cicadas nashville

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Cicada Mania in Nashville: What to Expect

Nashville, Tennessee, like many parts of the southeastern United States, is bracing for the emergence of cicadas in 2024. These periodical cicadas, specifically Brood XIX (also known as the Great Southern Brood), emerge every 13 years, creating a noisy, buzzing spectacle.

What are Cicadas?

Cicadas are insects known for their loud buzzing songs and their unique life cycle. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. Periodical cicadas, like those in Brood XIX, emerge in mass emergences, overwhelming predators and ensuring their survival. Different broods emerge on different schedules, leading to cicada emergences in different regions in different years.

When Will Cicadas Emerge in Nashville?

The cicadas are expected to emerge in late April or early May, depending on soil temperatures. Once the soil reaches around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, the nymphs will emerge from the ground, shed their skins, and transform into adult cicadas. This emergence period typically lasts for several weeks.

Why are Cicadas Emerging in Such Large Numbers?

The mass emergence is a key survival strategy. By emerging in huge numbers, the cicadas overwhelm their predators, such as birds and squirrels. This ensures that enough cicadas survive to reproduce and continue the cycle.

Are Cicadas Harmful?

Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite or sting. However, their sheer numbers and loud buzzing can be annoying to some people. They can also cause minor damage to young trees if the females lay their eggs on small branches. For more information, you can refer to Wikipedia’s article on Cicadas.

How Long Will They Be Around?

The adult cicadas will be around for about four to six weeks. During this time, they will mate and lay eggs. After laying their eggs, the adult cicadas will die. The eggs will hatch, and the nymphs will burrow underground, where they will remain for the next 13 years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cicadas in Nashville

Will cicadas damage my garden?

Cicadas can cause minor damage to young trees when females lay eggs in small branches. Covering young trees with netting can protect them. Established trees are usually not significantly affected.

Are cicadas poisonous to pets?

No, cicadas are not poisonous to pets. However, eating too many cicadas can cause stomach upset in dogs or cats. It’s best to limit their consumption.

How loud are cicadas?

A large emergence of cicadas can be very loud. The combined noise of thousands of cicadas can reach up to 100 decibels, which is comparable to a lawnmower or motorcycle.

Can cicadas damage my home?

Cicadas do not damage homes. They are primarily interested in trees and vegetation for egg-laying.

What can I do to get rid of cicadas?

It’s difficult and generally not recommended to try to eliminate cicadas. Their emergence is a natural phenomenon, and they are an important part of the ecosystem. Covering young trees is the most effective preventative measure for protecting plants.

Summary

Nashville is anticipating the emergence of Brood XIX cicadas in 2024. While they can be noisy and somewhat disruptive, cicadas are harmless to humans and pets. Their mass emergence is a natural phenomenon, and they will be gone within a few weeks, not to be seen again until 2037.

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