Yes, it will take time. In my yard here in Reston, VA, they’ve been emerging in small but increasing numbers each night for the past seven days. I was just outside a few minutes ago — it looks like like tonight will be a big night for them!
That said, it also depends on where you are. They can only grow in soil that remained mostly unmolested (no construction) for 17 years. Recently constructed neighborhoods will not have many cicadas. Also, they feed on tree roots, so areas with few trees will have few cicadas.
That said, it also depends on where you are. They can only grow in soil that remained mostly unmolested (no construction) for 17 years. Recently constructed neighborhoods will not have many cicadas. Also, they feed on tree roots, so areas with few trees will have few cicadas.