Cicadas are most commonly associated with summer, but in Florida, their season can stretch into fall due to the state’s mild climate. Here’s why:
1. Warm Weather Extends Their Season
Cicadas thrive in warm temperatures. While many insects slow down as summer fades, Florida’s fall often remains warm enough to keep cicadas active. In fact, some species, like the annual cicadas, can be heard calling well into October or even November.
2. Different Species, Different Timelines
Florida is home to both periodical cicadas (which emerge every 13 or 17 years) and annual cicadas (which appear every year). While periodical cicadas are rare in Florida, annual cicadas are common and can be heard from spring through fall. Their life cycle allows them to remain active longer than cicadas in cooler climates.
3. Humidity Keeps Them Going
High humidity in Central Florida provides the moisture cicadas need to survive. Unlike in drier regions where they might retreat earlier, Florida’s fall humidity keeps them buzzing.
How Do Cicadas Behave Differently in Fall?
Cicadas are most noticeable in summer, but their fall behavior has some key differences:
1. Less Mating Activity
In the height of summer, male cicadas are in full “song mode,” using their loud calls to attract females. In fall, their mating activity decreases significantly. The buzzing you hear in September or October is often just a faint echo of their summer serenades.
2. More Focus on Feeding
With mating out of the picture, fall cicadas shift their energy to feeding. They use their sharp mouthparts to suck sap from trees and plants, which can sometimes stress young or vulnerable trees.
3. Shorter Lifespans
Most cicadas live underground as nymphs for years before emerging as adults. However, adult cicadas have short lifespans—just a few weeks to a couple of months. In fall, you might notice more dead or dying cicadas on the ground, as their life cycle comes to an end.
4. Different Predator Patterns
Birds, squirrels, and even pets love to snack on cicadas. In fall, predators may focus more on cicadas as other food sources become scarce. If you see a cicada on the ground, it might not be dead—it could just be taking a break or avoiding predators.
What Should You Do About Fall Cicadas?
Cicadas are generally harmless and even beneficial—they aerate the soil as nymphs and provide food for wildlife. However, if you’re tired of their noise or worried about tree damage, here are a few tips:
1. Enjoy the Sounds (If You Can)
Cicadas are one of nature’s free symphonies. If their buzzing isn’t too bothersome, take a moment to appreciate the unique rhythm of fall in Central Florida.
2. Protect Young Trees
If you have young or stressed trees, consider covering them with mesh netting to prevent cicadas from feeding on them.
3. Keep Pets Indoors During Heavy Cicada Activity
While cicadas aren’t toxic, pets like dogs and cats might try to eat them, leading to an upset stomach.
4. Use White Noise to Drown Out the Buzzing
If the noise is too much, a fan, air conditioner, or white noise machine can help mask the sound.
Final Thoughts
Cicadas in Central Florida don’t follow the same rules as cicadas in cooler climates. Their fall behavior is quieter, less focused on mating, and more about survival until winter. While their buzzing might not be as intense as in summer, they’re still a fascinating part of Florida’s ecosystem.
So next time you hear that familiar hum in the fall, take a moment to listen—it’s one of nature’s last songs of the season.