2024 is a monumental year for cicadas -- especially here in Illinois. We'll help you understand why these crazy (and loud!) creatures are getting everyone abuzz!
You may think, cicadas are nothing special, we see them all the time. But this year is different, and is a once in a lifetime occurrence. In 2024, an ultra rare "dual emergence" of cicadas is happening – with two different broods emerging at the same time, primarily in Illinois. These two types of Cicadas: Brood XIII and Brood XIX, are 13 year and 17 year broods. This means they are underground for a long time, and when the soil reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit, they all emerge by the trillions at the same time. This is why you will see tons of little holes all around your soil and mulch.
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This dual emergence has not happened for 221 years – and won't happen again for another 221 years! That fact alone is enough to kind of sweep aside your fears of cicadas and realize how rare this, and how fascinating this phenomenon is. Seriously, how do they know exactly when to come up?
While you may be grossed out by the cicadas or consider them a nuisance... hopefully some of these facts will ease your nerves:
- Cicadas cannot bite you! They can just suck the nectar out of trees, leaves and branches
- Only the male cicadas make that singing sound when they're high up in the trees, and it is just to attract a mate
- They can't fly very well, so if they bump into you, just swat them away and they'll zig zag back on their merry way
Want to find out more fun facts about Cicadas? Head to Downtown Wheaton to find fun Cicada facts all around the local businesses with their scavenger hunt! Print your map HERE
But it's hard to explain to kids why cicadas do what they do, and why you are finding shells everywhere. Maybe its easier for kids to see a video to understand what the big deal is. But some of the scientific videos that adults may find fascinating could be too dull or complicated for the kids. So if you haven't yet seen this viral video from our very own Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, watch it with your kids - because we can't stop watching and laughing at it! The video was even featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!
And just today, they've posted a follow-up now that the cicadas have started to emerge:
Even more exciting news... a 4 year old boy from Wheaton, IL was the first to discover an extremely rare blue eyed cicada. It has been donated to the Field Museum in Chicago, whose cicada collection is over 100 years old! Since then, there have also been a few other local findings of this blue eyed cicada - notably, the students at the Prairie School of DuPage here in Wheaton!
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Can't get enough of the Cicada madness? Are your kids completely intrigued by them? Are you just curious or adventurous?
There are tons of local businesses, organizations, and even breweries who are embracing the cicada Summer and getting in on the fun! Here are some Cicada related events and happenings around Wheaton, IL, the Western Suburbs and Chicagoland:
Cicada Facts Scavenger Hunt, Downtown Wheaton
- May - June 12th
Cicadas on Parade Art Sculptures; Downtown Glen Ellyn
- Memorial Day Weekend through August
Meet a Scientist: Cicada Series; Field Museum, Chicago
- Every Wednesday from May 15 - June 26
Cicada Adventures; St. James Farm Forest Preserve
- Saturday June 1st
Cicada Celebration! Lyman Woods, Downers Grove
- Sunday June 2nd
Cicada Craze, Wheaton Park District
- Friday June 7th, Ages 0-18
Cicada Infused Malort; Noon Whistle Brewing, Lombard
- Parents only!
Family Drop-In: Cicada-Palooza at Cantigny Park
- Thursday June 13th
MagiCicada Fest, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
- Saturday June 15th
Cicada Exhibit at the Dunn Museum, Lake County
- April 27–August 4 (with other special events like CicadaFest, storytimes & crafts
Cicadas Take Flight Storytime & Craft; Field Museum, Chicago
- June 26, for families with kids age 2-6
Want to win some cash as you're exploring cicadas? Head over to Cook County and capture a winning photograph of a cicada! Here are more details on the contest hosted by Visit Oak Park!
