Nashville Cicadas 2025: Get Ready for the Emergence
Nashville, Tennessee, is bracing for a significant natural event in 2025: the emergence of periodical cicadas. Specifically, Brood XIX (also known as the Great Southern Brood) is expected to surface after spending 13 years underground, and the area will be teeming with these buzzing insects.
What are Periodical Cicadas?
Periodical cicadas are a unique type of insect found in North America. Unlike annual cicadas that emerge every year, periodical cicadas have life cycles of 13 or 17 years. This extended underground development is a survival strategy, helping them avoid predators and synchronize their emergence for mating.
Learn more about periodical cicadas life cycle on Wikipedia.
Why 2025 for Nashville?
Nashville falls within the geographical range of Brood XIX, a 13-year brood. The last time Brood XIX emerged was in 2011, making 2025 the anticipated year for their next appearance. This synchronized emergence means millions, even billions, of cicadas will appear simultaneously in the area.
What to Expect During the Cicada Emergence
During the emergence, Nashville residents can expect a significant increase in cicada activity. This includes:
- Noise: Male cicadas produce a loud, buzzing sound to attract mates. The collective noise from millions of cicadas can be quite intense.
- Presence: Cicadas will be visible everywhere – clinging to trees, flying around, and covering the ground.
- Egg-laying: Female cicadas will lay their eggs in tree branches, sometimes causing minor damage to young trees.
- Shed Skins: You’ll likely find empty cicada exoskeletons (skins) attached to trees and other surfaces.
Are Cicadas Harmful?
Cicadas are generally harmless to humans and pets. They don’t bite or sting. While they can cause minor damage to young trees during egg-laying, mature trees are usually unaffected. The greatest inconvenience is the noise and sheer number of insects.
Preparing for the Cicada Emergence
While there’s no need to panic, here are a few things Nashville residents can do to prepare:
- Protect Young Trees: Cover young trees with netting to prevent cicadas from laying eggs in their branches.
- Be Patient: The emergence lasts for several weeks, typically from late April to early June.
- Enjoy the Spectacle: While it can be overwhelming, the emergence of periodical cicadas is a fascinating natural phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the cicadas damage my garden?
While cicadas can lay eggs in tree branches, they generally don’t cause significant damage to gardens. You can cover smaller plants with netting if you’re concerned.
Are cicadas safe to eat?
Yes, cicadas are edible and have been consumed in some cultures. However, it’s essential to ensure they are collected from areas free of pesticides.
How long will the cicada emergence last?
The emergence typically lasts for 4-6 weeks, from late April to early June, depending on weather conditions.
Will the cicadas come back every year?
No, these are periodical cicadas. Brood XIX will not emerge again until 2038.
Is there anything I can do to get rid of cicadas?
Insecticides are generally not recommended as they can harm beneficial insects and the environment. The emergence is a natural event, and the cicadas will disappear on their own after a few weeks.
Summary
Nashville is set to experience the emergence of Brood XIX cicadas in 2025. While the sheer number and noise of these insects can be overwhelming, they are harmless and pose little threat. By understanding what to expect and taking simple precautions, Nashville residents can prepare for and even appreciate this unique natural phenomenon.
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