Michigan's 2024 Cicada Swarm: Will the Double Brood Hit Us?

Get ready for the buzz of a lifetime! The year 2024 is set to host a natural spectacle not seen since Thomas Jefferson was president. We're talking about the historic Dual Brood Emergence of periodical cicadas, an event that last occurred 221 years ago.

Two massive groups are emerging simultaneously: Brood XIII (The Northern Illinois Brood), with its 17-year cycle, and Brood XIX (The Great Southern Brood), on a 13-year cycle. Trillions of these insects will tunnel to the surface in a synchronized symphony of nature. But for those of us in the Great Lakes State, one big question remains: Will this massive swarm affect Michigan directly, or are we just lucky spectators?

In this guide, we'll dive into the facts. We’ll cover the official Cicada Emergence Timeline, explore the potential for border-state spillover, and clarify the real Impact on Residents, separating myth from reality. Let's find out what Michigan needs to know about this incredible phenomenon.

Image taken from the YouTube channel The Midwest Guru , from the video titled Are Cicadas In Michigan? - The Midwest Guru .

While many insects make their presence known each year, 2024 is shaping up to be truly exceptional.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Buzz: Is Michigan in the Path of the Great Cicada Swarm?

Get ready for a natural event that hasn't happened since 1803, the year of the Louisiana Purchase. In 2024, the United States is set to witness a rare and historic dual brood emergence of periodical cicadas. For the first time in 221 years, two massive groups of these fascinating insects will crawl out from their long underground slumber at the same time, creating a spectacle of sight and sound on an incredible scale. This isn't your average summer buzz; it's a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.

The Two Broods at the Heart of the Event

At the center of this historic convergence are two distinct groups, or "broods," of periodical cicadas:

• Brood XIII (The Northern Illinois Brood): This is a 17-year brood, known for its dense and noisy emergences primarily centered around northern Illinois.
• Brood XIX (The Great Southern Brood): This is a 13-year brood with a much wider, more southern range, stretching across states from the southeast to the midwest.

The simultaneous emergence of these two broods means that billions, perhaps even trillions, of cicadas will be surfacing in adjacent territories, creating a massive, buzzing map of insect activity across the country.

So, What's the Verdict for Michigan?

Now for the big question on every Michigander's mind: Are we about to be swarmed?

The short answer is no, not directly. Michigan is not home to either Brood XIII or Brood XIX, so we won't be at the epicenter of the dual emergence. For the most part, we will be spectators to this incredible event unfolding in our neighboring states to the south and west. However, that doesn't mean we're completely disconnected from the action.

What to Expect in This Guide

This article will serve as your complete guide to understanding the 2024 cicada emergence from a Michigan perspective. We'll explore:

• A clear timeline of when and where the cicadas will appear.
• The potential for "spillover" into Michigan's border counties.
• The overall impact this natural event will have on residents, wildlife, and our environment, even from a distance.

To truly understand this event, it's essential to get to know the two distinct groups of cicadas at the center of it all.

This historic emergence isn't the work of just one group of insects, but a perfectly timed duet between two distinct and massive cicada populations.

A Tale of Two Broods: Meet the Stars of the 2024 Cicada Show

Before we dive into the headliners, it's important to understand what makes these insects, known as periodical cicadas, so special. Unlike the annual "dog-day" cicadas we hear buzzing every summer, periodical cicadas spend the vast majority of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. They operate on a mysterious, synchronized internal clock. After either 13 or 17 years, they emerge en masse for one purpose: to mate, lay eggs for the next generation, and then die, all within a few short weeks.

This year, for the first time since 1803, a 17-year brood and a 13-year brood are emerging in the same year, creating a natural spectacle not to be seen again until 2245. Let’s meet the two groups making history.

The Northern Neighbor: Brood XIII

Often called The Northern Illinois Brood, this group is a close neighbor to us here in Michigan.

• Life Cycle: Brood XIII operates on a steadfast 17-year cycle. The last time this group saw the light of day was back in 2007.
• Geography: As its name suggests, its core territory is northern Illinois, but it also appears in parts of eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northwestern Indiana. For Michiganders, this is the brood to watch, as its emergence zone is just a stone's throw from our southwestern border.
• Characteristics: Known for being a very dense and concentrated emergence, they can create an incredible auditory experience (or racket, depending on your perspective!) in the areas they inhabit.

The Southern Giant: Brood XIX

Known as The Great Southern Brood, this group is famous for its sheer size and sprawling territory.

• Life Cycle: Brood XIX follows a shorter 13-year cycle. They last emerged in 2011.
• Geography: This brood covers a massive swath of the American Southeast. It's the most widespread of all the 13-year broods, with major populations in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, and states all the way to the Atlantic coast.
• Characteristics: While Brood XIII is known for its density, Brood XIX is known for its incredible geographic reach, making it one of the largest periodical cicada broods by land area.

To make it easier to keep our two stars straight, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Why is a Dual Emergence So Special?

This isn't just about two broods showing up at once; it's a matter of prime numbers and mind-boggling biological timing. A 13-year cycle and a 17-year cycle only align once every 221 years (13 x 17 = 221). The last time these two specific broods emerged together, Thomas Jefferson was president. It's a true once-in-a-lifetime (and for most people, once-in-many-lifetimes) event. While their main territories are distinct, there is a small, fascinating sliver of central Illinois where their ranges might just overlap, offering scientists a rare chance to see what happens when these long-lost cousins meet.

With our neighbor Illinois set to be the epicenter of this phenomenon, the big question for us is just how much of this action will spill across the border.

Now that we've introduced you to the main characters of this natural spectacle – Brood XIII and Brood XIX – the next logical question is, "Where exactly will this incredible event unfold?"

Where's the Buzz? Mapping Michigan's Place in the 2024 Cicada Emergence

For our Michigan readers, let's get right to the heart of the matter: Will the Great Lakes State be engulfed in the cacophony of billions of periodical cicadas this spring? Based on official cicada mapping, the short answer is: Michigan is not a primary location for the major emergences of either Brood XIII or Brood XIX in 2024.

Geographic Boundaries: A Look at the Main Event

While Michigan will largely miss the main show, it's important to understand just how close the action will get.

• Brood XIII, often called the Northern Illinois Brood, is centered primarily in northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. Its historical range also stretches into parts of southern Wisconsin, northwestern Indiana, and isolated pockets of Iowa and Ohio. For Michigan, this means that the closest major emergence will be just across its southwestern border, particularly in parts of northern Indiana and especially Illinois. You won't see vast swarms crossing the state line, but it's important to note the proximity.
• Brood XIX, the Great Southern Brood, has a much wider, more southerly distribution. Its territory spans across much of the southeastern United States, from Georgia and South Carolina west through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. This brood is geographically much further away from Michigan and will not impact the state at all.

The Whisper of Wings: Could Michigan Hear the Chorus?

Even though Michigan isn't slated for a full-blown invasion, there's a tiny, tantalizing possibility of experiencing a subtle touch of the 2024 emergence, especially in its border counties.

• Southwestern Michigan: Areas like Berrien and Cass counties, which share a border with Indiana, might experience what scientists call "stragglers." These are individual cicadas from a nearby brood that emerge a year early or late, or perhaps a few that wander slightly beyond their main emergence zone. While you certainly won't see the ground covered in them, residents in these areas might just hear a faint hum or the distant chorus on a particularly warm day, carried on the wind from over the state line. It would be a very localized and minor experience, nothing like the deafening buzz expected further south.

Michigan's Own Cicada Story: A Different Cycle

It's easy to wonder why Michigan might be spared this time when other states are bracing for it. The reason is simple: Michigan has its own periodical cicada broods, and they operate on a different schedule.

• For instance, many parts of Michigan, particularly the southwestern and south-central regions, were part of the widespread emergence of Brood X (the Great Eastern Brood) in 2021. If you live in those areas and remember a massive cicada event a few years ago, that was likely your turn!
• This separate cycle means that while other states are gearing up for 2024, Michigan's native broods are still underground, patiently waiting for their specific 17-year (or 13-year, depending on the brood) clock to tick down. So, don't worry, Michigan gets its share of these fascinating insects; it's just not happening for the major 2024 event.

Understanding where these broods are concentrated helps set the stage for when exactly the buzzing will begin and how long it's expected to last.

While mapping out where the cicadas might appear in Michigan gives us a clearer picture, the next big question on many minds is often when this incredible natural event will unfold.

The Countdown Begins: When the Cicada Symphony Tunes Up

It’s easy to feel a sense of anticipation when you know a truly unique natural phenomenon is on its way. For the Brood XIII and Brood XIX cicadas, their grand debut is all about timing, triggered by a very specific cue from Mother Earth. Think of it as nature's alarm clock, set to a precise temperature. Once the ground temperature consistently reaches a balmy 64°F, typically in late April or early May, the show is ready to begin. This is when the long-awaited emergence from their subterranean slumber officially kicks off.

The Grand Entrance: From Nymphs to Noisy Adults

The cicada emergence is a multi-stage process, almost like a carefully choreographed performance.

• Tunneling Out: The first sign of activity will be the ground literally teeming with life. Billions of mature nymphs, having spent 13 or 17 years underground, will tunnel their way to the surface. You might see small, perfectly round holes in the soil, often near trees or shrubs, marking their exit points.
• The Molting Miracle: Once above ground, these nymphs quickly seek vertical surfaces – tree trunks, fences, even garden furniture – to complete their final transformation. Here, they will shed their exoskeletons, a truly fascinating process called molting. What emerges are soft, pale, winged adults, which will harden and darken over a few hours. Finding these discarded, ghostly brown shells (exuviae) clinging to surfaces is a common and fascinating sight during this period.
• The Sound Starts: Within a few days of molting, the adult male cicadas are ready to do what they do best: sing! This is when their iconic, incredibly loud mating calls begin in earnest, creating the buzzing, whirring, and sometimes overwhelming chorus that defines a mass emergence.

Peak Performance and Lasting Impressions

Once the adults have emerged and matured, the activity quickly ramps up. The peak of the cicada chorus, and the most noticeable presence of these insects, will typically last for several weeks. You can expect the highest levels of sound and activity from late May through mid-June. After this period, their lifecycle shifts towards egg-laying, and the adult population begins to decline.

Here’s a simplified look at the general timeline:

Illinois: A Glimpse Across the Border

For Michiganders, especially those living near the state's southern border or planning trips south, understanding the Illinois connection is key. While Michigan's primary emergence will be limited, Illinois is set to experience a significant dual emergence of both Brood XIII and Brood XIX.

If you find yourself traveling through Illinois during late May and June, particularly in central and northern parts of the state, be prepared for an immersive experience:

• What You'll See: You’ll witness the full scale of the emergence – trees literally covered in cicadas, their shed skins clinging everywhere, and vast numbers flying. Cars may encounter them on roadways, and surfaces like patio furniture or outdoor grills might become temporary resting spots.
• What You'll Hear: The sound will be inescapable. Imagine a constant, high-pitched buzz, whine, or roar that can reach decibels comparable to a lawnmower or even a jet engine nearby. This is the collective song of billions of male cicadas. It can be so loud that it drowns out conversations outdoors.
• What You'll Experience: It's an overwhelming, yet ultimately harmless, natural spectacle. While they don't bite or sting, their sheer numbers can be startling. You might have them land on you or your car. The ground may be littered with their bodies as they complete their life cycle. For many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event worth witnessing, but for others, it's a temporary inconvenience.

Knowing this timeline and what to expect sets the stage for what comes next, leading us to consider the practical realities and the true impact these buzzing visitors will have on our daily lives.

While the discussion of timelines and potential border buzz might pique our scientific curiosity, many residents are naturally wondering what this 2024 emergence truly means for their daily lives.

The Cicada Effect: Decoding Their Presence in Your Everyday Life

As billions of cicadas prepare to emerge, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and perhaps a touch of apprehension. Will they be a bother, or are they more benign than we imagine? Let’s explore the genuine impact these noisy neighbors will have on you and your environment.

Harmless Guests: Debunking Common Myths

First and foremost, let's put any fears to rest: cicadas are completely harmless to humans and pets. Despite their often intimidating appearance and sheer numbers, these fascinating insects do not bite or sting. They are not interested in you, your furry friends, or invading your home. Their sole focus is on mating and laying eggs before their brief adult lives conclude. So, feel free to observe them up close without concern – they're more curious than dangerous.

The Unmistakable Chorus: Addressing the Noise

The most notable and widespread impact on residents will undoubtedly be the sound. Male cicadas produce an incredibly loud, buzzing chorus to attract mates, and when millions emerge simultaneously, the collective sound can be overwhelming. These sonic symphonies can reach levels exceeding 90 decibels, a volume comparable to a lawnmower or a busy city street. This persistent, high-pitched hum will be a dominant backdrop, especially during the warmest parts of the day. While it won't damage your hearing in the open air, it can certainly be an adjustment and may impact outdoor conversations or quiet relaxation.

A Minor Trim: Potential for Plant Damage

While cicadas aren't a threat to people, they can cause minor, temporary damage to young trees and ornamental shrubs. Female cicadas lay their eggs in small, pencil-thin branches by cutting tiny slits. This process, known as 'flagging,' can cause the tips of affected branches to turn brown and wilt, sometimes breaking off. Mature, healthy trees are generally unfazed and quickly recover, but newly planted or delicate saplings might benefit from netting to protect them during the emergence period.

Unsung Heroes: The Ecological Upsides

Beyond the temporary noise and minor tree damage, the 2024 cicada emergence offers significant ecological benefits. They play a vital role in the ecosystem:

• Natural Aerators: As they tunnel out of the ground, cicada nymphs naturally aerate the soil, improving water penetration and root growth for plants.
• Nutrient Boost: When they die, their bodies decompose, returning a flush of valuable nutrients (like nitrogen) to the soil, essentially acting as a natural fertilizer.
• Feast for Wildlife: For many local animals, the emergence is an all-you-can-eat buffet! Birds, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and even fish will gorge on the protein-rich cicadas, providing a crucial boost to their populations. This can even lead to a temporary decrease in other insect pests that are usually part of these animals' diets.

To summarize the unique experience these creatures bring:

Ultimately, while the sheer numbers and decibel levels might be jarring at first, the impact of cicadas on residents is largely a matter of temporary inconvenience rather than genuine threat. Their brief, noisy appearance marks a natural spectacle that benefits our local environment in surprising ways.

As we brace for this fascinating natural event, Michigan residents are truly in for a treat.

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So, what's the final verdict for the Great Lakes State? While Michigan won't be the epicenter of the 2024 cicada chaos, we have a unique front-row seat to a truly historic natural symphony. The main takeaway is clear: you can relax and enjoy the peace in your backyard, as the direct Impact on Residents will be minimal to none.

However, for the curious and the adventurous, this is a golden opportunity. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, a short day trip to northern Illinois could turn you into an eyewitness to one of nature's most spectacular performances. It's a chance to hear the roar and see the sheer scale of the emergence firsthand.

Ultimately, the Dual Brood Emergence is a powerful reminder of the intricate cycles of the natural world happening right at our doorstep. Enjoy the relative quiet, and we'll keep our ears open for the next time Michigan's own periodical cicadas decide to make their grand entrance!