Surviving the Illinois Cicada Invasion of 2024

It's the summer of 2024 and the cicadas are back in Illinois! If you're a resident of the Land of Lincoln, you're probably already familiar with the deafening buzz that fills the air every 17 years when these fascinating insects emerge from the ground. This year, the Brood X cicadas have arrived in full force, and they're impossible to miss.

As someone who has lived through a cicada invasion before, I can tell you that it's an experience like no other. The sheer number of these bugs is mind-boggling - experts estimate that there could be as many as 1.5 million cicadas per acre in some areas! And the noise they make is truly something to behold. It's like a never-ending symphony of high-pitched chirping that can reach up to 100 decibels.

But don't let the cicadas' presence freak you out. These creatures are actually quite harmless to humans. They don't bite or sting, and they're not interested in your food or your home. In fact, they're an important part of the ecosystem, providing a valuable food source for birds, small mammals, and even some humans (yes, people do eat cicadas!).

That said, the cicada invasion can still be a bit of a nuisance. The sheer number of them can be overwhelming, and their constant buzzing can make it hard to enjoy being outdoors. And let's not forget about the mess they leave behind - when they die, their exoskeletons litter the ground, creating a crunchy carpet that can be a pain to clean up.

So, how can you survive the Illinois cicada invasion of 2024? Here are a few tips:

Embrace the Cicadas

Instead of trying to fight the cicadas, why not embrace them? They're a unique and fascinating part of our natural world, and they only come around every 17 years. Take some time to observe them, learn about their life cycle, and maybe even try eating a few (they're said to taste like asparagus).

Protect Your Plants

Cicadas can be a real threat to young trees and shrubs, as they lay their eggs in the branches. To protect your plants, consider covering them with netting or wrapping the trunks with burlap.

Drown Out the Noise

If the constant buzzing is driving you crazy, try using a white noise machine or turning on a fan to help drown out the sound. You can also try wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones when you're outside.

Embrace the Mess

When the cicadas die, their exoskeletons will litter the ground. Instead of trying to clean them up right away, embrace the mess and let nature take its course. The exoskeletons will eventually decompose and provide valuable nutrients for the soil.

Overall, the Illinois cicada invasion of 2024 is a unique and fascinating natural phenomenon. While it may be a bit of a nuisance, it's also a chance to appreciate the incredible diversity of our natural world. So, embrace the cicadas, protect your plants, and enjoy the show!

Visit our website today to purchase your custom Cicada 2024 t-shirt.