Cicadas Are Back in 2025: What to Expect From Brood XIV
As summer 2025 arrives, periodical cicadas are making headlines again. After last year’s rare double-brood event, this season is expected to follow a more typical cycle; however, that still means millions of flying insects filling the air with their buzzing noise.
In certain states—especially Tennessee and Pennsylvania—you’ll hear and see cicadas in full force. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want to enjoy your porch, it helps to understand what’s coming.
Brood XIV Is Back After 17 Years
Brood XIV, sometimes called the “Great Eastern Brood,” hasn’t appeared since 2008. These cicadas run on a 17-year cycle. “The 2025 cicada outlook is back to a regular, single brood emergence cycle," shares Emma Grace Crumbley, Entomologist at Mosquito Squad Plus. "Brood XIV, also known as the ‘Great Eastern Brood,’ is a group of cicadas with a 17-year emergence cycle. While it’s impossible to predict precisely where and how heavily this brood will emerge, data from previous mass emergences shows that Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania can expect to see the noisy insects later this spring.”
Cicadas emerge when the soil temperature reaches around 64°F. That’s why you often see sudden outbreaks after a stretch of warm nights. If your yard has older trees, expect even more activity—females lay cicada eggs in small tree branches, often leaving behind visible scars.
Where You’ll Hear the Most Buzzing
Not all areas will experience the same level of activity; however, several states are likely to be hotspots due to past emergence patterns and local soil conditions:
- Tennessee – especially where rich soil and dense tree cover support large populations
- Pennsylvania – wooded suburbs and rural regions will see more nymph shells and adults
- Kentucky – particularly central and eastern parts of the state
- West Virginia – mountainous and forested zones
The emergence often feels sudden. You might wake up one morning and find cicada shells on your driveway, cicada exoskeletons on your shrubs, and a loud buzzing sound overhead.
Last year’s double emergence—nicknamed “cicada-geddon”—was louder and longer-lasting due to Brood X cicadas overlapping with another cycle. Crumbley noted, “For the state of Illinois, 2024’s cicada emergence meant cicadas (and chirping) for weeks. As periodical cicadas emerge either every seven or thirteen years, it’s mathematically unlikely for an overlap in broods… but not impossible! Love it or hate it, though, last year’s double brood event will be the last one for a while… at least until 2037.”
Cicadas and Your Outdoor Routine
Though they don’t bite or sting, cicadas can be disruptive. Loud mating calls, dead cicada bodies, and sudden swarms make some homeowners retreat indoors. If you’re hosting an event outdoors or just want to relax, here’s what you might notice:
- A consistent buzzing noise during warm afternoons
- Cicada carcasses littering driveways, decks, and gardens
- Empty shells stuck to trees, fences, or siding
- Wildlife feeding on them—including squirrels, raccoons, and red-winged blackbirds
- Cicadas flying into windows, screens, and even you
Cicadas don’t damage homes, but their sheer numbers may lead to more frequent yard clean-up. Some people use a pool skimmer or even a leaf blower to clear cicada debris from lawns or patios. If you’re dealing with gutters full of shells or leaves, a quick gutter clean-up or hiring a gutter-cleaning service may help prevent water damage.
Don’t Toss Those Shells Just Yet
Cicada shells and dead cicadas might look like trash, but some gardeners call them gardening gold. They’re rich in nitrogen and break down quickly. You can toss them into your compost pile or scatter them in garden beds. As they decompose, they help feed beneficial bacteria in the soil.
They’re also edible for animals. In some areas, cicadas are even used as animal feed.
If cleanup gets overwhelming, use a vacuum attachment or sweep the shells into a recycling cart or garbage cart for pickup. Just don’t clog your gutter system with piles of nymph shells—it’s a mess during storms.
Extra Tools for Cicada Season
- Gutter cleaning wand – helps reach high spots where shells collect
- Extension ladder – for clearing shells or egg-laying scars from tree limbs
- Pest control products – not always needed, but can help in heavy infestations
- Yard waste bags – handy for larger clean-ups, especially under large trees
Some people even log cicada sightings using tools like Cicada Safari, which helps track emergence patterns. Scientists and naturalists use data from sightings to better understand brood timelines and distribution.
FAQ
How long will cicadas stick around in 2025?
Most cicadas remain above ground for 4 to 6 weeks. They usually emerge in late spring as soil temperatures hit the mid-60s and are gone by mid-summer.
Why do cicadas make so much noise?
It’s their mating call. Males produce the sound to attract females. The louder the call, the better the chance of finding a mate.
Can I compost cicadas?
Yes. Cicada shells and bodies break down quickly. They’re a good source of nitrogen and feed beneficial bacteria in compost piles or garden beds.
What do I do with piles of cicada shells in my yard?
Use a pool skimmer, rake, or leaf blower to gather them. You can compost them, bury them in garden beds, or place them in yard waste bins.
Are cicadas dangerous to young trees?
Cicadas don’t eat trees, but females may damage young branches when laying eggs. If you’ve planted new trees recently, consider wrapping them with netting to protect the limbs.
Do I need to call a pest control service?
Probably not. Cicadas don’t cause structural damage or infest homes. If you’re seeing large numbers indoors, sealing cracks and using screens should be enough.
What was Brood X, and how is it different from Brood XIV?
Brood X emerged in 2021 and is one of the largest broods in the U.S. It has a 17-year cycle, like Brood XIV, but covers different areas. The 2024 double brood event happened when Brood XIX and remnants of Brood X cicadas emerged at the same time.
Can I track cicada sightings near me?
Yes. Tools like Cicada Safari or updates from the University of Maryland, University of Illinois, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources often post maps and updates. Some local agencies like the Will County Forest Preserve also share regional data.
