year cicada brood clings to a tree on May 29, 2024, in Park Ridge, Illinois. The state experienced an emergence of cicadas from Brood XIII and Brood XIX simultaneously. This rare occurrence hasn’t taken place since 1803. “>Enlarge / A cicada from a 17-year brood is pictured resting on a tree in Park Ridge, Illinois on May 29, 2024. Remarkably, this state witnessed the simultaneous emergence of cicadas from both Brood XIII and Brood XIX—a phenomenon that has not occurred since the year 1803. (credit: Getty | Scott Olson)
A sudden influx of parasitic mites has hit Illinois following this year’s unprecedented population surge of cicadas, resulting in distressing rashes and relentless itching for many residents.
This dramatic rise coincides with the unique overlap of the once-in-a-lifetime emergence events for both the 17-year cycle Brood XIII and the 13-year cycle Brood XIX earlier this spring; such synchronous appearances occur only every two centuries plus one score (take note—this fascinating co-emergence happens just once every 221 years). The loud chorus created by millions of cicadas induced an equally dramatic uptick in mite populations that derive nutrition not only from various insect species but also consume developing eggs laid by periodical cicadas. As their preferred food source diminishes after their feasting frenzy ends, these mites turn to humans for sustenance through biting—a behavior that leads to considerable discomfort as people scratch at irritated skin where they have been bitten.
The culprit behind these itchy encounters is an insidious little pest known scientifically as Pyemotes herfsi, commonly referred to as the “itch mite.” Jennifer Rydzewski, an ecologist associated with DuPage County’s Forest Preserve District explained: “These pests are invisible; you can’t detect them easily or feel them right away—but they thrive thanks to opportunities provided by ample food from insects like cicadas.” She added that due to this seasonal abundance of food resources linked to it during their peak cycle earlier this year,” there’s been a remarkable increase in their population.”
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