The long-awaited cicada invasion is here, and the bugs have already been spotted hatching in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Scientists are expecting billions more to emerge at any moment in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. Referred to as Brood XIV, the cicadas are hatching as the soil in these states reaches a temperature of about 64ยบ F. Heavily infested areas with plenty of tree-covered land will likely see more than a million bugs per acre. While they are harmless, the sheer number of cicadas often frighten people, who hear their loud, shrieking mating calls. If pets consume several of the cicadas, they may experience a temporary upset stomach or vomiting, but eating the occasional cicada is considered harmless. That’s because the insects don’t bite, sting, carry diseases, or secrete any toxins that would make animals sick after ingestion. For humans, it’s recommended to use a white noise machine to drown out the mating calls, and cover any young trees with a fine mesh net. This will keep the cicadas from laying their eggs in your new tree. The next brood is due to appear in 2042.
