Where are the Cicadas?

In a previous blog we warned you about a potential cicada invasion of the East coast, but now we find ourselves asking where they are?

Residents up and down the East coast braced themselves for a cicada invasion. Billions of cicadas were predicted to ascend from their 17-years of hibernation underground. Experts called this invasion “Brood II,” because the cicadas were predicted to inhabit areas from North Carolina to New York. Cicadas sport a 90-decibel mating call, causing many residents in these states to cringe at the thought of the loud disturbance. While many dreaded their arrival, others were excited to experience this aspect of nature.

The cicadas were expected to emerge in May and stay throughout June. After emergence, the cicadas would mate, lay their eggs and die off. May flew by and June passed with very few cicada sightings. As we reach July, many are wondering, where are the cicadas?

Although there are some cicada hot spots in the North, including northern New Jersey and Staten Island, cicada swarms here in Maryland and other states have been very limited. Some experts believe that the cold spring delayed the cicada outbreak, but the temperatures are now warm enough for the cicadas to emerge. Entomologists and horticulturists have determined that the cicadas are only popping up in specific locations, rather than all over each state like first predicted.

Now that it is July, if you haven’t seen any cicadas yet, you probably aren’t going to. Whether you find cicadas an annoying pest or a marvel of nature, you might have to wait another 17 years to experience the massive swarms that Maryland was expecting.

Jamie Mullady, Guest Blogger