How to tell if cicadas are ready to emerge in your yard: Illinois Extension

Simmy Wood
·2 min read

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A rare cicada emergence will take place in Central Illinois very soon. But there’s no need to bug out — University of Illinois Extension is sharing how to tell if they’re set to appear in your yard.

It is the first time since 1803 that two broods — XIII and XIX — will emerge at the same time. One in Northern Illinois rises from the soil every 17 years, while the other in Southern Illinois peeks out every 13 years. This simultaneous appearance won’t happen again until 2245, Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson said.

READ MORE: Cicadas could make an early emergence in Central Illinois

This is in addition to the familiar cicada chirps that Central Illinoisans already hear throughout the summer, meaning that noise will surely ramp up across the state. In fact, the National Institutes of Health say that male cicadas can get as loud as a lawnmower, motorcycle, or tractor.

So, what are these billions of cicadas waiting for? Soil temperatures. Illinois Extension says a consistent soil temperature is key to the cicadas coming out to play — and those soil temps could come sooner than later as the warmer weather starts to stabilize.

Johnson said that periodical cicadas have already started boring into the soil in Jacksonville. A few weeks before they come up from the underground, periodical cicadas will start by digging holes to the surface. Once soil reaches 64 degrees at 7 to 8 inches deep, they will make their grand entrance into the world above.

‘Only happens every 221 years’: Rare cicada emergence expected in Central IL this spring

No need to run and buy a soil thermometer, though. The U of I State Water Survey has an online soil temperature tool that is searchable by location if you create an account.

For more on 2024’s cicada emergence, visit extension.illinois.edu/insects/cicadas or download Illinois Extension’s info sheet at go.illinois.edu/Cicadas24.

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