Periodical cicadas have a fascinating and ancient life cycle, spending most of their lives underground. They emerge en masse every 13 or 17 years, depending on their brood, for a short period dedicated to mating and egg-laying. After the adults die, the next generation returns underground to begin the cycle anew.
Currently, Illinois is witnessing a rare event with both a 13-year and a 17-year brood emerging simultaneously.
Veterinarians at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine assure pet owners that the double-brood emergence in 2024 poses no significant threat to pets.
🐶 Are Cicadas Harmful for Pets to Eat?
Cicadas, being slow-moving and buzzing creatures, are easy prey for pets. They do not bite, sting, or possess any toxic properties harmful to dogs, cats, or humans.
“In some cultures, cicadas are even considered a delicacy for people,” says Dr. Alyssa Baratta-Martin, a veterinarian at the college’s Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.
While cicadas might seem like an enticing snack for pets, their exoskeletons can irritate the digestive system, potentially causing increased salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
“If a pet consumes a large quantity of cicadas, it could lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction,” Baratta-Martin explains.
Therefore, it’s wise to limit pets’ access to these insects.
🌅 How to Minimize Risk
Rest assured, your pets can still enjoy the outdoors during the cicada emergence. Despite the predicted large numbers, there are ways to protect them.
Baratta-Martin recommends walking pets during times when cicadas are less active. Cicadas are least active at night when they are up in the trees and early in the morning when it’s cooler.
“Additionally, removing cicadas from areas like your yard, driveway, or sidewalk before letting pets outside can help,” advises Baratta-Martin. Keeping doors and windows closed can also prevent cicadas from inadvertently flying into your home.
💡 Consulting a Veterinarian
“If you’re concerned about what your pets have ingested, contact your veterinarian immediately,” urges Baratta-Martin. “Early examination can significantly affect the outcome. If your pet shows signs of stomach upset, it’s best to get them checked by a vet to ensure a quick recovery.”
🦎 What About Exotic Pets?
Dr. Stephany Lewis, director of the Wildlife Medical Clinic, states that the cicada emergence should not affect exotic pets like iguanas, turtles, snakes, and birds.
“Exotic pets are typically housed indoors and thus will not be impacted by the cicadas,” says Lewis.
She adds that cicadas are safe for reptiles to eat, provided they haven’t been exposed to pesticides. Pesticides pose a risk to wildlife, as animals could ingest the toxins by consuming treated insects, and they also deplete insect populations that many wild animals depend on for food.
