What’s That Loud Summer Buzz? Cicadas, Explained (and Why They Sound Louder Some Days)

If early summer has you stepping outside and thinking, “What is that sound?” you’re not alone. As temperatures rise, many parts of the U.S. shift into a fuller “summer insect chorus,” and cicadas are often the headline act.

The good news: cicadas are more fascinating than frightening. They’re not out to harm you, they’re not “locusts,” and the volume you hear can change dramatically based on weather, time of day, and even where you’re standing. Here’s a friendly, myth-busting guide to why cicadas can suddenly get loud in early June—and how to enjoy them (and help kids learn) without making it a big scary thing.

Cicada basics: harmless insects with a surprisingly long life cycle

Cicadas are stout-bodied insects with clear wings and big eyes—often noticed more by sound than by sight. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on fluids from plant roots, and then emerge to molt into adults.

One common mix-up: cicadas are sometimes called “locusts,” but true locusts are a type of grasshopper. Cicadas are a different group entirely.

You may also hear people talk about “annual” cicadas versus “periodic” (sometimes called “periodical”) cicadas. In general terms, annual cicadas show up every year because different individuals mature on different schedules. Periodic cicadas are known for synchronized emergences after multiple years underground, which can make them seem suddenly abundant in certain places. Whether your neighborhood is having a big year depends on region—so it’s worth checking local extension or entomology updates if you’re curious.

How they make sound: the simple ‘drum’ science inside their bodies

If you’ve wondered, why are cicadas so loud—it helps to know what’s actually making the noise. In most cicada species, the calling song is produced by males as part of mating behavior. They don’t rub their legs like crickets; they use special structures on their abdomen called tymbals.

Think of each tymbal like a tiny, built-in drumhead. Muscles flex it in and out, creating rapid clicks. The cicada’s body acts a bit like a resonating chamber, boosting the sound. When many males call together from trees, the combined chorus can feel enormous—especially if you’re close to the canopy.

A quick myth-buster: you’ll sometimes hear dramatic claims about exact decibel numbers or “the loudest insect.” Those comparisons depend on how and where sound is measured, and they’re easy to oversimplify. What’s reliably true is that a chorus of cicadas can sound intense because it’s layered, persistent, and coming from above you.

Why the chorus changes: temperature, time of day, and where you’re standing

Cicadas can seem quiet one day and thunderous the next, even in the same yard. That doesn’t mean anything is “wrong”—it’s often normal biology plus simple acoustics.

• Temperature: Like many insects, cicada activity is strongly influenced by warmth. Warmer conditions can mean more calling; cool snaps or a chilly morning can slow them down.
• Sun vs. clouds: Many people notice the chorus dips when clouds roll in or after a breeze shifts. Changes in light, temperature, and humidity can all affect how active insects are.
• Time of day: Calling patterns vary by species and conditions, but it’s common to notice peaks during warmer parts of the day.
• Your position: Stand under one “busy” tree and it’s loud. Move a few houses down, or behind a building, and the sound can drop fast. Trees and hard surfaces can reflect or muffle sound in surprising ways.

If you’re trying to “locate” them, listen for the densest sound and look high in branches. Often you’ll spot the evidence more easily than the singer.

A quick guide to observing cicadas with kids—without handling wildlife

Cicadas are a wonderful, low-stakes nature lesson: life cycles, metamorphosis, and sound—all in your own neighborhood. If kids are nervous, it helps to start with observation instead of touch.

• Go on a “shell hunt”: Look for papery brown shed skins (called exuviae) on tree trunks, fences, or shrubs.
• Try a listening walk: Compare sound in shade vs. sun, near trees vs. open areas, and in the morning vs. afternoon.
• Take photos: Zoom in on wings, eyes, and the exuviae “back split” where the adult emerged.
• Keep it gentle: If you do find an adult, it’s best to admire and let it be. Avoid collecting or stressing wildlife.

Wondering, are cicadas harmful to trees? In most established landscapes, they’re more of a temporary nuisance than a serious threat. Some cicadas lay eggs in small twigs, which can stress very young or newly planted trees. If you have saplings or a brand-new orchard-style planting, your local extension office can tell you whether simple physical protection (like netting) is recommended in your area. In general, broad chemical spraying isn’t the go-to advice for most home yards.

Sources

Recommended sources to consult for verification and local guidance (especially for regional emergence timing and young-tree protection):

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (si.edu)
• University Extension programs (e.g., extension.umn.edu, extension.psu.edu)
• USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov)
• National Park Service (nps.gov)
• Entomological Society of America (entsoc.org)
• Cicada Mania (cicadamania.com)

Verification notes: Confirm species-specific calling patterns, the male-tymbal sound mechanism details, and any statements about biting/stinging using Smithsonian and extension references. If discussing periodic broods or emergence years, verify by region with reputable entomology/extension sources rather than assuming a nationwide event.