Cicadas Emerge After 17 Years

Massive Brood X to blanket eastern United States

Prepare for deafening chorus and possible property damage

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Brood X, a massive swarm of periodical cicadas, is expected to emerge from the ground in the eastern United States this spring after spending 17 years underground. The emergence is expected to begin in late April or early May and last for several weeks.

Periodical cicadas are known for their distinctive loud chirping, which can reach up to 90 decibels. The noise can be deafening and may disrupt daily life for residents in affected areas. The cicadas will also mate and lay eggs, which can cause damage to trees and other plants. They also excrete a sticky substance that can clog gutters and drains.

Brood X is one of the largest and most well-known periodical cicada broods in the United States. It covers an area of approximately 15 states, from Georgia to New York. The last time Brood X emerged was in 2004.

Experts say there is little that can be done to prevent the emergence of periodical cicadas. They urge residents to take precautions to protect their property, such as covering trees and plants and cleaning gutters regularly.