A great cicada revival is expected to hit the U.S. this spring and summer, with trillions of insects emerging across the country. For the first time in 221 years, two cicada broods, XIX and XIII, are making a simultaneous comeback in 17 states. Despite the large numbers of cicadas predicted to emerge, experts assure that they are relatively harmless and not harmful to humans, plants, or crops.
The insects, known for their loud mating calls that can exceed 100 decibels, are expected to be heard across the country. Cicadas have black bodies measuring about 1.5 inches long with wingspans of about 3 inches. They are mostly inactive at night and shed their exoskeletons, leaving empty shells on the ground.
While cicadas are not considered pests, they can cause minor damage to young trees where they lay their eggs. Homeowners can discourage cicadas from laying eggs in younger trees by covering them with mesh netting or cheese cloth. Additionally, wrapping the base of trees in foil or barrier tape can prevent nymph cicadas from climbing up and infesting the branches.
Experts recommend encouraging predators like birds to keep cicada numbers down. Despite the loud mating calls and large numbers expected to emerge, cicadas are generally noisy but not dangerous or destructive. The simultaneous emergence of two cicada broods this year is due to their long periods of hibernation, with one brood appearing every 17 years and another every 13 years.
Cicadas are likely to appear in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Virginia. The revival of cicadas is a natural phenomenon that occurs periodically and is not a cause for alarm.
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