This spring, billions of cicadas, known as “Brood XIV,” will emerge from a 17-year underground slumber.

Scientists are warning that these noisy, red-eyed insects will spread across several states in the US, creating a buzz both literally and figuratively.

While they’re mostly harmless, their loud presence will be impossible to ignore.

Where Will They Appear?

Brood XIV cicadas will make their appearance across 13 states, including New York, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

They’ll start emerging once the ground temperature reaches around 64°F, usually between April and June.

The Cicada Sound: A Source of Frustration

One of the most striking characteristics of these cicadas is the deafening sound they produce.

Male cicadas emit a high-pitched noise to attract females, reaching volumes comparable to a lawn mower.

Last year, the noise was so overwhelming that people flooded the police with calls.

In South Carolina, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office had to reassure residents that the sound was harmless, coming from the cicadas.

Why Are They Important?

Despite being a nuisance, cicadas play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

They provide a valuable food source for birds and other predators, while their underground burrows help aerate the soil and improve water filtration.

The cicadas’ brief appearance is beneficial to the environment, contributing in ways that might not be immediately apparent.

The Brief but Intense Life of Brood XIV

Once the cicadas emerge, they’ll be active for just 4 to 6 weeks before disappearing again.

During their short lives, they don’t cause much damage.

According to Georgia Tech Professor Saad Bhamla, the cicadas are mostly harmless, spending their time climbing trees and, amusingly, “peeing” along the way.

Fortunately, their urine is harmless, mostly just water, unlike the urine of mammals.

Not as Bad as the ‘Cicada Apocalypse’

While Brood XIV’s return will be significant, it won’t rival the “cicada apocalypse” of 2021.

That year, an estimated one trillion cicadas swarmed the US in a once-in-200-years event.

Two different broods emerged at the same time, an occurrence not seen since the 1800s.

Where Exactly Will Brood XIV Cicadas Emerge?

Here’s a list of areas where Brood XIV cicadas are expected to appear:

Georgia: Fannin, Lumpkin, Rabun, Union Counties
Indiana: Crawford, Harrison, Perry Counties
Kentucky: Counties like Adairville, Anderson, Barren, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, and many more
Massachusetts: Barnstable, Plymouth Counties
Maryland: Allegany, Washington Counties
New Jersey: Atlantic, Camden, Ocean Counties, including cities like Linwood and Manchester Township
New York: Nassau, Suffolk Counties
Ohio: Counties such as Adams, Brown, Butler, and Hamilton, including cities like Batavia and Cincinnati
North Carolina: Counties like Buncombe, Burke, and Catawba, plus cities like Asheville and Wilkesboro
Pennsylvania: Adams, Berks, Blair, and others, including Bear Gap
Tennessee: Bledsoe, Blount, Campbell, and many more counties, with cities like Cades Cove
Virginia: Botetourt, Lee, Russell, and others
West Virginia: Cabell, Kanawha, and Mason Counties, with the city of Huntington

What’s Next?

As the cicadas’ return draws near, it’s time to brace for the buzz. While their noise can be a bit much, their presence is fleeting.

For the next few weeks, these fascinating creatures will remind us of the strange and remarkable cycles of nature.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn