Residents of Adams County and other portions of southwestern Ohio are witnessing one of nature’s rarest and most fascinating phenomena this spring: the return of the 17-year periodical cicadas, specifically Brood XIV. These remarkable insects have spent nearly two decades underground as nymphs, biding their time in the darkness beneath trees and soil, only to emerge in astonishing numbers for a few fleeting weeks of activity above ground.
Unlike the more common annual cicadas that appear every summer, periodical cicadas are a unique group of insects found only in eastern North America. They emerge after either 13 or 17 years of subterranean life, depending on the brood. Each population is identified with a Roman numeral, and of the 15 recognized broods, only four occur in the state of Ohio. Brood XIV is one of the largest and most widespread, with a range that stretches from northern Georgia to Massachusetts.
In Ohio, the emergence is especially visible across more than a dozen counties, primarily in the southern and southwestern regions. Residents of Hamilton, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, Lawrence, Gallia, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Highland, Ross, Pike, Jackson, Washington, Greene, and Champaign counties can expect to hear and see this impressive natural spectacle. Some edge counties may experience a lighter emergence, but in core areas, the insects will be impossible to miss.
The cicadas typically surface when the soil eight inches below ground reaches about 64 degrees Fahrenheit—often in the second half of May. Once they emerge, their sole mission is to reproduce. Males fill the air with a loud, droning chorus to attract females, and after mating, the females lay their eggs in the tips of twigs and branches. This can cause a condition known as “flagging,” where the affected branch tips die and turn brown. While this looks dramatic, it generally poses no long-term threat to mature, healthy trees. However, newly planted trees and shrubs may be more vulnerable and should be covered with fine netting during the peak activity period.
While the appearance of swarms of insects can be jarring to some, periodical cicadas do not bite, sting, or pose any harm to people or pets. They are also an important part of the ecosystem. Their emergence provides a buffet for birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife. After their brief time above ground, the adult cicadas die, and their decomposing bodies enrich the soil, completing a life cycle that’s both dramatic and ecologically significant.
To engage with this rare event, residents are encouraged to participate in community science efforts by downloading the free Cicada Safari app. Users can document and report sightings, contributing valuable data to researchers studying cicada patterns, health, and distribution.
Despite the noise and temporary disruption, the emergence of Brood XIV is a rare natural wonder—one that won’t return until 2042. By taking basic precautions for young trees and embracing the spectacle, Southern Ohioans have a front-row seat to one of the most unique biological events on Earth.
