Have you ever stepped outside on a hot summer day and been greeted by a loud, buzzing chorus that feels like it’s coming from every tree around you? If so, you’ve probably wondered: Why do cicadas make so much noise?
For homeowners relaxing on the porch, families planning outdoor barbecues, or hikers looking for peace on the trail, cicadas can feel like the background soundtrack of summer. Their sound is fascinating, overwhelming, and—believe it or not—an important part of their survival story.
In this post, we’ll break down why cicadas make noise, how they do it, and what it means for both them and us. By the end, you’ll see that what seems like an ear-splitting racket is actually one of nature’s most unique communication systems.
The Science Behind Cicada Sounds
Cicadas are some of the loudest insects on Earth, and their “songs” can reach over 100 decibels—about as loud as a motorcycle engine! But why do they do it?
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Mating Calls – Male cicadas make noise to attract females. Their sounds are love songs, signaling strength and vitality. The louder and more consistent the call, the more likely a female will notice.
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Territorial Signals – Some cicadas use sound to claim space and warn other males not to intrude.
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Alarm Calls – When threatened, cicadas can produce distress sounds to startle predators, buying time to escape.
In short, cicada noise is about communication—whether it’s romance, rivalry, or survival.
How Do Cicadas Make That Sound?
Unlike crickets that use their wings, cicadas rely on special structures called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomens. Here’s how it works:
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The cicada contracts tiny muscles connected to the tymbals.
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The tymbals buckle inward, making a distinct clicking noise.
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Rapid contractions create a continuous buzzing or whirring sound.
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Their hollow abdomen acts like a natural amplifier, boosting the volume.
This is why a group of cicadas, often called a chorus, can sound so overwhelmingly loud—it’s hundreds (or thousands) of tiny insect amplifiers working at once.
Why Are Cicadas So Loud in Summer?
If you’ve noticed cicadas are especially noisy in the hottest months, you’re not imagining things. Warm weather helps their muscles work faster, which means quicker vibrations and louder songs.
Also, many cicada species emerge all at once in massive broods (sometimes billions of them), so their collective sound fills the air. For cicadas, being noisy together has a survival advantage: predators like birds or squirrels can’t possibly eat them all.
This strategy, called predator satiation, ensures enough cicadas survive to reproduce. So that deafening buzz? It’s actually evolution at work.
Are Cicadas Harmful or Just Noisy?
Good news: cicadas might annoy your ears, but they don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. In fact, they play an important role in ecosystems:
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Their eggs provide food for birds and mammals.
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Their bodies enrich the soil after they die.
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Their emergence helps prune weak branches, encouraging tree growth.
So while their sound can feel overwhelming, cicadas are harmless—and even beneficial—to your yard and the environment.
Fun Facts About Cicada Noise
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The loudest cicada species, Cicada Orapa, can hit 120 decibels—that’s as loud as a chainsaw!
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Female cicadas don’t “sing” like males; instead, they respond with a flick of their wings.
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Some cultures see cicada songs as symbols of summer, rebirth, and good fortune.
Living with Cicada Season
If the noise ever gets too much, here are a few quick tips:
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Close windows and use white noise indoors to drown them out.
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Plan outdoor activities earlier in the day, when cicadas are less active.
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Appreciate the short season—most cicadas are only above ground for a few weeks.
Remember: what sounds like noise pollution is really a natural wonder that’s been happening for millions of years.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The next time you step outside and hear that deafening summer buzz, you’ll know it’s not just random noise—it’s cicadas singing their way through life, love, and survival.
So instead of covering your ears, maybe take a moment to appreciate one of nature’s most fascinating soundtracks. After all, cicadas won’t be around forever—just a fleeting chorus reminding us of the cycles of summer.
What about you? Do cicadas drive you crazy, or do you enjoy their songs as part of summer’s charm? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s hear your cicada stories!