If you've been outdoors in Singapore recently, you've probably noticed it — that relentless, high-pitched buzzing that seems to come from everywhere at once. Cicadas have descended upon the island in droves, and they are making themselves heard. Literally.
What's Behind the Cicada Surge?
Cicadas are not new to Singapore. These insects have always been part of our tropical ecosystem. But periodic surges in their numbers can make it feel like they've suddenly invaded. Experts say the current wave is likely linked to a combination of factors: recent weather patterns, the time of year, and the natural life cycle of these fascinating creatures.
Cicadas spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree root sap. Depending on the species, this underground phase can last anywhere from two to several years. When conditions are right — typically warm and humid, which Singapore has in abundance — they emerge en masse, climb up trees, shed their exoskeletons, and begin their adult phase. And that adult phase is all about one thing: finding a mate.
The Science Behind the Deafening Buzz
That ear-splitting noise? It's a love song. Male cicadas produce their calls using specialised organs called tymbals, located on the sides of their abdomen. These tymbals are essentially ribbed membranes that the cicada rapidly clicks in and out, producing a sound that's amplified by the hollow chamber of their abdomen.
The result is astonishingly loud. A single cicada can produce sounds exceeding 100 decibels — roughly equivalent to a motorcycle engine or a chainsaw at close range. Now multiply that by hundreds or thousands of cicadas all calling simultaneously, and you get the wall of sound that Singaporeans have been commenting about on social media.
Different species have different calls, too. Some produce a steady, buzzing drone, while others have a pulsing, rhythmic pattern. If you listen carefully, you might be able to distinguish between the various species in your neighbourhood — though "listen carefully" might be generous when the volume is that intense.
Where Have They Been Spotted?
Reports of cicada activity have come from all across Singapore, but they're particularly noticeable in areas with mature trees. Parks like the Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, and East Coast Park have seen significant activity. Residential areas with large rain trees and Angsana trees along the roads are also hotspots.
HDB estates in Tampines, Bedok, and Ang Mo Kio have also reported high cicada noise levels. Some residents have taken to social media to share videos of the cacophony, with one viral clip from a Tampines resident showing dozens of cicadas clinging to a single tree trunk.
Are They Harmful?
The good news is that cicadas are completely harmless to humans. They don't bite, they don't sting, and they're not interested in your food. They're also not destructive to plants in the way that some other insects are. Their main impact is acoustic — and, for some people, the sight of their discarded exoskeletons clinging to trees and walls can be a bit unsettling.
In fact, cicadas are actually beneficial to the ecosystem. When they emerge and eventually die, their bodies decompose and return nutrients to the soil. They also serve as a food source for birds, lizards, and other predators, creating a temporary feast that ripples through the food chain.
How Long Will This Last?
The adult phase of a cicada's life is surprisingly brief — typically just four to six weeks. During this time, they mate, the females lay eggs in tree branches, and then they die. So while the current buzz is intense, it will gradually taper off over the coming weeks.
In the meantime, there's not much you can do about the noise other than close your windows and invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. But perhaps it's worth taking a moment to appreciate these remarkable creatures. They've spent years underground, patiently waiting for their moment in the sun. And now that they're here, they're making absolutely sure everyone knows about it.
A Natural Spectacle
Love them or find them unbearable, cicadas are a reminder that Singapore's urban jungle still has plenty of wild in it. So the next time you hear that buzzing chorus, take a moment to marvel at nature's volume dial — turned all the way up, right here in the heart of the city.
