17-Year Cicadas are coming–here’s what to expect

The Brood II cicadas were last seen in 1996. Since then, they’ve been deep in the soil feeding on the sap from tree roots in the Northeast. Though they may be a bit of a nuisance for a period of 4-6 weeks, this 17-year phenomenon is actually quite fascinating and considered a beneficial event for the most part. Billions of cicadas will be singing their mating song, which, at times, could make speaking over them difficult.

Once the soil reaches 64 degrees, the nymphs burrow up from deep in the soil where they’ve been feeding on sap from tree roots for the last 17 years. Once they emerge, they climb a nearby tree and shed their nymphal exoskeleton. During the next couple of hours, they are quite vulnerable to hungry predators as they wait for their adult bodies to harden.

Some tip-pruning will occur in trees where females lay their eggs.  Fruit and nut trees, as well as young trees and saplings under 5 years old could suffer noticeable damage, however.

Read further about what you can do and what to expect at:

Cicada Brood II Update

These Brood II cicadas don’t sting or bite, and are relatively harmless.  So, no need to panic…. there’s little you can do nor little to worry about.