The Cicadas Are Coming in Spring 2024!

The cicadas are coming soon! Please read below for some answers to questions City staff have been receiving. 

What is going on with the cicadas?

The cicadas are emerging, and it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event!  Our area in Illinois is home to cicadas that come out every 17 years. The adult cicadas laid eggs 17 years ago, and those hatched into small insects called nymphs. The nymphs have been living underground for 17 years, feeding on roots and sap. This summer, they are coming out of the ground to lay eggs and repeat the cycle.

Some areas of southern Illinois are home to a type of cicada that comes out every 13 years. The 13-year cicadas are predicted to be farther south than Evanston. 

Are they dangerous?

Cicadas are not dangerous to people and our pets and are a natural part of our environment. They don’t bite, sting, pinch, or otherwise prey on people or pets. But, because there could be many of them this year, it might get noisy and messy. Their presence might be annoying, but it won’t be dangerous.

Will the City plant trees on the parkways and other public property this spring?

Yes, the City has decided to move forward with a spring planting after careful consideration and numerous internal and external discussions. The staff took into account factors such as nursery warranties and conditions, the biology and growth cycles of the trees, the reported impacts during the last 17-year emergence, as well as internal climate resilience goals.

The City purchases trees that are at least 2” in diameter from nurseries, and cicadas are not expected to have a substantial impact on trees 2" and greater.

Where can I find more information?

The Morton Arboretum is an excellent resource for more information. Visit their dedicated webpage. 

Should property owners wrap their trees or shrubs?

The cicadas may impact smaller trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs smaller than 2” in diameter may benefit from being wrapped in netting/mesh wrapping. Property owners are encouraged to consult online resources such as Illinois Extension and The Morton Arboretum for more information.

Cicadas do not harm the green parts of plants like leaves and green, non-woody stems.