What to Know About These Seasonal Singers
If you’ve spent a summer in South Carolina, chances are you’ve heard the unmistakable buzzing and chirping of cicadas. These noisy neighbors might be startling at first, but they’re a fascinating part of the local ecosystem. Their appearance often leads to a lot of questions. Why are there so many? Why are they so loud? And why do they seem to show up all at once and then disappear?
Let’s take a closer look at cicadas: what they are, why they’re so seasonal, and what to expect during cicada season.
What Are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large, flying insects known for their distinctive, high-pitched buzzing calls. These sounds are made by males trying to attract mates. While they may look intimidating due to their size and sound, cicadas are harmless to humans and pets. They don’t bite or sting, and they’re not interested in invading your home like many other summer pests.
Most cicadas are around 1–2 inches long with large, clear wings, bulging eyes, and stout bodies that are typically black, green, or brown. You might also spot their old shells clinging to trees, fences, or walls. These are left behind after they molt into their adult form.
Why Are Cicadas So Seasonal?
Cicadas are one of the most seasonal pests in the Southeast. That’s because they spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, only emerging during the warmest months to mate and complete their life cycle.
In South Carolina, cicada season usually runs from late May through August, depending on weather and rainfall. During this time, the males’ chorus fills the air and the adults become a common sight in wooded areas, neighborhoods, and anywhere with mature trees.
Why Are Some Years Worse Than Others?
If it feels like some summers have way more cicadas than others, you’re not imagining things. There are two main types of cicadas: annual cicadas and periodical cicadas.
- Annual cicadas appear every summer. These are the ones you’re most familiar with. They emerge in small numbers each year and make up the usual summer background noise.
- Periodical cicadas, however, emerge in massive synchronized broods every 13 or 17 years. In these years, you might see millions of cicadas appearing all at once in specific regions. When this happens, it can feel like an invasion, but it’s actually a carefully timed natural phenomenon. The sheer number of periodical cicadas helps overwhelm predators so more of them survive to reproduce.
South Carolina is home to both types! Some years have overlaps between the periodical and annual cicada cycles which lead to very noisy summers!
What Is the Cicada's Life Cycle?
Cicadas spend the majority of their lives underground, where they feed on the sap of tree roots as nymphs. This phase can last anywhere from 2 to 17 years depending on the species.
Once they’re ready, the nymphs tunnel to the surface, shed their exoskeleton, and emerge as winged adults. These adults only live for a few weeks, during which time they:
- Mate
- Lay eggs in the bark of trees and shrubs
- Die off, leaving the next generation to start the cycle again underground
Are Cicadas Dangerous?
Not at all! While their sudden appearance and loud calls can be annoying, cicadas don’t pose any real threat to humans or animals. They don’t sting, bite, infest homes, or carry diseases.
However, they can cause minor damage to young trees, particularly when laying eggs. If you have saplings or newly planted trees in your yard, it might be worth covering them with netting during heavy cicada seasons to prevent stress from egg-laying.
Last Notes On Cicada Season
Cicadas are one of nature’s more dramatic seasonal spectacles, but they’re not something you need to fear. Their presence is temporary, and while they can be noisy and messy, they don’t require pest control treatments in most cases.
That said, if you’re dealing with other summertime pests, like mosquitoes, ants, or stinging insects, our team at Walker Pest Management is here to help. We’ll handle the real troublemakers so you can enjoy your backyard without unwanted guests.
