1 trillion cicadas set to invade Southeast, Midwest

Summary

A massive emergence of cicadas is taking place in the Southeast and Midwest of the United States, with an estimated one trillion insects appearing over the next month. This unusual event is due to two different breeds, one emerging every 13 years and the other every 17 years, coinciding this year for the first time in over two centuries. While the cicadas are causing a stir and their noise can be as loud as a lawnmower or a jet, they are harmless to humans and pets. Experts suggest that using bug spray is ineffective and potentially harmful to other beneficial insects. Instead, homeowners can protect their trees by netting or using a leaf blower to remove the cicadas. Interestingly, cicadas are beneficial to the environment as they aerate the soil and their decomposition provides nutrients.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The sound of cicadas has disturbed people's sleep due to their emergence in large numbers.
• 🐛 A trillion cicadas are invading parts of the Southeast and Midwest, attributed to two different breeds emerging simultaneously.
• 📈 This double emergence is a rare event that hasn't occurred in over 200 years.
• 🌳 Cicadas are known to cause a stir and are particularly attracted to certain tree sizes for laying their eggs.
• 🌡️ The noise produced by male cicadas searching for mates can be as loud as a lawn mower or a passing jet.
• 🚫 The noise level from cicadas can potentially exceed safety levels set by OSHA.
• 🏠 Homeowners are advised to use netting to protect young trees from cicada damage.
• 🌲 Cicadas are beneficial to the environment as they aerate the soil and their decomposition provides nutrients.
• 🎉 Despite being a nuisance, cicadas are harmless to humans and pets.
• 🔍 If you haven't experienced a cicada invasion yet, netting young trees is a preventative measure.
• 🌬️ For a quick solution, a leaf blower can be used to remove cicadas from your property.

Q & A

What is the cause of the cicada invasion in the southeast and midwest regions?

The invasion is due to two different breeds of cicadas, one emerging every 13 years and the other every 17 years, emerging at the same time this year, which is a rare occurrence not seen in over 200 years.

How many cicadas are expected to emerge during this invasion?

Experts predict more than a trillion cicadas will emerge, which is enough to line end to end and reach the moon and back 33 times.

What is the impact of cicadas on the environment?

Cicadas are actually beneficial to the environment as they aerate the soil when they emerge and their bodies, when they die off, provide nutrients for the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

How can homeowners protect their young trees from cicadas?

Homeowners can use netting, such as cheesecloth or tobacco cloth, to cover and protect branches from nesting cicadas. They can also use a sheet to cover the trees.

What is the duration of the cicadas' stay above ground?

The cicadas are expected to be above ground for about four to six weeks during their emergence.

Why are the cicadas so loud?

The male cicadas are making noise to find a mate, and their collective chorus can be as loud as a lawn mower or a passing jet.

How can the noise from cicadas be potentially harmful?

The noise level from the cicadas can potentially be harmful as it can exceed levels that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) would consider safe in some areas.

What advice is given for dealing with a backyard full of cicadas?

Experts suggest not using bug spray as it is ineffective and harmful to other insects. Instead, netting is recommended to protect trees, and a leaf blower can be used for a quick cleanup.

How often do the two breeds of cicadas mentioned in the script emerge?

One breed of cicada emerges every 13 years and the other every 17 years.

What is the significance of the double emergence of cicadas this year?

The double emergence of cicadas is significant because it is a rare event that has not occurred since the days of Thomas Jefferson over 200 years ago.

What is the impact of cicadas on Jerry Blankenship's nursery business?

Jerry Blankenship, who grows 200,000 trees at his nursery, is concerned about the potential damage from cicadas nesting on his young trees.

What are some practical steps that can be taken to mitigate cicada damage to trees?

Practical steps include using netting to cover young trees, ensuring the holes in the netting are small to prevent cicadas from crawling out, and keeping the trees wrapped for a couple of weeks until mid-June.

How do cicadas affect the local wildlife and pets?

Cicadas are harmless to humans and pets, despite their large numbers and the inconvenience they may cause.