The Loud Buzzing Summer Insect Is Back; The Cicada Q&A | WeatherBug
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The Loud Buzzing Summer Insect Is Back; The Cicada Q&A

June 12, 2020
By WeatherBug Sr. Meteorologist, Chad Merrill
One part of the U.S. is starting to hear lots of buzzing from an insect making its grand appearance after more than a decade of being underground. Don’t worry though…we’ll get you through the next couple of weeks by answering many of your questions about these special creatures called cicadas.  

While cicadas are found in warmer climates practically anywhere in the world, there are special breeds that emerge so infrequently, their presence and especially buzzing sound can alarm residents during the summertime. Here are commonly asked questions and answers to help ease your mind during these insect-invading times! 

What do these “bugs” look like? They are 1 to 2 inches in length, have broad wings, two large eyes and three jewel shaped eyes for a total of five eyes and are black, brown or green.  

Where do cicadas come from? Cicadas spend most of their life about 8 inches below the ground. When the temperature warms to about 64 degrees where they are hibernating, they dig a small hole the width of a finger to the surface and then usually head for the nearest tree. So, they leave very small holes in the soil. 

Are cicadas dangerous to people? What about flowers, plants and trees? They aren’t dangerous to people but to stay alive they consume water in trees. They have a straw-like mouth that allows them to slurp water and minerals from the tree. Only young trees can be damaged by large swarms because the cicada will deprive the tree of the water and nutrients it needs. Older trees usually escape without serious damage. Don’t worry though— since they don’t have the capabilities to chew— they won’t eat your flowers or tomato plants. 

They don’t sting or bite but are attracted to sounds, especially those that sound similar to their buzzing noise. Don’t be surprised if one lands on you while you are mowing the lawn or using a power tool outside!  

Why do they buzz so much? The summer sunshine heats their dark skin during the day and causes the muscles to buckle the membrane on their abdominal area. This triggers a buzzing noise that is only heard during the day. Fortunately, cicadas won’t keep you awake at night!  

Where are they most likely to be found? Since their source of nutrition is water from trees, forested regions see the most cicadas. That’s why you won’t see them in urban spots, unless there is a nearby park with a large canopy of trees.  

Wouldn’t wild animals find them tasty for a good snack or meal? Actually, yes, wild animals and even pets find and consume them —don’t worry; they will not harm your cat or dog but it’s possible your pet could choke on one.  

Can we be totally infested with cicadas? Is there any way to control their population? Actually, yes, wild animals that consume cicadas keep their numbers from going crazy. However, many cicadas get a chance to mate and lay small eggs before they get consumed. These eggs hatch and baby cicadas make a home under the soil until they are ready to emerge again. This is how cicadas cycle through every 13 to 17 years without becoming extinct. 

Do cicadas make random appearances? The Dog day cicadas emerge each July and August and can be found practically anywhere from New Mexico to Maine. Other cicadas that emerge on a 13 and 17 year cycle are called broods. They are grouped based on when they emerge from the ground. The current Broad IX, a 17-year cicada, is emerging in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia this month. Broad X, one of the U.S. most famous Cicadas because of the breadth of its range— will be buzzing through the Midwest, Tennessee Valley, Great Lakes, Carolinas, entire Mid-Atlantic and New York next summer. The 13- and 17- year cycle cicadas emerge together once every 221 years. The next time this will happen is 2024, with Broods XIII and XIX. During that summer, we can expect cicadas to be rampant from the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes to the southern Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.  

Are all cicadas noisy? Most cicadas simply sound like a muffled car alarm but one type stands out the most. The Brevisana brevis, a cicada found in Africa, is the loudest cicada on Earth. By comparison, it sounds like a power lawn mower or jackhammer. 

Tired of their buzzing sound? Wondering when they will leave? In about 4 to 6 weeks after they emerge from the ground, they are consumed by wild animals or vanish due to natural causes. They stay above ground is from late May or early June to mid-July.  

Most importantly, can humans eat them? Haha, actually, people have consumed cicadas for centuries. A popular way to consume a cicada is by sautéing it in butter with a hint of salt or garlic but others have consumed them raw. People have compared a cicada to what popcorn, bacon and even a crab would taste like. One popular belief is that eating cicadas allows someone to become one with nature.  

So, the next time you spot small holes in the ground on your property and hear one of these buzzing creatures, you’ll know the cicadas have arrived. Hey, if you’re really hungry and nowhere near your house or a restaurant and there’s no food in your car… you can even take a chance on a cicada! You might find it tasty!  
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Story Image: A newly emerged adult cicada is seen in Georgia in August 2019. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)