Every 13 or 17 years, Indiana becomes the stage for one of nature’s most exciting events: the arrival of millions of cicadas. In 2024, residents across the Hoosier state will witness a rare and noisy spectacle as billions of cicadas emerge from the ground to sing, mate, and complete their unusual life cycle. Whether you’re curious, excited, or even a little nervous, here’s everything you need to know about Indiana Cicadas 2024, including when they’ll arrive, where you’ll hear them the loudest, and why this year is so special.
What Are Cicadas and Why Are They Coming Out Now?
Cicadas are large, winged insects known for their loud, buzzing songs that fill the summer air. But they’re not just any ordinary bug. Some cicadas, known as periodical cicadas, live underground for either 13 or 17 years before emerging all at once in a massive brood. In 2024, Indiana will experience one of the rarest events in nature: a double brood emergence. This means two different broods—Brood XIX and Brood XIII—are coming out at the same time, something that hasn’t happened in over 200 years.
Why now? These bugs operate on a very specific biological clock. Underground, the nymphs have been feeding on tree sap through roots for more than a decade. As the soil temperature reaches around 64°F in late spring, it triggers the emergence. They dig their way out, shed their skins, and begin their brief, noisy adult lives. For them, 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mate and ensure the survival of the next generation.
When Will Cicadas Come Out in Indiana?
Cicadas usually begin to emerge when the soil eight inches below the ground reaches about 64 degrees Fahrenheit. In Indiana, this typically happens between mid-May and early June. However, in 2024, thanks to warmer-than-usual spring temperatures, many areas are expected to see cicadas as early as the second week of May.
This wave of insects won’t appear all at once. Instead, they will slowly rise over a week or two, peaking toward the end of May. Once they start emerging, you’ll know it—trees will be buzzing, sidewalks will be sprinkled with exoskeletons, and birds will be having a feast.
Where Will You See the Most Cicadas in Indiana?
Not all of Indiana will be equally affected. While cicadas are expected across much of the state, certain regions will experience a much higher concentration due to the overlap of Brood XIX and Brood XIII.
Indiana Cicada Map 2024
The highest emergence is predicted in southern and central Indiana, especially around cities like Bloomington, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Columbus. The Indiana DNR (Department of Natural Resources) has already released a 2024 cicada map showing the densest populations expected in forested areas, parks, and places with older trees where cicadas have had undisturbed soil to live in for decades.
Cities with the Loudest Cicadas
Expect the noisiest summer days in:
- Bloomington
- Lafayette
- Terre Haute
- Greenwood
- Columbus
- Martinsville
These cities sit right in the overlap zone where both broods will emerge. The loud chorus of cicadas can reach up to 100 decibels — about as loud as a lawn mower or motorcycle. It’s nature’s loudest love song!
Why Some Places Have More Cicadas
The number of cicadas in an area depends on tree coverage, undisturbed soil, and historical cicada activity. Cities with newer developments or fewer trees might not see as many cicadas. But rural towns, old neighborhoods with mature trees, and wooded parks will be hot spots. Areas that avoided major construction over the last few decades have preserved ideal cicada habitat.
What Do Cicadas Look and Sound Like?
Cicadas are unique insects, easy to identify once you know what to look for. Adult cicadas are about 1 to 2 inches long with black bodies, red eyes, and see-through wings with orange veins. They might look intimidating, but they’re completely harmless.
Their sound, however, is unforgettable. Male cicadas produce loud buzzing or droning noises to attract females. Each species has its own distinct song, and when millions are singing together, the sound can be overwhelming. The noise is often loudest during the heat of the day and may quiet down at night.
Interestingly, cicadas don’t use vocal cords. Instead, they make noise by vibrating a special organ called a tymbal, located near their abdomen. It’s a rapid clicking sound amplified by their hollow bodies.
Are Cicadas Dangerous or Do They Bite?
No, cicadas are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting. While they may look scary, especially in large groups, they’re completely harmless. Cicadas don’t have mouths designed for biting—just a straw-like mouthpart for drinking tree sap while they are underground.
However, they can be a nuisance. They might land on your arm or shirt, especially if you’re outside during their peak activity. But they won’t hurt you. They don’t carry diseases, and they don’t invade your home like ants or cockroaches.
Pets like dogs or cats might try to eat them, and while eating one or two cicadas won’t usually cause harm, eating too many can cause stomach upset. So it’s best to monitor your pets if you live in a high-cicada area.
How Long Will Cicadas Stay in Indiana?
Cicadas have a short adult life—only about 4 to 6 weeks above ground. Most will emerge in mid-May and be gone by early July. Their main goal during this time is to find a mate, lay eggs, and die.
Cicada Season 2024 Timeline
- Early May: Soil warms, early cicadas begin to emerge.
- Mid-May to Early June: Peak emergence and noise. Billions of cicadas cover trees, fences, and power lines.
- Late June to Early July: Adults die off, leaving behind eggs in tree branches.
- Mid to Late July: Nymphs hatch and fall to the ground, burrowing into the soil to begin the cycle again.
When Will It Be Quiet Again?
Most areas will return to normal by early July. The constant buzzing will fade, and the cicadas will disappear just as quickly as they arrived. By mid-July, it will be quiet again, and life will go back to normal until the next emergence—in 13 or 17 years.
Why Is 2024 So Special for Cicadas in Indiana?
2024 is an extraordinary year for cicada lovers and scientists. Two broods—Brood XIII (17-year cicadas) and Brood XIX (13-year cicadas)—are emerging at the same time. This has only happened a few times in recorded history, most recently over 200 years ago.
Brood XIII mainly covers northern Indiana and parts of Illinois, while Brood XIX dominates the southern part of the state and into Tennessee and Georgia. Indiana is one of the few states where these two broods overlap, making it the epicenter of the cicada celebration.
For entomologists, it’s a rare chance to study interactions between different broods. For residents, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime natural event. Kids born today may not see it again until they’re adults with kids of their own.
What Should Kids and Families Know?
Cicadas can be loud and a little creepy, but they’re also fascinating and completely safe. They don’t bite, they won’t chase you, and they’re actually an important part of nature. They help aerate the soil when they dig tunnels, they provide food for birds and animals, and their eggs ensure future generations of cicadas.
For kids, this is a fun time to go outside and explore. Look at the exoskeletons they leave behind. Try to spot their bright red eyes. Listen to their loud songs and see how many different sounds you can hear. Just be gentle and respectful—cicadas are part of the ecosystem, and they only come around every 13 to 17 years.
If your child is scared, explain that cicadas are like butterflies or ladybugs—they’re just a little noisier! Wearing a hat or staying in shaded areas under shelters can help if your child doesn’t like bugs flying close.
The Bottom Line
Indiana Cicadas 2024 is more than just a bug event—it’s a rare natural wonder that combines science, sound, and summer fun. While the sheer number and noise of cicadas might seem overwhelming at first, they offer a unique chance to connect with nature and witness a phenomenon that only happens once in a generation.
Whether you’re watching the skies, listening to the buzz, or explaining cicadas to your curious kids, this summer will be one to remember. So grab your earplugs, get outside, and enjoy the spectacle of the Indiana cicadas in 2024—because it won’t happen again anytime soon.