay informed and ready when these remarkable insects return.

Understanding the 17-Year Periodical Cicadas

Before diving into preparation strategies, it’s important to understand what makes periodical cicadas unique.

• Life Cycle: Periodical cicadas spend 17 years underground feeding on root sap. When they emerge, they do so en masse, with millions appearing per acre.
• Geographic Range: They predominantly appear in the eastern and midwestern U.S., including states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
• Behavior: Adult cicadas live above ground for about four to six weeks. During this time, males sing loudly to attract females. After mating, females lay eggs in tree branches. The adults then die off, leaving behind eggs that will hatch into nymphs and burrow underground for another 17 years.
• Impact: Although cicadas don’t bite or sting and are not dangerous, their sheer volume can damage young trees and shrubs due to egg-laying behavior. They can also be a nuisance due to their loud mating calls.

Why Preparation Matters

Preparation is key because cicada emergences are predictable but intense events. Being prepared helps minimize property damage, reduce noise disturbance, and protect vulnerable plants while allowing you to enjoy this fascinating natural phenomenon safely.

Best Ways to Prepare for Cicada Swarms

1. Monitor Local Emergence Predictions

Periodical cicadas emerge on a fixed cycle depending on their brood number. Monitoring local entomological resources or state agriculture departments can help you know exactly when the swarm will appear in your area.

• Track Brood Maps: Brood maps show which geographic areas will experience emergences and when.
• Sign Up for Alerts: Many universities or local extension services offer email or social media alerts.
• Observe Early Signs: Watch for nymphs digging out of the ground or small trees with slits made by egg-laying females.

Knowing when cicadas will emerge allows you to plan preventive actions ahead of time.

2. Protect Young Trees and Shrubs

Cicadas can cause damage to young trees during egg-laying by making small cuts in branches where eggs are deposited. This can cause branches to wilt or break.

• Use Netting: Cover smaller trees with fine mesh netting or lightweight garden fabric before emergence begins. Make sure the netting is secured tightly so adults cannot get in.
• Delay Planting: Avoid planting new trees or shrubs immediately before expected emergences.
• Prune Vulnerable Branches: After emergence ends, prune damaged twigs to promote healthy regrowth.
• Avoid Excessive Watering: Keep plants healthy with proper watering but avoid overwatering which can stress plants already dealing with cicada damage.

3. Protect Outdoor Spaces and Structures

The mass emergence means your yard, deck, porch, and outdoor furniture may become covered in cicadas.

• Bring In Delicate Items: Store outdoor cushions, pillows, toys, and lightweight decorations indoors during peak emergence.
• Cover Outdoor Furniture: Use tarps or covers to protect tables and chairs from being covered in dead cicadas.
• Seal Entry Points: Check window screens and door seals as many cicadas may try to enter homes inadvertently.
• Prepare for Cleanup: Have garden rakes, brooms, gloves, trash bags, and even leaf blowers ready for post-swarm cleanups.

4. Manage Noise Levels

Male cicadas produce loud mating calls that can reach up to 100 decibels — about as loud as a lawn mower.

• Soundproof Your Home: Close windows and use weather stripping if necessary.
• Use White Noise Machines: White noise or fans can help mask the cicada din inside your home.
• Plan Quiet Indoor Activities: Avoid outdoor gatherings during peak calling times (usually midday) if noise is a concern.
• Educate Family Members: Explain the natural purpose of the noise to reduce stress or annoyance.

5. Protect Pets and Children

While not harmful or toxic, large numbers of cicadas may be overwhelming for pets or small children.

• Supervise Outdoor Play: Keep an eye on children playing outside so they don’t swallow large numbers of insects by accident.
• Limit Outdoor Activity During Peak Times: Consider limiting playtime outside during peak swarming if it causes stress.
• Dispose of Dead Cicadas Safely: Prompt cleanup helps avoid attracting scavengers like raccoons or rodents that might disrupt pets.

6. Utilize Natural Predators Responsibly

Birds, squirrels, frogs, turtles, spiders, and many other creatures feast on periodical cicadas.

• Encourage Wildlife Habitats: Having bird feeders or water sources nearby encourages natural predators that help reduce cicada populations.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemical control is generally ineffective against large swarms and can harm beneficial insects.
• Observe Nature’s Balance: Remember that predation helps control populations naturally over time without harming ecosystems.

7. Be Prepared for Increased Traffic on Roads and Trails

Large emergences often coincide with increased human interest — people want to observe this rare event firsthand.

• Drive Carefully: Cicadas on roads can create slippery conditions; be cautious if driving through affected areas.
• Respect Nature Areas: Stay on trails when viewing swarms in parks or forests.
• Plan Travel Accordingly: If you find the noise or crowds bothersome, consider travel plans around predicted emergence dates.

8. Learn How to Safely Collect Cicadas (If Desired)

Many people collect cicadas for educational purposes or even culinary uses (they are edible).

• Handle Gently: Use gloves if preferred; adult cicadas are fragile but harmless.
• Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Don’t collect from pesticide-treated areas.
• Cook Thoroughly: If eating cicadas, ensure proper preparation like roasting or frying to avoid any bacterial contamination.
• Educate Yourself First: Research local regulations as some states have restrictions regarding insect collection.

9. Stay Informed About Post-Emergence Effects

After adult cicadas die off (usually within six weeks), their bodies decompose rapidly but may create a short-term odor problem in dense populations.

• Prompt Cleanup Helps Reduce Smell: Remove dead insects from decks or porches regularly during this period.
• Expect Temporary Increase in Soil Nutrients: Their decomposing bodies enrich soil nutrients benefiting plant growth long-term.

Conclusion

The return of the 17-year periodical cicada swarm is a rare natural spectacle that presents unique challenges but also opportunities for education and appreciation of nature’s rhythms. By understanding their life cycle and behavior—and taking practical steps such as protecting young trees, managing noise levels, preparing outdoor spaces for cleanup, and monitoring local predictions—you can mitigate disruptions while enjoying one of nature’s most extraordinary events safely.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to safeguard your property or simply curious about these enigmatic insects, thoughtful preparation makes all the difference when billions of buzzing visitors arrive after a long underground wait. Embrace the swarm with knowledge and readiness—and marvel at this natural marvel’s return every seventeen years!