Seeing Tiny Holes in Your Yard? Cicada Invasion Has Begun in Illinois

Alright, Illinois. Buckle up, because summer's about to get a whole lot louder and way, way buggier. If you've been dreading the arrival of trillions of cicadas, I have some bad news for you...it's here.

Cicada Invasion in Illinois

For those of you who share my crippling fear of all things multi-legged and loud, consider this your official "nope" warning...it looks like Cicadapocalypse 2024 has officially begun.

Over the weekend I saw Wild Birds Unlimited in Roscoe, IL post this on Facebook;

Now, before you start picturing scenes straight out of a horror movie with cicadas erupting from every crack in the sidewalk, let's get one thing straight: these guys aren't exactly shy about where they like to hang out underground.

Keep an eye out for little holes (like the ones pictured above) near the base of trees, shrubs, and even fence posts – that's prime cicada real estate. If you see something that looks like a brown, pointy alien helmet poking out of the ground, well, congratulations, you've found yourself a soon-to-be-screaming cicada nymph!

Don't Fear Cicadas!

I don't have many trees, so does that mean I'm safe from a cicada-filled summer? Not likely.

Cicadas may look gross, and seeing their shedded skeleton shells all over may be slightly unnerving, BUT it's important to remember they aren't harmful to humans!

Cicadas WON'T attack you, they WON'T bite or sting you, their "songs" WILL likely keep you up at night, oh, and don't forget, they may pee on you too. (Might want to avoid standing under trees for the next several months).

Going to go search my yard for cicada holes now...

READ MORE: BEWARE of Cicada Killer Wasps Moving Into Illinois