The Great Invasion Times Two

It can be difficult to describe the sound of a cicada, so the sound is often simply referred to as the “sound of summer.” The continuous whizzing noise heard for hours on end is a perpetual reminder that we are not alone. And this year, we will definitely have more company.

According to cicadamania.com, a website dedicated to those curious creatures, Illinois is one of several states that will experience a double dose of cicadas this year. Unlike our annual cicada visitors, we will be twice blessed with broods XIII and XIX, groups more commonly known as the 17-year brood and 13-year brood respectively. What’s especially unique about this year’s dual arrival of these noisy, but harmless insects, is that the last time these two broods emerged simultaneously to experience life above ground was in 1803.

If you’re planning an outdoor party this summer, you might find yourself sweeping a lot of cicada shells off your patio, but other than that, they’re not much of a nuisance. The only real downside to cicadas is that they can damage trees that have not yet matured. Covering small trees under four feet with netting is an option, but an easier solution is to hose the tree down with water on a regular basis.

Fun Facts about Cicadas

• Cicadas are harmless creatures that do not bite or sting
• Cicadas live underground for most of their lives
• Cicadas shed their skin above ground and leave a shell behind
• Cicadas are often mistaken for grasshoppers or locusts
• Cicadas may be found all over the world

For more fun facts on cicadas, visit cicadamania.com