The Return of Brood XIV: A 17-Year Cicada Spectacle Takes Over New Jersey & Long Island

This spring, the skies (and the soundscape) across parts of New Jersey and New York are buzzing—literally. After 17 years underground, Brood XIV cicadas have emerged, creating a rare natural phenomenon. While it’s a fascinating entomological event, commercial property managers should be prepared for a temporary but intense impact on landscapes, noise levels, and tenant experience.

🐜 What Are Periodical Cicadas?

Brood XIV cicadas are a type of periodical cicada that live most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. Then, in a mass synchronized event, they emerge to molt, mate, and die—all within about a month. This natural marvel happens just once every 17 years. (Please note: Cicadas are not a Marvel alien species (The Brood) that fought the X-Men.)

📣 According to WNBC Channel 4, these cicadas have already started emerging in parts of Long Island, marking a vibrant start to this year’s spectacle.

📍 Where Are They Showing Up?

Cicadas have begun to appear in:

  • Long Island, NY (already emerging)

  • Atlantic County, NJ

  • Camden County, NJ

  • Ocean County, NJ

Soil temperatures reaching 64°F signal their arrival—typically between late April and mid-June.

🔊 What to Expect on Commercial Properties

📢 Noise: Male cicadas produce mating calls up to 102 decibels, similar to a jet engine. Properties with mature trees will be especially affected.

👀 Sight: With large red eyes and translucent wings, adult cicadas are hard to miss. While startling in appearance, they’re harmless.

⏳ Duration: Adult cicadas live for about four weeks, giving property teams a limited window to manage any issues.

🚫 Are They Dangerous?

To People & Pets: Not at all! Cicadas don’t bite, sting, or carry disease. In fact, some cultures even consider them a delicacy. 🍤

To Trees & Landscaping: Female cicadas lay eggs in thin branches, which can cause “flagging”—minor twig dieback. While mature trees generally recover, young or newly planted trees are vulnerable.

📰 The New York Post and CBS News both highlight the importance of protecting saplings and ornamental trees during this brief period.

🧠 Why 17 Years?

This timing is no accident. It’s a survival strategy called predator satiation. By emerging in overwhelming numbers all at once, cicadas ensure predators can’t eat them all—allowing the brood to live on for another 17 years.

🌿 What Property Managers Should Do

This once-in-a-generation event can be a learning moment—or a logistical headache—depending on how prepared you are. Here’s what we recommend:

✅ Inspect and protect young trees with fine mesh netting
✅ Inform tenants and maintenance staff about the harmless nature of cicadas
✅ Schedule tree care now to minimize impact from egg-laying damage
✅ Use this moment to showcase proactive groundskeeping and ecological awareness

📞 Need Help Protecting Your Property?

At Bell Environmental, we partner with commercial property managers to navigate unique seasonal challenges like this. From landscape consultations to protective tree netting and custom pest prevention strategies, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.

👉 Contact us today at 877-376-1775 to schedule a property assessment or learn more about our commercial services.

Let’s keep your property cicada-ready and professionally maintained—this spring and every season. 🛠️🌱