Prepare for the Return of the 'Alien-Like' Cicadas: A Once-in-a-Generation Invasion Set to Hit Over a Dozen States!

Get ready, American residents! This spring, billions of 'Brood XIV' cicadas are set to emerge after a remarkable 17-year underground slumber, boasting an appearance that some have likened to extraterrestrial creatures. Scientists are warning that this impending invasion could bring unprecedented noise levels and a swarm of these peculiar insects across 13 key states, including New York, Georgia, and Kentucky.

When the ground temperature rises to around 64°F, usually between April and June, these distinctive insects tunnel out to make their presence known. While the sheer volume of then-cicadas might seem daunting, the buzz created by male cicadas, in a bid to attract females, is notoriously loud – think of it as a high-pitched symphony akin to a relentless lawn mower.

Last year, the cicadas were so noisy that there were reports of residents panicking and calling the police. In a rather humorous turn of events, the Newberry County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina had to clarify that the wild sounds were not an emergency but merely the frenzy of the cicadas.

Although some people find their noise annoying, these creatures pose no threat to humans or pets. Instead, they play a crucial ecological role by serving as a vital food source for birds and other predators. Plus, their underground activity aerates soil and helps improve water filtration.

Brood XIV cicadas are characterized by their black bodies and striking red eyes, differentiating them sharply from the greenish-brown annual cicadas that emerge every year. With about 2-inch long bodies, this year’s emergence represents one of the largest broods, presenting a spectacular natural event not to be missed.

These insects are most active for four to six weeks, during which time they make their raucous appearance before disappearing just as quickly. Interestingly, although they are infamous for their noise, their impact on the environment is minimal; they primarily climb trees and excrete a harmless liquid composed mostly of water, as there’s nothing disgusting about cicada pee!

While this year's emergence may seem like a lot, it pales in comparison to last year’s cicada 'apocalypse' when an estimated one trillion of these insects surged in a rare occurrence where two different broods appeared simultaneously. Entomologist Dr. Gene Kritsky termed the dual emergence a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event’—a phenomenon not witnessed since the early 19th century.

For those curious about the variety of cicadas, there are over 3,000 known species globally, classified into 15 distinct broods based on geography. The incredible resilience and unique life cycle of these insects—including their ability to harden their exoskeletons after molting—add to the allure of this natural spectacle.

Don't miss out on witnessing this astonishing event! The cicadas are coming, and they're ready to create a buzz—literally!