A massive “alien-like” insect, the Brood XIV cicada, is set to emerge from a 17-year slumber and wreak havoc across over a dozen US states this year. Billions of these cicadas are currently tunneling out of their underground homes in preparation for a swarm that will cover 13 states, including New York, Georgia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
The insects, which have black bodies with red eyes, make a high-pitched buzzing noise to attract females, similar to the sound of a lawn mower. However, despite their noisy nature, cicadas pose no danger to humans or pets and bring ecological benefits.
According to scientists, the timing of their emergence can be unpredictable but typically starts when the ground warms up to 64F, usually between April and June. The insects are active for four to six weeks before vanishing as quickly as they emerged.
In contrast to last year’s cicada “apocalypse,” which saw a one-trillion bug infestation, this year’s invasion is expected to be less intense. Cicadas do bring valuable food sources for birds and other predators, and their burrows improve water filtration and aerate lawns.
As the cicadas prepare to swarm, residents are advised to be aware of the noise they make, but there is no need to worry about the damage they cause. “It’s just like our human pee,” says Saad Bhamla, a professor at Georgia Tech College of Engineering.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14275947/cicada-insect-slumber-havoc-multiple-states.html