IN THE KNOW | The Cicada Invasion: Prep Guide and Silver Linings for Families

Billions of Cicadas are Coming Late April through Early June

The arrival of spring often brings with it the stirring of life. Among the array of seasonal sounds, one of the most distinctive and, for some, overwhelming frequencies is the chorus of cicadas. Families, parents, and community residents, gather around, as we take a closer look at what to expect when these buzzing bugs make their grand entrance this spring.

The Resilient Return of the Cicadas

Every 17 years, like clockwork, a special group of cicadas known as 'Brood X' emerges from the ground after their lengthy juvenile stages. They surface to mate, lay eggs, and complete their remarkable lifecycle. This recurring event, it's like the millions of cicadas are making an appointment with Mother Nature after a long wait. It's a unique natural spectacle that you don't want to miss.

The Science Behind the Swarm

Cicadas have developed an exceptionally long-life cycle as a survival mechanism. By remaining underground for 17 years, they avoid predators that rely on shorter life cycles and reduce competition for resources. The synchronized emergence also increases the chance of successful mating, ensuring the continuation of their species. These factors contribute to the almost clock-like occurrence of cicada broods.

What It Means for the Environment

The arrival of Brood X isn't just another item on the natural world's timetable; it's a full-scale invasion. When billions of these creatures surface, they can have significant impacts on the local environment. Their tunneling can aerate soil and their decomposed bodies enrich it, leading to healthier flora. However, their massive numbers can also damage tree branches when females lay eggs and even overwhelm local wildlife with sheer biomass.

Cicadas and the Community

In the coming weeks, the community will witness a multitude of changes as the cicadas take center stage. But what does this mean for daily life? For starters, get ready for some serious noise. Males use their loud calls to attract mates, and a swarm like Brood X can produce decibel levels that rival a rock concert. This may be uncomfortable for some—especially during the quietest hours.

In the Garden and Étouffée

Gardeners and farmers know to expect some disruptions. Cicadas can cause significant damage to young trees and shrubs, particularly when laying eggs. Protecting plants with netting can help mitigate this harm. On the other hand, their sudden appearance offers a rare culinary opportunity; cicadas are a high-protein, low-fat snack that's considered a delicacy in some cultures. If you're feeling adventurous, you might consider trying them in a recipe or two.

The Ecosystem Response

Then there's the flip side. When millions of cicadas die and decompose after mating, they enrich the soil and provide a substantial amount of biomass to the local ecosystem. Predatory insects, birds, and animals will feast during this time, and plant life can indirectly benefit from the nutrient injection. In a way, it's a bizarre but beautifully balanced cycle of birth, life, and death.

Preparing for the Cicada Arrival

It's important for families and communities to make some preparations before the cicadas arrive. Protecting young trees, managing pets, and considering the potential for increased noise are all part of the game plan.

Protecting Your Plot

Placing netting around trees and shrubs can safeguard them from the cicadas' egg-laying. Mulching underneath the nets can make it harder for the females to deposit their eggs, protecting your garden investments. If you have a vegetable patch, harvesting crops a little earlier than planned can also be a wise move.

Noise Management

If you're sensitive to loud sounds, consider using earplugs or headphones during the cicada's mating calls. This not only protects your hearing but can also provide temporary relief from the relentless cacophony. Planning quiet indoor activities during peak activity hours can also be a way to lessen the impact.

Finding the Beauty in the Beast

While the potential disruptions from a cicada emergence are valid, there are many silver linings to their visit. Understanding the role these insects play in the local ecosystem and marveling at the sight of millions of them taking flight can be a memorable family experience.

Education and Appreciation

Teach your children about the wonders of nature by observing and discussing the cicadas' emergence. Engaging with the event as a family can create lasting memories and foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

The Greater Good

Remember that cicadas are a crucial part of the natural world. Their arrival can be a window into the complexity of forest ecosystems and an example of the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.

Living in Harmony with Nature

Cicadas remind us that nature operates on its own schedule, and we are merely guests in its grand theater. By preparing for their arrival and finding the positives in their presence, we can learn to live in harmony with the environment. After all, the next time cicadas emerge, many of us won't be around to experience it. It's a blink in nature's eye, but an opportunity for us to appreciate and respect the intricate cycle of life.

Share Your Cicada Pics with Us!

Will you be closer to nature this spring, witnessing the breathtaking arrival of cicadas? Share your photos and experiences with us on social media using #CicadaAdventure. Connect with others in your community to not just brace for the cicada impact, but to celebrate this extraordinary natural event.