Cicadas

Cicada Craze: Your Ultimate Guide to the Buzzing Phenomenon

Discover the fascinating world of cicadas and how to coexist with these noisy insects!

Cicadas, the buzzing creatures that emerge periodically, are set to make 2024 an Illinois spectacle. From the loud mating calls to their intriguing life cycle, there's a lot to learn about these insects. But Illinois isn't alone in the cicada symphony; Arizona and California are also gearing up for the cacophony of buzzing males seeking mates. Living with cicadas can be interesting but not without challenges, as experts warn about the hazards they pose to pets like dogs.

In California, the emergence of Cicadas is a rare event tied to specific broods like XIX and XIII, which appear every 13 to 17 years. These buzzing insects are native to the eastern U.S., as highlighted by research entomologist Andrew Liebhold from the U.S. Forest Service. As cicadas start to appear across the country, the question on everyone's mind is, how long will they stick around this year?

The cicada frenzy has taken over the U.S., with trillions making their noisy return after a long wait. Interestingly, those with seafood allergies might want to avoid these insects, as they become a culinary curiosity for some. In Chicagoland, the 17-year wait for cicadas is over, and the large insects have emerged in droves, delighting and sometimes startling the locals.

*Did you know?* Cicadas can reach sound levels of up to 120 decibels, rivaling a rock concert! And despite their alarming numbers, cicadas pose little threat to humans beyond their noisy presence. *Bonus Fact:* Cicada exoskeletons shed during molting are often found scattered around trees, a sign of their cyclical emergence.