Are you prepared for the historic 2024 cicada emergence? You may have heard about how to protect your trees and pets, but what about your car? While the cicadas themselves are harmless, they can do some damage to vehicles if you’re not careful. So, let’s take a look at what to watch for and how you can prevent any potential damage.
First up, paint damage. According to Jim Crubaugh with Ziebart in Franklin Park, a car-care company that professionally details vehicles, “bug guts can cause serious damage to paint.” And cicadas, in particular, are highly acidic bugs, making them especially bad for car paint if left unchecked. So, it’s important to stay on top of regular professional cleanings during cicada season and to be extra vigilant about keeping your car clean in between those times. Ideally, you’ll want to clear the car before the bug residue dries. And when washing your car, make sure to use car wash solution, not dishwashing solution, and pay special attention to the mirrors, grill, back of the car, and windows to get rid of all the bug residue.
Next, let’s talk about windshields. Experts have noted that splattered residue on windshields can lead to unsafe driving conditions, so it’s crucial to keep windshield washer fluid in your car, and even have some extra on hand. And make sure to get rid of any cicada remains on your windshield before they dry up and become harder to remove.
But cicadas don’t just pose a threat to your car’s exterior. They can also cause issues under the hood. AAA warns that cicadas can clog radiator grilles, causing the engine to overheat. To prevent this from happening, experts suggest getting a grille cover, bug screen, or using netting to cover the front of your vehicle. And if you do notice any unusual sounds coming from your car, especially around the cabin and air filters, it’s important to have your car inspected as cicadas can also hide in these areas.
So, what do you do if your car has already become a playground for cicadas? Kevin Garcia, who works at Carrectly, a Chicago-based autobody shop, says they are prepared to handle any calls for service due to the cicada emergence. He notes that cicadas are similar to rats in that they look for warm habitats and fluctuate with temperature. So, the warmer your car is, the more likely you are to have cicadas inside.
But don’t worry, with a little extra care and attention, you can protect your car from the cicadas. And it’s worth it, considering the historic nature of this emergence. According to Chris Storms, District Director for AAA Car Care, “While cicadas are harmless, they can cause quite a bit of damage externally and internally to vehicles. Drivers are urged to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles while cicadas are in the area.”
Speaking of the cicada emergence, have you ever wondered just how rare it is? Brood X, the group of cicadas emerging in 2024, is one of the largest broods in the United States, with an estimated 1.5 million cicadas per acre. And while they may seem like a nuisance, experts say they play an important role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and providing food for other animals.
So, what can you expect during the cicada emergence? Depending on where you are in Illinois, you may see different broods of cicadas. Brood XIII will emerge in northern Illinois, while Brood XIV will emerge in central and southern Illinois. These broods are on 17-year and 13-year cycles, respectively, and their emergence is synchronized in order to overwhelm predators with their sheer numbers.
In addition to the potential damage to your vehicle, the cicadas may also cause some disruption to your daily routine. They are loud and can be a bit intimidating, but they are harmless to humans. And while they do have a short lifespan, typically only living for a couple of weeks, their emergence is a rare and amazing event to witness.
So, as the cicada emergence approaches, make sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your vehicle, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate this incredible natural phenomenon. And remember, even though they may be a bit of a nuisance, cicadas are an essential part of our ecosystem and play an important role
