Title: Brood XIV Cicadas Set to Emerge in Spring 2025: Essential Information
In the spring of 2025, an extraordinary natural event will take place in various regions of the eastern United States. Brood XIV (Brood 14), a cohort of periodical cicadas with a synchronized 17-year life cycle, is expected to emerge from beneath the ground in large numbers. These insects have been silently maturing in the soil since their last emergence in 2008, and their return is anticipated to be both loud and captivating.
What Is Brood XIV?
Brood XIV is one of numerous broods of periodical cicadas found in the U.S., each designated by Roman numerals and defined by a distinct geographic area and emergence timeline. These cicadas remain underground as nymphs for 17 years, subsisting on tree root sap. When soil temperatures approach about 64°F (18°C) in the spring, they emerge en masse to finish their life cycle—molting, mating, laying eggs, and dying within a few weeks.
In contrast to annual cicadas, which appear each summer, periodical cicadas like those in Brood XIV synchronize their emergence, appearing in vast numbers only once every 17 years. This approach, referred to as predator satiation, inundates predators and guarantees that a sufficient number of cicadas survive to reproduce.
Where Will Brood XIV Emerge?
According to historical data and previous observations, Brood XIV is anticipated to surface in at least 13 states throughout the eastern U.S. The following states are likely to experience cicada activity in spring 2025:
– New Jersey: Significant activity expected in Atlantic, Camden, and Ocean counties. Lesser activity may be noted in Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Mercer, and Monmouth counties.
– Pennsylvania: Central, eastern, and southeastern regions are predicted to be hotspots.
– New York: Cicadas may emerge in the Long Island area.
– Massachusetts: Southeastern regions of the state might witness activity.
– Maryland: Western Maryland is projected to experience cicada emergence.
– Virginia: Western and west-central areas may see considerable activity.
– West Virginia: Northern and southern sections of the state are likely to be impacted.
– Ohio: Southern parts should prepare for cicada sightings.
– Kentucky: Various locations within the state are expected to be active.
– Tennessee: Northern, eastern, and south-central regions might experience cicadas.
– Indiana: Central and southern regions are expected to be affected.
– North Carolina: Western counties have historically been within Brood XIV’s range.
– Georgia: Areas in the far north may see some cicada activity.
While these locations are informed by historical records, the precise spots and intensity of the emergence may differ based on local environmental conditions.
What to Expect
When Brood XIV surfaces, residents in the impacted regions can look forward to:
– Loud Noise: Male cicadas generate a high-pitched mating call that can reach levels up to 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a lawnmower or motorcycle.
– Large Numbers: Cicadas appear in millions per acre, generating a striking visual and auditory experience.
– Short Lifespan: Adult cicadas typically live for about four to six weeks after emergence, during which they mate and lay eggs.
– No Harm to Humans or Pets: Cicadas do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They are harmless to both humans and pets, though their sheer numbers may be surprising.
Impact on the Environment
Cicadas serve an essential ecological function. Their emergence aerates the soil, and their decomposing bodies provide nutrients for both plants and animals. However, they may cause minor harm to young trees when females lay eggs in small branches. It is recommended that homeowners protect young or newly planted trees with netting during peak cicada periods.
How to Prepare
– Protect Young Trees: Employ fine mesh netting to avert egg-laying damage.
– Avoid Pesticides: Cicadas are not pests and do not necessitate chemical controls.
– Embrace the Experience: The emergence of Brood XIV is a unique and fascinating natural phenomenon. Treat it as an opportunity to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary life cycles.
Final Thoughts
Although Brood XIV’s emergence in 2025 may not be as extensive or widespread as the record-setting cicada broods of 2024, it will still be a notable event for entomologists, nature enthusiasts, and inquisitive residents alike. If you reside in or around the affected locations, brace yourself for several weeks of buzzing excitement—and enjoy the spectacle that won’t reoccur until 2042.
For further details and updates, please visit the University of Connecticut’s cicada tracking site: https://cicadas.uconn.edu/broods/brood_14/
