Cicadas have been on the rise in the Chicago area. Here's a map of where sightings have been reported most (2024)

Cicada sightings have been climbing in the Chicago area following a hot weekend, but where are the biggest populations and what should you expect in your area?

A cicada map that tracks spottings across the U.S. shows some of the highest sightings have been reported in suburbs west of Chicago, particularly near the Downers Grove area. The Oak Park area has also seen a higher number of sightings as well as some southern suburbs around the Palos Park and Park Forest areas and northern suburbs like Lake Forest and Highland Park.

Watch NBC Chicago local news and weather for free whenever and wherever

Cicadas have been on the rise in the Chicago area. Here's a map of where sightings have been reported most (1)

The map from Cicada Safari, an app created by Dr. Gene Kritsky atMount St. Joseph Universityin Cincinnati to track cicadas, allows residents and experts to submit photos of cicada sightings in their area. Once those images are verified by experts, the sighting is marked on the map.

A high number of sightings have also been reported in areas of central and southern Illinois, where the emergence began earlier than much of the Chicago area. Still, it appears the Chicago area and northern Illinois have the highest number of reports in the state.

Kritsky noted he traveled to Illinois last week and over the weekend and found a particularly notable emergence in Charleston, Illinois, south of Champaign.

Cicadas have been on the rise in the Chicago area. Here's a map of where sightings have been reported most (2)

"They were having the beginnings of a really big emergence," he said. "We got there at noon and hundreds had emerged just that morning and were still finishing the process of transitioning."

Local

Chicago Weather1 hour ago

Live radar: Track rain and storms across Chicago area, Illinois

Chicago Weather3 hours ago

Timeline: What to expect with multiple rounds of storms possible for start of holiday weekend

Still, elsewhere in the U.S., areas around Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as North Carolina and South Carolina, have seen higher numbers so far. That's not unexpected, however, given their season started earlier due to warmer climates.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

The data for the map is limited to the submissions it receives. Kritsky said that, as of Monday, at least 40,000 submissions had been received for this year's emergence so far.

The current emergence is a scene that hasn't been seen in centuries. The historic 2024 emergence involves two broods of cicadas - Brood XIII and Brood XIX - emerging simultaneously. Those two broods of 13-year and 17-year cicadas haven't emerged together in more than 220 years.

"This is like the year for Illinois," cicada expert Catherine Dana, an affiliate with the Illinois Natural History Survey, told NBC Chicago. "We are going to have cicadas emerging all over the state."

While much of Illinois will see at least one brood emerging, a narrow part of Central Illinois could see both. But there's no way to know for sure just by looking at the cicadas, Kritsky said. The only way to know will be to check the area in 13 and 17 years to see if cicadas from each brood emerge.

Warm weekend temperatures likely sparked an increase in the emergence in the Chicago area, as experts said the emergence would begin in force once ground temperatures reached 64 degrees.

The emergence has even started earlier than average in Illinois.

According to some experts, the emergence of the first cicadas came about two weeks ahead of the historic average. It will continue to be sporadic, however, as soil temperature, mulch and turf grass all impact cicadas differently. For example, the soil is warmer near pavement, so cicadas in the those spots are expected to emerge quicker.

A rise in humidity levels can also play a role, the Insect Asylum reported.

Watch as district staff put a creative twist on taking us through the fascinating life cycle of a 17-year cicada.

That could mean sightings will climb even higher this week as humidity levels are on the rise in the area.

As of Monday morning, NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologists said dew points were set to climb into the low-to-mid 60s, up from the 50s over the weekend. They'll likely stay at that level again Tuesday.

Cicadas have a lifespan of approximately four weeks, meaning the emergence is set to last through at least mid-June.

Cicadas have been on the rise in the Chicago area. Here's a map of where sightings have been reported most (2024)

FAQs

Are there cicadas in Chicago? ›

Are you seeing white cicadas in your yard during the historic 2024 emergence in Illinois? You're not alone. Cicadas are still emerging across the Chicago area and Illinois, experts said, and the emergence could still continue for several days.

Where to see cicadas in Illinois? ›

The Oak Park area has also seen a higher number of sightings as well as some southern suburbs around the Palos Park and Park Forest areas and northern suburbs like Lake Forest and Highland Park. While some communities might be nearing the end, the cicada frenzy for others might not be over yet.

Where in Illinois will cicadas emerge? ›

Brood XIII, or the Northern Illinois Brood, will emerge in the northern half of the state. The brood contains all three species of 17-year periodical cicadas. This brood will also emerge in Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and possibly Michigan, according to the University of Illinois.

How many cicadas in Illinois in 2024? ›

The periodical cicada emergence of 2024 is historic in that the 13- and 17-year cicadas are emerging together for the first time since 1803. This won't happen again until 2245. Sightings have been climbing in the Chicago area this week following several days of hot temperatures.

Where are cicadas found? ›

There are several hundred described species in Australia and New Zealand, around 150 in South Africa, over 170 in America north of Mexico, at least 800 in Latin America, and over 200 in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. About 100 species occur in the Palaearctic.

When were cicadas last in Illinois? ›

The northern third of Illinois is in the range of Brood XIII, which last appeared in 2007. Its next appearance is due in spring of 2024. Both the periodical and annual cicadas are native to North America.

Are the cicadas coming to Chicago this year? ›

Following a 17-year hiatus, Chicago's massive cicada emergence for 2024 is closer than you may think. Earlier this month, the city of Chicago issued an advisory alerting residents that cicadas from Brood XIII are expected to surface in the Chicago area around late April or early May, lasting through early June.

Where will the cicadas be the worst in 2024? ›

Where will cicadas be in 2024? The 13-year cicadas, called Brood XIX, will emerge in Georgia and the Southeast. The 17-year cicadas, called Brood XIII, will appear in Illinois. This will be the first time since 1803 that two broods emerged at the same time.

Are there cicada killers in Illinois? ›

Cicada killers are found throughout the United States as well as Mexico and parts of Central America. They are known to burrow near residential areas here in Illinois and Indiana.

Do cicadas bite or sting? ›

Cicadas do not bite or sting, and they are not poisonous.

How to avoid cicadas? ›

Place netting around small trees and shrubs (up to 10 feet tall), making sure it is secured around the base of the plant to prevent cicadas from crawling up the plant from the ground. The opening should be no larger than ¼ inch.

How long is cicada season? ›

Periodical cicadas are insects that emerge as broods every 13 or 17 years, depending on the brood. Mass emergences can range over several states. They generally start emerging in May and remain above ground through most of June.

Where are the cicadas in Chicago? ›

A cicada map that tracks spottings across the U.S. shows some of the highest sightings have been reported in suburbs west of Chicago, particularly near the Downers Grove area.

What happens every 17 years with cicadas? ›

Periodical cicadas are insects that spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding off the sap of tree roots. They emerge to transform into adults and mate. Some periodical cicadas emerge every 13 years and others emerge every 17 years. The males "sing" by vibrating a membrane on the sides of their bodies.

What eats cicadas? ›

Birds, bears, fish, raccoons, and every other animal that can eat insects will stuff themselves on this cicada feast. The second reason why cicadas spend so long underground is that many insect populations are largely regulated by highly specialized predators (for example, parasitic wasps).

What are the bugs that make noise in Chicago? ›

After 17 years underground, the periodical cicadas have emerged in northern Illinois, and their telltale chorus of buzzing has begun in some parts of the Chicago area.

What are the common cicadas of Illinois? ›

Almost every wooded area of Illinois is inhabited by a brood of periodical cicadas. Three species of periodical cicadas have 17-year life cycles: Magicicada septendecim, M. cassini, and M. septendecula.

Do cicada killers live in Illinois? ›

Cicada Killer Wasps in Illinois and Indiana

Cicada killers are found throughout the United States as well as Mexico and parts of Central America. They are known to burrow near residential areas here in Illinois and Indiana.

What state gets the most cicadas? ›

The dual cicada brood emergence will primarily be seen in parts of Illinois and Iowa, as well as parts of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5741

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.