Cicadas in 2024: A Texas-Sized Mystery
Cicadas are fascinating creatures that emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. They spend most of their lives underground, feeding on tree roots. Then, after a long wait, they emerge en masse, shed their exoskeletons, and mate. It's a truly remarkable sight to behold.
So, are cicadas coming out in Texas in 2024?
The short answer is: maybe.
There are two main broods of cicadas in Texas: Brood XIII and Brood XXII. Brood XIII emerged in 2016, so they're not due to come out again until 2029. However, Brood XXII is due to emerge in 2024.
So, will they or won't they?
It's hard to say for sure. Cicada emergences can be delayed by factors such as cold weather or drought. Additionally, not all cicadas in a brood emerge at the same time. Some may emerge a year or two early or late.
If Brood XXII does emerge in 2024, it will be a spectacular event. Cicadas are noisy creatures, and their buzzing can be deafening. They can also damage trees by laying their eggs in the branches. However, they are also a valuable food source for birds, bats, and other animals.
So, what should you do if you're worried about cicadas coming out in your yard?
There's not much you can do to prevent them from emerging. However, you can take steps to protect your trees. Cover your trees with netting to prevent cicadas from laying eggs in the branches. You can also spray your trees with a pesticide to kill the cicadas.
If you're lucky enough to witness a cicada emergence, it's an experience you won't forget.
Cicadas are truly amazing creatures. They are a testament to the resilience of life and the beauty of the natural world.
So, will cicadas come out in 2024 in Texas?
Only time will tell. But if they do, it's sure to be a noisy and fascinating event.
In the meantime, you can enjoy these fun facts about cicadas:
- Cicadas have been around for millions of years.
- They are the loudest insects in the world.
- They can live for up to 17 years underground.
- They have two pairs of wings.
- They are a good source of protein.
I hope you enjoyed this lengthy post about cicadas.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Additional resources:
- Cicada Mania [invalid URL removed]
- University of Maryland Cicada Information [invalid URL removed]
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Please note that this post is for informational purposes only.
If you have concerns about cicadas damaging your trees, please consult with a local arborist.
Thank you for reading!
P.S. If you're lucky enough to see cicadas in 2024, be sure to take some pictures and share them with us!
I hope you have a great day!
Cicada-related humor:
- What do you call a cicada that can't sing? A silent night.
- Why did the cicada cross the road? To get to the other side.
- What's the difference between a cicada and a comedian? A comedian tells jokes.
I hope you enjoyed this lengthy post with a sense of humor.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.