Cicadas are among the most fascinating of insects. There are more than 3,000 known species all over the globe, and they’re known for a few traits. Their loud song is quite famous, and you can often find their exoskeletons all over the place once they’ve molted. The periodical cicadas that live in North America emerge from the underground every 13 or 17 years. This year, we could be treated to an ultra-rare occurrence: the emergence of two broods at once! Check it out:

Cicadas spend most of their lives underground, living as nymphs for years.
TMorata/Wikimedia Commons
Periodic cicadas emerge in intervals of either 13 or 17 years, leading to groups with specific names.
Famartin/Wikimedia Commons
This year, the Brood XIX group is scheduled to emerge above ground for the first time since 2011.
Bruce Marlin/Wikimedia Commons

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However, there is going to be a rare double emergence of cicadas in 2024. Brood XIII is also set to emerge in the area around Illinois and Indiana.
Syrio/Wikimedia Commons
These two broods only emerge at the same time every 221 years. This hasn't happened since 1803!
Basile Morin/Wikimedia Commons
The entire process takes about three to four weeks in late spring and early summer. You'll know when it's happening thanks to the cicadas' loud song, produced by males and sung in groups.
Cicadas are harmless insects that feed on sap. They don't bite or sting, and only rarely cause damage to agriculture (mostly from huge groups of females laying eggs).
Ryan Hodnett/Wikimedia Commons
If you come across them this year, leave them be and know that you're witnessing a rare natural phenomenon!

While cicadas are harmless, there are some insects out there that most of us would rather avoid. When the weather starts warming up and you want to stay away from insects, I love using a great natural insect repellent like Natrapel to make sure I’m not covered in mosquitos.

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