Georgia residents, prepare to share your space with the remarkable emergence of two distinct cicada broods, an event that hasn't occurred in over two centuries. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, trillions of these insects, belonging to Brood XIX and Brood XIII, will soon be waking up from a 13 and a 17-year subterranean slumber, respectively. This dual appearance will sweep across the state and certain parts of the country for the first time since the early 1800s.
The expected arrival of these periodical cicadas is set to begin when the soil temperature hits 64 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in late April to May, and will continue to make their presence known through May and June. As per the reports, Georgia will principally experience Brood XIX's emergence, last seen in 2011. In a somewhat rare crossover, both Illinois and Indiana are projected to witness the intersections of these two broods. Specifically, Brood XIII, with a 17-year life cycle, will simultaneously emerge in these states, as noted by the WSB-TV.
Furthermore, authorities encourage the public to understand that cicadas pose no harm to humans or pets. They are harmless creatures that should not be killed. However, they can affect young trees if allowed to lay eggs on their frail limbs. Entomologists recommend using netting to protect young trees and avoiding pesticides. After the adult cicadas fulfill their purpose of mating and laying eggs, they perish, and this cyclical event is expected to conclude around July 4, with their offspring set to reappear years later.
Even though cicadas aren't a threat, they can cause quite a noise disturbance. Masses of these insects are capable to quickly produce a chorus as loud as 105 decibels in their mating rituals, louder than a lawnmower. While this natural phenomenon may result in a temporary olfactory offense after they die off—likened to "'roadkill,'" as entomologist John Cooley advised in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, the need to occasionally "get a shovel or a rake and move them somewhere far away" is foreseen as an essential chore for some residents.
Residents interested in contributing to citizen science or merely curious about the cicada emergence can report sightings to cicadasafari.org. The data gathered will not only help individuals avoid unexpectedly interrupting their day with a cicada encounter but also assist scientists in tracking the progress and impact of these remarkable insects' fleeting visit to the surface world.
