Rare cicada emergence to take over Illinois, experts predict

For the first time since 1803, a rare cicada emergence is about to take place this summer.

Generally considered a nuisance, cicadas occasionally emerge in order to find a mate and grow their population. Typically occurring in cycles of 13-17 years, rarely do any two types of cicadas emerge at once. This summer, however, that will change in what is called a “double brood event”. Broods XIX and XIII have synced in their cycles, and will thus both begin to appear starting in April. Nationwide, it’s expected we’ll see up to a trillion of them.

Cicadas live underground for most of their life, but come summer at the end of their cycle, they emerge to begin a six week mating process. Once they’ve found their way to the surface, cicadas will molt on a multitude of surfaces; then, the buzzing begins. This sound is actually the way that male cicadas attract a female, and it needs to stand out as cicadas only live for a little more than a month once they emerge. Just one brood of cicadas emerging is reported to get as loud as a plane, so you may need to invest in a good pair of noise canceling headphones.

However annoying this sound may be, the insects play a key role in the ecosystem, and luckily, are mostly harmless. They don't bite nor sting, although they may smack into you as they are infamously bad fliers. Any attempts to fight against the simple creatures may harm other insects in the process, such as pesticides killing the already-declining bee population. 

Even though it’s in the form of a flood of insects, this double brood event is still an exciting and unique event that won't be seen for another 200 years at least. So instead of smacking every cicada you spot with a broom, allow them to find their pairs and find comfort that you were able to witness the power the natural world holds.