Environment

Cicada Map 2025: Brood XIV is Back and Buzzing

Here’s everything you need to know, along with the updated cicada map 2025 to help you track Brood XIV’s activity in your area. The buzzing has begun. After 17 long years underground, Brood XIV cicadas are starting to emerge in the United States, and people are already reporting sightings. As of spring 2025, early appearances have been tracked in several states—and the numbers are only expected to rise in the coming weeks.

What is Brood XIV?

Brood XIV is one of the many groups of periodical cicadas in the U.S., known for their synchronized emergence every 17 years. These insects spend nearly two decades underground, feeding on tree roots before surfacing in large numbers to mate, sing, and die—all within a few short weeks.

This particular brood last appeared in 2008, and now, in 2025, it’s time for another natural spectacle. Unlike the common cicadas seen every summer, periodical cicadas are unique because of their mass emergence and loud, high-pitched calls that can reach up to 100 decibels.

To learn more about what makes periodical cicadas special, visit our guide on cicada broods and lifecycles.

Where Has Brood XIV Been Spotted in 2025?

As of May 2025, Brood XIV has already been spotted in several states, primarily in the eastern and southeastern parts of the U.S. Here are the confirmed early emergence areas:

1. Kentucky

Numerous reports have come in from Louisville, Lexington, and surrounding counties. Residents are witnessing large numbers of cicadas climbing trees and fences.

2. Tennessee

In central and eastern Tennessee, especially around Nashville and Knoxville, Brood XIV sightings are increasing daily.

3. Georgia

Northern parts of Georgia are seeing growing numbers, with hot spots around Atlanta and Dalton.

4. Ohio

Southern Ohio, particularly Cincinnati and Chillicothe, has confirmed active cicada populations.

5. North Carolina and South Carolina

Western parts of these states, especially in the Appalachian foothills, are reporting significant cicada activity.

To see the live tracking data and detailed maps, check the official cicada emergence map at cicadamania.com.

Why Is Brood XIV So Significant?

Brood XIV is considered one of the largest and most widespread cicada broods in the U.S. It spans over a dozen states and can emerge in the billions. While not harmful to humans or pets, they can be overwhelming due to their noise and sheer numbers.

The last time Brood XIV emerged in 2008, some counties reported over 1.5 million cicadas per acre.

To understand how cicadas affect local environments, see our article on cicada impact on trees and wildlife.

What Is a Cicada Map and How to Use It?

A cicada map is a real-time or predictive tool that helps track where cicadas have been spotted. Maps are updated regularly based on:

Public sightings
Temperature and soil data
Historical brood behavior
Academic research

You can check your area by using interactive tools from universities and entomologists. Here’s a helpful resource to track cicada locations in real time.

Experts recommend watching for signs like:

Small holes in the soil
Mud chimneys or turrets
Increased bird and pet activity
Chirping sounds (males sing to attract mates)

When Will Cicadas Peak in 2025?

In most areas, Brood XIV is expected to peak between mid-May and early June, depending on the local weather. Warmer areas may see earlier activity, while northern regions might peak a little later.

According to Dr. Gene Kritsky, entomologist and author of Periodical Cicadas: The Plague and the Puzzle, the emergence is triggered when the soil eight inches below the surface reaches 64°F.

To prepare for cicada season, read our post on how to protect your garden from cicadas.

What to Expect: The Sound, the Swarms, and the Surprise

When the full emergence happens, you’ll know it. The sound of millions of cicadas singing can be deafening. Their buzzing is used to attract mates, and entire forests can seem alive with sound.

It might look alarming, but cicadas don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. They are harmless to humans, although they can damage young trees by laying eggs in branches.

For tips on what to do when cicadas arrive, check our article on how to handle cicada swarms safely.

Why Do Cicadas Matter?

Beyond the annoyance of the noise and mess, cicadas play a critical role in the ecosystem:

Soil aeration: Their emergence creates natural holes in the soil, improving air and water flow.
Food source: Birds, squirrels, and other animals feast on them.
Tree pruning: Their egg-laying activity naturally prunes weaker branches.

Some researchers even study cicadas for insights into biomimicry and biological rhythms.

To explore more about cicada science, visit our deep dive into cicada biology.

How Long Will They Stay?

The cicadas usually hang around for 4–6 weeks, during which they:

Emerge from the ground
Climb and molt on vertical surfaces
Mate and lay eggs
Die, completing their life cycle

The nymphs born this year will burrow underground and stay hidden until 2042.

Final Thoughts: Nature’s Noisy Wonder

The 2025 emergence of Brood XIV is a rare, once-in-a-generation event. It’s a reminder of nature’s incredible timing and cycles. While it might be noisy and messy, it’s also fascinating and educational.

Whether you’re a curious nature lover, a homeowner preparing for the swarm, or just someone wondering, “What’s that loud noise outside?”—the cicada map 2025 can help you stay informed and ready.