Dedicated to cicadas, the most amazing insects in the world.
Photos: The Great Washington, D.C. Cicada Invasion from John M. Esparolini.
Photos: Brood X in Southern Indiana , from Janee.
These lovable (though somewhat creepy) creatures come out every 17 years, digging their way out from underground. In their 17th summer, they fly around, rather clumsily, mate, lay their eggs, and then die. Their above-ground show lasts about 6 weeks.
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Just saw the first cicada in our neighborhood- it’s in an oak tree on our street. It is huge! This is the first one we have seen, even though we live in a rural area about seven miles from Princeton (which is overrun with them). Hopefully, we will see more. Sue, Franklin Twp (Somerset Co) NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I dug up a cicada a few weeks ago while planting trees, so I knew they were coming. I went out today to take some pictures and they’re everywhere! Still not as noisey as I remember in years past, but I don’t think they’re done emerging yet. Jon, Zionsville, Lehigh County, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Searched through Setauket, Old Field, Stony Brook and Lake Grove in Suffolk County without success. Not a single shell or chirp. Getting hungry and jealous after reading all those cicada recipes! AJay, Long Island
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I visted this site for more info on them since we have people calling our landscaping business worrying about their plants. Its all very interesting. Nothing here as of yet as I am anticipating will will have many at our home which is a few acres of untimbered forest land. We do have an unusual amount of mosquitos this year though, and are HUGE! Looking forward to hearing and seeing this phenomenon, hopefully our young nursery trees are not too hard hit!!! Anyone near us see any??? Susan, Elysburg, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
They’re heeeere. JOhn, Downingtown PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Are you still looking for the blue eyed one?
Got it. Bryan , ft thomas
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
people at my school are trying to kill them they have killed 70 bob, U.S
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Are Cicadas blind? Jay Schultz, Silver Spring MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
There are thousands, they’re everywhere, and they’ve been here since the 8th. They were cool to look at and photograph for a while, but I’m so over this… they are really stinky, loud and annoying now! Donna, Rockville, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I have not yet seen them in the suburban Philadelphia region, but understand they are around. 17 years ago, I remember them quite well. For a few weeks, I was qondering what that constant din outside was — they were not in our neighborhood, but quite heavy in the surrounding area. Then one night, I saw a piece on the news about them. Much different today with all the TV & newspaper coverage and Web sites dedicated to the emergence. I’ll have to keep an ear open on the way home. GFE, Glenside, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Yep.. we have cicadas here in Bloomington, Indiana! I have some photos I took on 24 May 2004 here:
http://www.myjanee.com/photoalbum/broodx.htm
I hope to get more as the season progresses. I love these bugs! Janee, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Have been watching my trees and finding scads of exoskeletons. The awful noise started over the weekend…can barely here myself think and I can’t close the windows because I don’t have central air! Ugh.. Jeanne, Perkiomenville, Pa
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Where are they??!! I want to see these little critters… I hope that I haven’t missed them yet. Mike, Hanover, PA – near Gettysburg
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Carcasses are everywhere as nymphs transform into adults and a constant cacaphony fills the residential forest community known as Spring Hill Acres (near Mt Gretna), Lebanon Co., PA. I ran through the woods along the Horseshoe Trail up to Gov. Dick Lookout last Sunday and could hear the “courtship songs”, even though listening to Smooth Jazz on my Walkman!! Stan, Spring Hill Acres, Cornwall, Lebanon Co, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
It appears the Cicada’s are everywhere around Hagerstown, MD, but not in the city. They have invaded all surrounding towns, and rivers but not here yet. Are they coming here??
Marcia McKnight Marcia McKnight, Hagerstown, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
My boys had me outside in the woods looking for them. This morning while looking out the window there they were, three of them in a white birch tree still in the shells. I cannot wait to see the boys faces after school today! Raquel Lutton, Schnecksville, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I have only seen little to none in the city. Will they be in Englishtown, New Jersey? I am going on a trip there on June 12. Andrea, Baltimore, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I got attacked on the ear by one this morning, nearly broke my glasses. Freaked out really bad! When are they leaving already? I hate the eeery sounds too. Enough! Enough! I am ready to leave home and stay with my Aunt. How many more weeks of this terror? Shelly, Gwynn Oak, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I’m here on the Ohio/Kentucky border near Cincinnati, and they’re everywhere. My brothers and I were out working on a car and they kept landing on us.
In some parts of Hamilton, Ohio (where most of my family lives) they’re so loud you can’t hear anything else!
BTW – these things seems to have pupils. It looks like when I hold one in front of me and move around, it follows me with it’s eyes. Or am I just seeing things? John Davison, Florence, Kentucky
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
We have them…BIG TIME! There is a swarm on our ridge in the woods. I can hear them starting as soon as it’s warm enough in the morning until it cools down in the evening. They’ve been here for about 2 weeks (first emergence was the morning of 5/15/2004. I have a question for anyone, however. I keep hearing something that sounds like crying, wailing, or lasers in addition to the buzzing that’s like a machine or water running. Does anyone know what this sound is? THANKS! Sharon Heller, 7 mi. west of Newport, PA, USA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Since last Friday (May 21) they’ve really invaded Princeton. It sounds as if the mother ship has landed and is beaming everyone up! Marjory , Princeton, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
they are real thick in the vineyard but nowhere else Mitch Boatman, Hillsboro, Ohio
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Typically we don’t get a chance to enjoy the fruit of the cherry trees in our back yard because the birds beat us to it. Not this year. We have thousands of cicadas and lots of delicious ripe cherries.
We figure the cicadas’extremely loud call is scaring the birds out of the trees.
Anyone else getting the same results? Will, Mary, Cindy, & Jim, Ft. Thomas, KY
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
My oldest son and I have been waiting anxiously for them. We heard the noise (finally!) early Sat morn (21st) and went on a walk to coleect some Sunday night. It’s very cool, exciting and GROSS! It must be a BOY thing!!! Shawn Marie & Michael T., Belcamp, MD (Harford County)
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
For everyone who hasn’t seen or heard any cicadas yet, consider yourselves lucky…They are so loud, they started this morning at 4 am, and of course the ones my daughter has in a “critter keeper” started singing as well, so I had to take it outside. I let them go & catch her new ones every day. It would be a shame to just have them live 17 yrs underground & die without doing what Mother Nature made them for……I have seen birds feasting on them, red ants eating them, my cat even ate one yesterday….YUCK! They are kind of interesting, though, I got a pic yesterday of a pair mating on my tree. The only thing that really bothers me about them is their smell, it stinks outside, I can’t imagine how bad it will be when they all start dying off & laying under trees in mass piles…. Staci, Beltsville, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I think the Cicadas are learning to fly better after the two weeks of practice they have had since emerging from the soil. If you drive for about a mile on the DC Beltway, one should expect to hit between 40 to 50 Cicadas. They are flying everywhere. Watch your head!!! Jared, Arlington, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
After several days of finding about 6-8 empty cicada shells in the grass under the same tree, I finally encountered and adult. It seemed to be caught up in the tall grass so I scooped it up and off it went up into the tree. If your in Wilmington, De and haven’t seen one yet, keep looking they’re here! KJ, Wilmington, DE
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
we have TONS of them… everywhere!! traci, new jersey (princeton)
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I wanna see some, but no luck yet… Joe, Long Island
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Was down at the Potomac River fishing this past weekend and heard them just south of Rt. 95 bridge that crosses the Potomac.
Also heard them on the way home while stuck in traffic on Rt. 95. Had the windows up and radio and A/C on and could still hear them. Just glad I don’t need to sleep through that, YET! JON, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
There are no cicadas in Tennessee yet, as far as I’ve seen. I wonder if they’ll even get down here this year? I can’t believe I’ll be 42 when they come back… Marijean, Nashville, TN
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I thought that we would see maybe 1-3 nights of mass emergence, and the subsequent mating & dying. Instead, it seems like they are coming out little by little in my neck of the woods. When will they STOP emerging? Chrissy, Mt. Pleasant, Washington, DC
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I have been amazed at the sheer volume…both in numbers and in decibels! They are all over the Miamisburg-West Carrollton area of Dayton but are not downtown as of yet. They were out in great force this weekend at The Srping Fling in Miamisburg. You could hardly walk 20 feet without one dive-bombing into your hair or landing on your arm, back, shoulder…etc. Watching people scream like little school girls and flail about was a bit entertaining (including yours truly). I’m trying to get “used” to them…really….
For all you cicada enthusiasts…enjoy!
PS: the birds are getting fat! :-> Kharis, Miamisburg
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I never saw so many in my life. We have to watch were we step, and shake off our close before we come inside. Theres shells all over the trees and on the ground. Wesley, Delaware, Oh
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I want to photograph Cicadae. I live in Providence RI. Does anyone know where some are that are close to me? Scott Lapham, Providence RI
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
THE CICADA SOUND LIKE A SPACE SHIP OFF IN THE DISTANCE !!!! M.CARKUFF, ELLIJAY,GA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Found my first shell, followed by about 20 more scattered around the base of our huge Pin-Oak. I’m sure there is many to follow. Hope to se a live one soon. J Stauffer, Columbus,Ohio
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I live in Atlanta, GA. Do they come this far south? If so, when? I haven’t seen a one. Sheree, Atlanta, GA
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
They’re in Princeton CB, Princeton
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Here in Bell Buckle (40 mi SSE of Nashville), ther are no cicadas yet. Everyone that was here in ’87 says that there were plenty, so by all accounts they should still be in the ground……planning. Hopefully I’ll see some when I go backpacking in East Tennessee at the end of this month, I’ve never experienced an invasion before and I feel like a child before his first Christmas. Jake Stringfellow, Bell Buckle, Bedford Co., Tn
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I have only seen one and it was dead, have only found one shell. The woods across the road sounds like there are millions. They are real loud till way after dark. L:inda Napier, Winslow Indiana
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Why has God decided to torment us this way. Have we come to the end of our time. We’ve boarded up our house and only have enough supplies to last us for a month. Save yourselves!!!!!!!!!! the Booher’s, Quincy, MI
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They are all over the College Park, MD area. There must be thousands around the house and in the trees. The noise is AMAZING… it’s like being on another planet… I feel like the alien here! It’s absolutely incredible! I’m in cicada heaven! Scott, College Park, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Magicicadas have supposedly been spotted near the Delaware-Maryland state line, but none up here in the northern Delaware hills near Pennsylvania. Not even a hint of nymphs crawling out of the ground.
We’re all eagerly awaiting their arrival here…
Michael Sensor, Hockessin, Delaware
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Driving home from work this evening with the windows down I heard a buzzing sound. I pulled over in Warwick Park to check it out. As I walked into the woods the noise was rather loud and I saw a few dried shells, but I never did actually see a cicada. Hopefully I will find more in the days to come, but they are finally here. Dave Fuertsch, North Coventry,Pa
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Wow!
I have experienced a true natural high!
At Clark Park, about 2 miles from my home, I experienced Cicadamania, up close and personal!
I found by the roadside,
A small tree with a chrous of MagiCicada septumdicem…
Unearthly beauty…
Absolute calm…
No fear…
Is there any other creature on earth that has NO FEAR of humans?
They bumble through the air
They do not have a care
They sing … Delightful!
Landing on me, they linger
Sitting on my finger!
Calling, chourousing, tumbling
Ruby eyes looking,
Cellophane wings flicking
Their clocks are a-ticking
Phhharrrooohhh! They cry!
Soon we will die!
But we will be back
You can count on that
Thank You, Oh Magic Ones
You may outlive me
But you will always be with me. John DeMelas, Oak Ridge, TN
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
It seems they’re still going strong here and at Tysons Corner. The parking lot where I work looks like a little cicada cemetary. We’re almost “attacked” every time we step out of the office. You have to do a cicada check before going back in to remove the unfortunate ones that bump into you and stick! I saw more today dead, dying AND flying around than I have in the last few weeks. I saw new ones still emerging at Wolf Trap over the weekend as well! Entertained, Vienna, Virginia-Fairfax County
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Tonight I went out on the patio and in flew a rather large flying bug. I don’t know anything about these, but I caught it and looked up a picture and sure enough it was a Cicada! It’s the only one I’ve seen, scared the **** out of me. Matt, LaFayette, New York, USA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Hey, they are so exciting! I saw them in 1987 here, too. Each day there are hundreds of new ones in our yard. I love to see them fly like tiny red-gold helicopters. I like to get them on my hand or arm and take them for a walk – they just sit quietly. My cats enjoy stalking them, too. I have named some of them – Loretta & Isabel sit on the back screen door. Susan Burkhalter, Bethesd, Maryland, USA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
There are abot 10 of them in my backyard! Daniel KIm, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Because of previous West Carrolton posting, we went there to see them (drove down fron Canada!!). Took exit 44 off of Interstate 75, and they are everywhere. High concentrations (perhaps millions) in Sycamore Trails Park, West Carrollton, Ohio. Joe Minor, West Carrollton, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Wow. It’s humbling, really. They’re everywhere. It’s their party, and we just need to avoid having them bump into us.
Fearless little things. Zen bugs.They didn’t start flying until this weekend, and now they’re flying everywhere, going about their business. Today it struck me that it’s lucky these things aren’t inherently malevolent/poisonous. The early colonists wouldn’t have had a chance. michael, falls church, va
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
My son found a white cicada. Has anyone ever seen a white or albino cicada? It still has red eyes…. Kelly, Columbus, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Drove 75 miles from Toledo and camped. On May 18 saw 1st skins and adults, hundreds more each day till I left Powell Creek Camprounds on May 20. One or two sang. The proprieter called May 23, said they are now coming out in woods in camp but still not real load yet. Gary Lovell, Ayersville, Ohio Route 15
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
cicadas creep me out…there r some in my yard, but TONS in the crescent hill area…my friend says theres some in her house…EW…there arent any cicadas by the summit shopping center…probably bc it was farmland b4 and then they covered it with cement, mulch, and sod…and killed any trees that r there and planted new ones…well, at least theres 1 place where im safe lol rachel (again), louisville, ky
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
there r cicadas everywhere, especially on my school campus. one got in my shirt 2day…it scared me 2 death…i got it out and i didnt kill it! rachel, louisville ky
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I live in downtown DC (Dupont Circle). So far, I haven’t seen more than any other year…until today. It’s full of them. And I am sorry, I don’t like them. I am scared even of walking on the street. Pablo , Washington, DC
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Cicada’s everywhere. Spent a weekend camping at Big Bone Lick State Park. Averaged about 5-600 cicadas on the tent at any given time. Had to use a broom to sweep away the cicada’s from the tent entrance. The sound of Cicada’s crawling around on your tent at night sounds very much like a gentle rain. I thought my memory of these little guys from 1987 in Cincinnati, Ohio was bad……this definitely tops that!! Neetz3t, Big Bone Lick State Park, KY
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I have not really heard any cicadas here in my area I have seen a few shells here and there but no live ones or sounds that I know of yet. I’m hoping that maybe I’ll have a better chance of hearing them at night. Scott Davis, Bel Air, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Where are these creatures? I don’t they are in my area? mark, N. Royalton, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I saw a single hole in the back yard today. No dought it was from brood x. I think the ivasion is about to start. J.P., York,P.A.
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Cicadas, where are you? I so desperately want to see them around here so that I can show my foreign born boyfriend the craziness that are Cicadas. Back when I was in high school there was a different brood going about and though I hate bugs, it was still really neat. Does anyone know if they’ll be headed up here eventually or should I drive my boyfriend (who doesn’t want to see them at all) down to Princeton? Thanks! Tiffany, Edison, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I will be in the DC area this upcoming weekend, and I’m really looking forward to the cicada experience. Can someone tell me when and where is the best time to experience them in their most …annoying? 🙂 BigMac0420, Jacksonville, FL
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
yup there here, saw the first one today sunning itself on rhododendron flower. Big ugly and many more to come I’m sure…….. Ryan, Brookline, MA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Evidently, cicadas love crab apple trees. I have one in my front yard and it is covered completely in cicada. I don’t mind, except when they chatter at me for stepping out side my own house. Rachel, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Ok guys. This thing is getting intense. I really don’t like leaving my house because there are sooooo many of them now. A few weeks ago I thought I was lucky b/c we really didn’t have that many. Well that was then, this is now. Does anyone agree that they seem to be less active at night?? Or is it just me? I know that they are supposed to be leaving by late june, but does anyone know if this week and the next are their peak times??? I’ve heard that from my mom and a friend and I’m just praying that it’s true. simone , Silver Spring,MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I don’t remember them being this loud the last time during the day. Meg, Bedford, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They were gross from the beginning, but now they are actually flying around. There are hundreds of them within a hundred foot radius. I have already been unfortunate enough to see about 4 explode upon flying into my windshield. I drive with my windows up, the air on, and music, and they are still loud enough to slowly drive me insane before getting to where I need to be. I’m sure there are many people in baltimore and surrounding areas wondering who the nut is running around with a hoodie on and a tennis racket. yes folks, it’s me. I take all necesary precautions before venturing out into the land of the cicadas. For the next month or so, they are in control. I, personally will be thrilled when they go back to ruling the underworld!! Kee, Randallstown, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
We’re close to Phoenixville and Malvern – both locations have representatives on the message board. And yes, there’s little if any activity here. When will they show up? Elaine, Oaks, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
We have nothing but woods surrounding our home and have yet to see a single one here is Harrisburg. Jeremy, Harrisburg, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Okay, the cicadas came slowly, but now they are in full effect !! Man these things are a pain, but fascinating. I don’t want to kill them but when they in sorrounding my apartment I have todo something. I’ll be glad when this is over. My biggest worry is going to work with one of these things in my hair. Felicia , Arlington, Virginia
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I’m 20 miles or so north of Princeton. Nothing by me yet. Maybe tonight. Jim, Bridgewater, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
ALL 5 BILLION ARE [AT] MY HOUSE, THERE IN MY APARTMENT BUILDING, IN MY CAR. CAR ALARMS ARE GOING OFF BECAUSE THE LOUD MATING CALL. I EVEN SAW A FEW MATING YESTERDAY. I DON’T REMEMBER IS SWARM IN 1987. I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET CICAZDA MANIA 2004 !!! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE. I HAD ALMOST AN ENTIRE TRASH CAN FILLED UP TO TOP W/ DISCARDED SHELLS (PLEASANT RIDGE, CINCINNATI,OHIO)IF THESE WERE STINGING BEES THE ER HOSPITALS WOULD BE FILLED TO CAPACITY. I HAD MY STEREO,TV AND AIR CONDITIONING ON AND COULD STILL HEAR THE SINGING! MISSCUBE, CINCINNATI OHIO
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Baltimore is now experiencing a cicada invasion. Over the weekend they finally started appearing in mass quantities in my neighborhood. Wherever I go in town, I can always hear the alien-like hum of the cicadas in the background. It is quite loud here and the smell is already pretty strong. Every time I walk to my car, at least a handful of them fly right at me. This morning one flew down the collar of my dress shirt. I think I invented a new dance. I heard on the news that only 25% of them have emerged which is staggering. I can’t imagine how there could possibly be MORE in a few days. They are already everywhere, hitting the windshields of moving vehicles, climbing my house, in my bushes. Amazing. Chris, Baltimore, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Nothing here yet. Last evening was quiet, no casings around. D.F., Medford, N.J.
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They emerged on May 13 and have been as loud or louder than I have ever heard them since Saturday. This is my fourth time around with them since 1953. George, Elkridge, Md, USA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
None None None.. Nowhere to be seen here. Yeah!! Carrie, Allentown, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Not a peep! I love the sound of the cicadas – they are truly the sound of a lazy summer day. I heard they have arrived about 1/2 hour from here in Green Lane. Karen Romano, Conshohocken, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
The Cicadas are every where!! Disgusted With, Reston, VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They’re here, hundreds of thousands, probably millions of them. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. We moved to this house about 5yrs ago, it’s in a heavily wooded neighborhood. The sound is intense. I can best describe it as rushing air, something like air escaping from a valve. It’s loud and the cicadas are flying everywhere you look. What happens to the carcases when they die? I heard the stink as they decompose…like land-shrimp. Alex, Downingtown, PA (40 mi west of Philly)
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Any very very loud – like someone vacuuming in the next room! Jen, Baltimore, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Just thought I’d relate a story about my 1st cicada experience. Back in 1998 I was camping with a bunch of fellow geology students in Providence Canyon state park in east Georgia….we did the back country hike through the canyon and we camped overnight down in the canyon. A bunch of us slept out under the stars that night….meanwhile, while we were sleepling and unbeknowent to us, the cicadas (13 year variety)were emerging…when we woke up we literaly had hundreds of hollow cicada exoskeletons all over our sleeping bags, hundreds more in out shoes and a large nearby tree (maybe 5 ft. away) had thousands of exoskeletons ont it…needless to say we were alittle freaked out knowing that thousands of creepy little bugs were crawling all over us and our stuff. But it does make a cool story to tell. thanks. Gristlejaw, Flroiduh
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
We are very excited that this is the year the cicadas are emerging. We are busy learning about all aspects of their lives. Daeshawn found one on his oak tree last weekend. Patrick found one on his apple tree. It was head-down, four feet above the ground. We are waiting to find more! Mrs.Moynahan’s Third Grade Class rade, Coquillard Primary Center, South Bend, In
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I thought the worst was over, but boy was I wrong! There were so many cicadas on my patio on Sunday morning that my boyfriend had to come over and sweep them up just so I could get outside. I’m just an innocent person trying to live my life. When will this be over? Heather, Falls Church, VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
After much anticipatory dread, I had actually begun to get into Cicadamania. But there were no signs of the little buggers in Owings Mills while surrounding areas got tons of them. They finally began singing on Saturday. Can’t see many, but the sound is just awesome!!!!! Kathy Valentine, Owings Mills, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I haven’t seen too many in Germantown, but I did gather about 100 post-teneral female cicadas. Over the weekend, I made about two dozen dry-roasted, chocolate covered cicadas, which five co-workers tried today! I’ve got a few more recipes I want to try. The verdict? So far, so good. Not exceptionally delicious. But, not bad either. Mike K., Germantown, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I’ve never experienced the Brood X cicadas but have heard stories. Someone said that they won’t be in Union County, NJ this year! Say it ‘aint so! Anybody hear this? SMC, Summit, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Like a blink of an eye they are flying all over the tarmac….just yesterday there were none JP, BWI
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Went camping/horseback riding this past weekend at Fair Hill, MD. Large pockets of Cicadas everywhere. You could hear them from the barn constantly. I enjoyed listening to them–although others did not. Sometimes when riding through the pockets they would be flying everywhere and landing on you and the horses. It was amazing how loud they were. The horses didn’t mind the sound but didn’t like when being hit in the head by them. It was a pretty neat experience. They are quite amazing. Barb, Fair Hill, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I went for a bike ride yesterday from my house in Stonewall Manor to Reston via the W&OD bike trail. It was a challenge to avoid hitting these flying creatures while zooming along at 18+ mph on the bike trail. I happened along a cicada flying parallel to the trail, so I slowed down to match its speed. It was flying at about 9 mph into a slight headwind. So, for anyone wondering how fast these little buggers fly, my empirical evidence suggests about 10-12 mph without any wind resistance or wind assistance. Mike, Vienna, VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Hello –
Cicadas began emerging here in Arlington 2 weeks ago. Since they came out so early here, will they leave sooner than other areas. It is unbearable. David, Arlington, VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
First spotted Saturday, 5/22. Noticed a few “shells” on a row of short lilac bushes while cutting the grass. Closer inspection revealed TONS of them on the undersides of almost every leaf, often piggy-backed in bunches of four and five. A few hours later, heard the first sounds, like the string section of an orchestra warming up. Sounds and sightings of adults wobbily making their way to the trees is steadily increasing. vbert, Kintnersville (Upper Bucks County), PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Went for a walk at the Merrill Creek Reservoir. Cicadas were everywhere. Pretty awesome to actually walk through them, and to hear them. Danny, Washington, (Warren Co.), NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Haven’t seen any Cicadas here at home in Hamilton County, but I spent the weekend camping at McCormick Creek State Park in Southern/Central Indiana (~60 miles south of Indy). As I drove south, the chorus began. At times the noise from trees on either side of the highway was just plain creepy. At camp they were everywhere, in various stages. Many little holes on the ground where they had emerged. Many shells and living Cicadas on the trees. Shells all over the ground. Many carcasses of those that didn’t make it as well. Lots of “music” from the trees until dusk, when it would quiet down until morning. Angela, North of Indianapolis
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Still no cicadas in Damascus. Still waiting patiently. I think they are cool looking, but not in such large quantities. Donna, Damascus, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
The Cicada are everywhere even inside the metro rail cars. Doreen, Forestville, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
We have a constant concert going on in Crownsville — they are plentiful, large and LOUD!
CM, Crownsville
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I am anticipating a most enjoyable show of the cicadas,but as of now 5/24/04 I have been disappointed. When should I expect this 4th of uly explosion of Brood X? Jim, Hamburg,New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
i was visiting Dayton for the weekend and it’s incredible on how many cicadas there are! It’s hard to believe, and they are so loud! It seems like Chicago is still a couple weeks away from this adventure! Christopher Byczko, Dayton, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They are so bad in my neighborhood, particularly my house with the most trees on the street, hovering over it. I moved out this weekend to go stay with my mother. I can’t handle it, the noise is deafening. My daughter screamed, “I CAN’T THINK”. It’s terrible. I don’t know how I am going to survive this. MzTJones, Baltimore, MD
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
We have them… but not real bad. I hear them (how could you not!) and see them, but they are not as bad as other ares. My sister lives on the other side of Delhi and is confined to her home. I cut my grass yesterday!! I am really waiting on being hit hard-my kids are going to FREAK!! Cindie, Delhi Twp, Ohio (Cincinnati)
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I understand that York, PA should be in the thick of it, but so far, nothing. I am not especially fond of bugs, but I am fascinated by the life cycle of these particular insects and can’t help but be excited. Anyone in my area seen any? Karen, York, Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Went in search of cicadas this weekend. Heard or saw a few in Harleysville, Pa. A fair number reported by friend in Spring Mt. area. A large number (maybe a few thousand to ten thous./acre)in area west of Quakertown, emergence began around 15th of may. Andy, Montgomery County, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I have been looking, but I haven’t seen or herd any at all. It’s probably to cold and rainy. There are a few wholes in my garden. Maybe it’s the nymphs getting ready to emerge???
I went to Toledo on Saturday May 22 and didn’t see any there either. Mark, Washtenaw County
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
i live in Beavercreek, Oh, Just east of Dayton. I found one shell on my sidewalk yesterday. That has been it!! No more to be found.
:^(
Roger, Beavercreek, OH
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Yesterday, there were thousands in my back yard. Extremely loud even when I was inside with windows closed. Outside it was almost deafening. Jeff, Dublin, OH
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I live in Ringwood N.J. and have seen one shell,I work in Suffern, New York and there aren’t any there either. Will we be getting them? My sister who lives in Baltimore, M.D. has been freaking out about them being everywhere for 2-3 weeks already. Lori, Ringwood New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Hi! I came to this site to see if anyone else smells this “gargbage in the heat” or “dead animal” smell..I hope it’s coming from them..I thought my sewer system was backing up!
I’m sorry,I don’t like them and when are they leaving? 🙂 Maysa Leak, Baltimore
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I’m in the North Western Philadelphipa suburbs. We’ve got holes in our yard but haven’t seen or heard any cicadas yet. We’d like to see a few but don’t want the numbers that others are reporting. Vic, Pottstown, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
My niece is having an outdoor party for her 5th birthday. She is NOT a “bug-lover”, to put it mildly. My sister is freakin’ out….do they show up in Manhattan or Brooklyn? We are native Floridians so we are completely ill-equipped (emotionally) for cicada swarms/sounds/urine-mistings. lissa, brooklyn, NY
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I thought I was petrified of spiders, well not anymore! The cicadas are everywhere! They were exceptionally loud between 5 and 6am this morning. I opened my door this morning to dead and dying cicadas all over the breezeway! I was horrified! They were all over the hallway stairs and were flying everywhere! I had a couple fly at me and buzz me – I was screaming like a lunatic! I CAN’T WAIT FOR THEM TO GO AWAY! Lynne, Alexandria, VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I was walking around outside and they just seem to fly from one place to another. One flew into me and I was walking.Are cicadas blind or is it hard for them to turn directions? Kanika, Washington,DC
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the cicadas. I thought I heard one last week, but none since then. Where are they? I’m jealous to hear that there are other people in PA that are experiencing them! I’ve been patiently waiting, but now I’m getting worried I might not see them or I’ll miss them! Becky, Saylorsburg , PA Monroe
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Last week we noticed a few skeletons in the trees (about Thursday, May 20). Saturday morning, we went outside and could hear the eeriest sound. We thought someone had left a pump on somewhere. Then we realized it was THEM!!! Yesterday, May 23, we went to a nearby woods and they were EVERYWHERE. Thousands of skeletons and the noise was so loud we could hardly carry on a conversation. Awesome! Paula, Newark, DE
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I live in a Detroit metro suburb and haven’t seen or heard one little cicada. And none of my other family members scattered throughout the area have seen them either. Has anyone else seen a large siting of them anywhere in Michigan? I’m patiently waiting… Peg, Plymouth, MI
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They’re out, but certainly not in the numbers I expected. Our weekend house is in a wooded, rural area; most of the cicadas are at the edge of our property on trees and shrubs, but not many near the house. Maybe the big invasion has only just begun. Linda, Upper Bucks County, PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
They’re here in Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County PA, sounding like a million weed whackers running at once. They are so pretty. When you pick one up it squeeks! Mary A. Phalan, Philadelphia PA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
This morning (May 24) a co-worker told me of an albino cicada. My first thought was he saw a newly emerged one and mentioned that to him. He said he knows the difference between a “soft” one and a “hard” one — this one was hard and had fully expanded wings. His wife is a photo buff and I think she planned to take a picture of it. I will post a picture if possible. Ron J, PA 17339
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I teach at Smithville Elementary School and did a short unit on the cicadas. We are anxiously awaiting their arrival but I am getting a bit nervous! The kids and I will be totally bummed if they don’t show up. Please let us know as soon as you see one! Thanks and happy hunting! Kim, Smithville, New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
As I left for work this morning I had to wake my husband to make him walk out with me. There were probably 1,000 walking on my decks and the other door (sliding glass) the doors were totally covered with these nasty, creepy, noisy critters. The security light above this door attracted them and my whole side of the house was covered. GO AWAY – GO AWAY – GO AWAY Missy, Lexington, Indiana
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Has anyone observed the emergence in Delaware? My daughter is graduating from UDel and I was wondering if they were present on campus.
Yesterday, Sunday 23-May, I went down to Princeton University. Some realy intense “outbreaks” down there. Really cool.
Jim jim occi, Cranford, New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Answering your questions – “DO THEY SMELL?” INDEED THEY DO!!! My husband killed hundreds of them on the ground cutting the grass – and now they STINK. The smell which some call “peculiar” is really terrible – so we better prepare ourselves for the end of June, when they will be going back to hell by millions… Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
I saw a newsclip from Tennessee tonight where they had a Cicada feast…they had all different types of cicada dishes, though not the Choco-Cicadas that I saw a recipe for somewhere.
Priscilla, thanks for the info…I couldn’t get the video but did see the images…love that last closeup shot of “the eyes.” 🙂 Debbie, Seattle
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
How long will the cicada’s be here? There are billions of them. -Shelton KY Shelton, Louisville, KY
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Hey Alan:
Re your post maybe Cicadas like the upper crust of the earth but not society. I’d stay underground if I were near Princeton also! Go Rutgers! Pete , Bridgewater, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
Funny to see all the messages from Central NJ. We were plagued 17 years ago but nothing yet here in Bridgewater. Maybe tonight or tomorrow (Monday) after a few days of hot weather. I see holes in the lawn and think that might be them but we also have chipmunks and a lawnmowers that could do that. Can’t believe that we could miss it all. Do these guys actually migrate? I thought they lived straight underground a foot or so down.
Maybe the wet spring weather (not more than usual-we’ve had worse springs) has put a damper on it. My guess says any day now if not tonight. Pete, Bridgewater, NJ
Date: Monday, May/24/2004
In the woodlands along the Lancaster / Lebanon / Berks County lines, sightings have gone from “a few” last week to “dozens” on Friday; now thousands tonight. I watched (and took pictures) This afternoon, you could hear them singing. Not really loud yet. Mike Frey, Lititz PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
after hearing what sounded to me and my girlfriend like a cat being murdered, i found a HUGE “casing” of some insect ive never seen on the post of our front porch, it had a big hole in the back…after looking on the internet i have found out that these are cicadas!! I guess the season has begun!–gotta admit, i hope they stay outside! Josh Crager, Lexington ky
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Spent a weekend getaway in the country in Clinton Falls Indiana and those noisy things were everywhere. It’s like being in a twilight zone. God’s nature is awesome!! Cindy Towne, Clinton Falls, Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Oooooh, I’m so jealous! I’ve never seen a live cicada, only mounted. I’m a bug afficianado and am so envious of you guys that get to hear the calls and see such an amazing event.
Heck, I’m jealous that other states even have TREES. Those are a rarity in freakin’ LA. Enjoy the cicadas! I’m seething with envy. Alie, Los Angeles, CA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I was at my cabin on the Ocoee River about a mile outside Copperhill on May 16th and heard the Cicadas singing and they were still singing on the 23rd. Carlton Williams, Copperhill, Tenn.
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Cicadas arrived in my neighborhood yesterday (Saturday) in mass, but they do get quiet and disappear at dusk, till the a.m. Briana, Abingdon, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Visiting N. Georgia from Atlanta. As we pull into the drive way of the farm, I see what I thought was a small hummingbird. As I step out of the car, the sound was so intense I thought a house alarm was going off. Turned out to be the sound of meellions of Cicadas. They are awesome! Gavin , Blairsville, Georgia
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
2 yrs. ago I lived in Clover SC on the border of NC and my daughter and I found 3 in our backyard,we knew they were different so we watched them from day to day,,but I realized today what the bugs were Cicadas, my daughter was so excited to learn about them,they must be good to eat because my cat jumped on this big brown one and tore into him,Ive since moved but we’re on the lookout in Lumberton NC,,,Good Luck! meltripper, Lumberton NC
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
They are eveywhere in my backyard. My family and I have had the priviledge to see them coming up out of the ground in their beetle shells to the final transformation. What a great sight. One night at about at 9PM there were hundreds of beetles crawling up the tree. At 11:45PM several of them were hanging from the leaves clutching to their formal shell as their wings dry out and expand and their fragile white bodies strengthen as they also darken. Our back yard is full of them so that no step can be taken without looking down to see that you’re not smashing one. The background noise is
similar to the strange sounds used in old science fiction movies. I thank God for creating such a fascinating species and for the invention of the video camera. Pete, Timonium, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
May/23/04:Been watching these amazing but creepy creatures for a few days.Increasingly getting more abundent.Don’t really mind them because i know they are harmless but they still make me scream.I have to say the noise is amazing!Somewhere between a horror movie scream and a machine running badly.I like the UFO sound comments.Nothing too much but except alot more,Alot more.Have fun:)
michele, mohnton,PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Has anyone else noticed that there seem to be different layers of cicada sounds? There is a general din that has been getting louder and louder for days, and then there are the cicadas right near us that seem to go up and down in pitch in unison, so that it sounds like waves. How do the cicadas coordinate their sounds like that? How do they all go up in pitch at the same time and then all down at the same time???
P.S. My wife looked pretty funny trying to get the cicada out of her blouse, believe me. John , Louisville, KY (Crescent Hill)
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
My husband and I were eating lunch outside, enjoying the cicadas (he was encouraging them to go ahead and try flying) when a cicada hit my face. I screamed and threw my yogurt across the grass—and the cicada ended up down my blouse! How do I describe what happened next? I went through a lot of contortions to get that cicada OUT of there! Tamara Meinecke, Louisville, KY (Crescent Hill)
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
There are hoards of cicadas in my yard, they are bouncing off the windows, and the house. I have a tree that overhangs my second floor balcony and there are so many that I can’t go out back without being hit by them. My 12 year old cat isn’t paying attention to them, but my dog is crazy for them. He’s eaten a couple but I’m making an effort not to let him eat any more. I still feel freaked out a bit by them but they are pretty cool as long as they don’t land on me. Liz, St. Bernard, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Well, I’ve yet to read or hear about any cicada sightings here in NC!!! I remember them from 1987. Now that I know more about them, hopefully they won’t seem as gross and scary!
Lisa in NC Lisa, Charlotte, NC
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Haven’t seen any here in Frederick, MD yet. Got off a plane at BWI (Baltimore, MD) this morning and it sounded like a UFO was in the area. Maybe the “UFO” will land this week in Frederick… Tony, Frederick, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
lots of cicada’a… Lisa, Kettering ,Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I spent 3 nights with the critters watching them emerge last week, and then spent the next few days observing and enjoying. We have a lot of cicadas in the neighborhood, but not so many that they’ve become a nuisance.
I was so disappointed when the droning began in the distance, but none were singing in our yard. Where were the little guys (and gals) I had sat up with all those late nights?
Well, a few days later they began to sing in the neighborhood – an even steady drone, nearby but faint. When I told my son I was disappointed that the cicadas had left our yard he replied, “You have to be here at 3 in the afternoon. They sure are singing here then!”
Turns out I was looking for the song when I came home from work, late in the day, after the singing wound down. Sure enough, on the weekend the droning and chirping was IN the yard and created an incredidle din. Like other message posters, I’d describe it as a combination between a buzz and the throbbing whine of a 1950’s UFO movie.
It begins at about 4am and continues only until late in the day. By sunset, there’s no sound from them at all. I hear only a very occasional chirp as I write this now, after a very constantly noisy day.
Well, its been interesting waking to the buzz each morning for the past few days, but today took a new turn. I’m sound asleep whe I’m startled awake by a tremendously loud WEEEEEEEEE-ooooooooo! I bolt up out of bed only to realize a single cicada must have been sitting in the tree right outside our bedroom window. I look at the clock and it’s 3:05 AM! My single songster must have taken off after that because I shortly fell asleep again to a sleep-inducing soft buzz off in the distance.
But the “song” had begun for the day, and it became a rousing chorus that lasted all day until about 7:00 pm! Pat, Gaithersburg MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Saw my first cicada on Saturday. What a surprise! What a racket. It was amazing how the dead exoskeletons hung on to the bottom of the leaves while the adults were on top feeding
onemoremile, Oley, pa
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Have you felt unexpected drops of liquid outside where cicadas are present? I read an article in the New York Times that said:
“A passer-by may experience the harmless mist of cicada urine if there are enough of them in a tree overhead…”
Today I was taking photos, trying to get a shot of flying cicadas. I did, and also got some added value…
http://www.dponline.com/cicadapee.jpg Dona, Bethesda, Maryland
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I am a recent transplant to this area (from Fl). My son-in-law was telling me this would be happening soon. I arrived in Md. from a trip to Fl. Sat. w/ my grandson- turned the car off and we sat trying to figure out what the noise was!!! Opened the doors and realized it was the cicads. They are EVERYWHERE and very loud but quiet down around sunset.
How long will they be here?
Sandi, Chevy Chase, Md.
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Hi.I’ve questions. Why do cicadas loves my car tires? They always there. Second, I caught a male cicada trying to mate with a dead female.Why don’t he understand its dead? There are many lives cicadas around? His sex organ inside her and he attached himself and apparently can’t get loose. any reason to mate a dead female? sezai, springfield, va
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Emergence in Kingwood Township -Hunterdon County.
Many dozens seen flying and hundreds of shells in trees. Mostly seen at forest edges adjacent to crop fields. Chris Arthur, Kingwood Township, NJ
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I’m still waiting for these creatures to arrive. I really don’t want to see what they look like in person. I’ve heard that they can be ankle deep in some areas. Now with a big back yard like I have, and lots of trees, knowing my luck there going to be EVERYWHERE! I’ve listened to recordings and now I’m even more scared. Can’t wait to see how I’ll be able to sleep or even get out of the house! Rachael, Green Brook, NJ
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
For those who haven’t seen them yet – come to Maryland. The trees in my backyard (and neighborhood) have come alive with cicadas… Quite active and noisy from 7 AM – 7 PM and flying all around. My kids are intrigued, my wife was fine until one flew in her ear while walking the dogs. Saw hundreds (perhaps thousands) of nymphs crawling in the stree last night as they continue to emerge. Definetly a seen from a B-Movie. Cheers… BJ, Ellicott City, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
originally from north central ohio, now in north central texas…miss the song of the cicada 🙁
just thought you’d like to know i’m thinking of y’all. 🙂 karla, burleson, texas
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
We spotted our first cicadas yesterday, on the tires of our car. They seem to like the hotter black surface to hang and molt off of. Since he racket has started further out in the terminal forest that surrounds our house, we hope more will be visible soon. At the time of the previous brood X emergence we were in Chester Springs PA, and it was a non-event. Kurt, Upper Black Eddy PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I go to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. They are Everywhere and they are very loud!!! Last week I must have seen about 200 on the wall of a ramp leading up to a building. Every step I take im stepping on a dead carcass! They are everywhere, loud, and gross!!!! Annie, Bloomington, Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
We have THOUSANDS in our back yard–but at my parent’s place, a mile and a half away, they’ve had not a peep!
My husband and I stood in the back yard under the trees, and they were so loud we had to shout to be heard!
This is incredible! Beth, Spring Mount, PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I have millions of them in my yard, on my trees, covering the side of my house and barn. Any one that wants them can come get them. The noise is deafening! Kathy, Southern Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
The cicadas of Brood X are special to me because they came out when I was born and also when my mother was born. There are a lot of them here now, and their beautiful (and loud!) music is drifting into my room as I type. I am on a mission to help ciacadas in need! If I see a cicada struggling on its back I will help him/her onto a tree. Long live the cicadas (no pun intended)! Allison, Washington DC
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
there are cicadas everywhere, i cant go outside without being divebombed. and they are loud too. i actually kind of like though, people dont know what to do. pete, cincinnati
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I have been watching and tracking this message board for the last three weeks. Watching and waiting for the cicadas to come to my town. THEY ARE FINALLY HERE. I am so excited. I hate bugs but these things are incredible. missy, Topton, PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
There’s a lot of cicadas in several parts in the princeton area, including my backyard and the cemetery near the Princeton Public Library. Some parts of princeton though do not have any cicadas. The cemetary smells real bad due to the fact that millions of them are dead crushed on the little roads and baking in the summer heat. Quite a lot of them have wing deformities. There’s cicada shells everywhere around the large trees. Right now the noise volume is not too bad but it’s definately quite loud, although in southern France, every summer, during the month of july, the cicadas can get extremely loud. Right now you can easily hear Magicicada septendecim in the background, seems like there very high up in the trees. In my backyard you can hear Magicicada cassini and seems like Magicicada septendecula is also present. For those of you in other parts of Jersey, seems like brood II (last seen in 1996) is much more of a nuisance then Brood X. Alex, Princeton, New Jersey
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
We were in the yard doing some yard work today and we found about 6 or 7 cicada shells on various trees. We even found one poor soul who didn’t quite make it out of his shell before a spider got him! Still, no live cicadas to be seen, or heard…yet. John, Anderson, Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I stood under a pear tree in my yard, and the cicadas were so loud my ears were vibrating. There are thousands in that tree. The cicadas closest to the house have a shrill screechy sound, in the distance they have a more humming type noise. Both are at a very high volume. I’m enjoying them while they are here, but also glad we don’t have them every year. Trish, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
After days of rain, we’re now having hot humid weather. We live on the edge of a forested area a few miles north of Elverson,PA and we started to hear them in the distance yesterday, today the noise is louder but still seems to be coming from quite far away. This morning I found two dead adults and one empty nymph skin, but so far haven’t seen any live ones. S.B., Southern Berks County, PA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
It’s official. They STINK! I thought it was only happening at my mom’s because she has so so many of them. But as of this afternoon, it stinks here too. This is truly a bummer. I was really starting to enjoy them. Why do they stink so badly?
Lori Lori, Herndon, Virginia
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I have seen about a dozen adults, starting yesterday, in my yard. robert fulton, Scio Township, Michigan (near Ann Arbor)
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
An earlier posting asked if there was a smell to cicada shells. Yesterday I was standing under a big tree that was very popular with cicadas and there was a very strong smell; similar to crab shells that have been sitting in the sun for a couple of days. There were a lot of shells, cicadas that fell off the tree and were attacked by ants and those that were unable to emerge from their shells. When raking up the shells (preparing for a party!) it was clear that this was the source of the smell. Joyce, Columbia, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I know this is an odd question, but I have a little bug cage so my 3 yr old can watch these creatures up close, and when I picked up a female cicada this morning, it expelled two drops of liquid on me…..Do they do that when they are frightened??? I had no idea…Last week, I thought we would not be getting a whole lot of these insects, but they are EVERYWHERE now & I have noticed they have a strange smell to them… Staci, Beltsville, MD
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
The cicadas are here they came to Rising Sun first and covered the trees with shells and we go around picking them up and collecting them. They’re coming everywere!!!! BEWARE OF THE INVATION Keep young trees in cheescloth so mothers can’t lay eggs and kill them!!!!! Samantha, Dillsboro Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I’ve been observing how these guys spread over my backyard woods the last few days, and as of this morning can now say I’ve heard all three Magicicadia species. The ‘buzzers’ were first (five days ago), then the ‘spaceships’ joined in (two days ago), and now the ‘phaaa-roahs’ started up. The cats think they’re fun (they think the females are tasty and the males – that chirp – are nifty toys), but I’m keeping the cats inside now, much to their annoyance. Like I want to step on cicada hairballs in the dark, if you know what I mean! …I don’t want to think about what this is going to smell like when they rot – like the garbage strikes in NYC I remember, probably – ick. Feel like I’m in my own episode of the ‘X files’. Kat Nell, Bloomington, IN
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
We took the kids to Batelle Darby Creek Park in Central Ohio yesterday, and boy did we pick the right day! There were hundreds, thousands of cicadas just emerging from the ground and shedding their skins. The trees were absolutely covered with cas-off brown skins, and milky-white, newly-emerged cicadas were working their way up the trees. The kids were astounded. DuffyMoon, Columbus, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I drove out to my mother’s in Alexandria/Franconia last weekend (5-15) to see the cicadas because there weren’t any at my house, 25 miles west of her.
But I got up the next morning and I could hear them very faintly in the distance. Each day they got louder and louderand more and more of their little armor suits appeared. And now it’s official, I have cicadas!!
This is my 2nd go round with them for my lifetime to date and I don’t remember them being this loud 17 years ago. I can hear them from inside the house with the air conditioner running and the music playing.
They start their day with their consistant humming sound and as the day grows, they get louder and louder and more high pitched. It actually sounds like they’re mating when they really start shreeking. But the constant hum is always present in the bachground. I am truly amazed at how loud they are!
I love it. I’m sure it’ll grow old in another week or so, but it happens so rarely in a person’s lifetime that I think we should enjoy them while they’re here.
Lori in Herndon Virginia Lori, Herndon, Virginia
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I found a cicada ‘shell’ yesterday, and today have seen several cicadas, but not swarms yet. We are located near Hellertown, PA. JenniferP, Easton, PA (Williams Township)
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Here in Bloomington, Indiana, they’ve been coming out in earnest for about 12 days, and, at least in the cooler places, there seems to be no end of them yet. This morning I again saw hundreds of new ones in my backyard that had emerged during the night.
The sound, which is of course still getting louder every day as the numbers increase, is awesome. You can easily distinguish the calls of the three species, though septendecula sometimes get drowned out by the other two, which are apparently more numerous. Mike Gasser, Bloomington, Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
The cicadas have been here for more than a week and my dogs are in snacking heaven! I have to keep an eye on them or they will get very sick. The noise is unbelieveable, so prehistoric and wonderful. Today they are thicker than ever and yesterday while cutting the grass (I hear they are attracked to the lawn mower noise) one flew into my mouth. Yuk! Today they are flying around like crazy, bumping into everything! I have to make a run for my car to go visit family that don’t have the cicadas yet, about 5 miles away. Weird huh? Mary, Louisville, Kentucky
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I cannot believe how loud these things are….they really hit their stride yesterday afternoon, when the temp. reached near 90. Still loud in the house with all the windows shut. And this morning at 5:45, I could hear that metallic hum starting. Cathy, Cincinnati (Silverton), Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I remember hearing that cicada species don’t overlap on territories, so I don’t know if western Prince William County is home to another brood, but in my neighborhood which is heavily wooded, there are no cicadas, but when I head eastbound into Fairfax County, there they are! Andrew D, Haymarket, VA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
The cicadas are loud, proud and many. The community and surrounding area has been extensively developed in the last 17 years, but has swaths of untouched land, so we have quite a number of cicadas. Some of our pre-invasion worries have not come true and I thought I’d share in case anyone else is still awaiting their emergence and has some similar worries.
So far kids’ soccer games have not been impacted. The bugs usually stay higher up in the trees and at least in our area there aren’t many old trees left by the soccer fields. My daily walks have not been affected. I thought I’d have to curtail walks as I hate flying bugs hitting me, but none have hit me so far. I do have tons flying around in my backyard as I back to woods, but I don’t think they would interfere with a barbecue if I were to have one. I’ve found three on my deck, but they’ve just flopped around helplessly. And while some dogs like to eat them and my boss’s cat has gone nuts wanting to go outside all the time to catch them, my finicky terrier won’t eat them. He does like to torture them (poor things), but that’s it. Jane, Ashburn, VA
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I didn’t really see them. What I found were a couple of their shells they left behind, plus the holes they came out of. I looked on the trees and didn’t see them. Coulda been there or coulda got eaten by something. I’ve been checking regularly and this is the 1st sign that they are on their way. It rained 4inches on Friday so ground is very soft. Tim Hamilton, Grove City, OH
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
none yet.. Anybody see them on LI? scott, Eastern Long Island
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
If it were not for my friend Lori, I wouldn’t have known what this HUGE bug was that flew by me in downtown Princeton. That afternoon as I drove home, I heard this constant humming sound which I thought was a saw from a construction site but as I drove further out of town, the sound did not go away. Perhaps they’re looking for a better education!! Cathy, Princeton
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I thought maybe I heard one today but only one. A cicada expert at the University of Michigan (now retired) says that Washtenaw County should see millions this year, especially in the northeast and northwest parts of Ann Arbor. Maybe now that the storms have passed, they’ll come out. Neil Richards, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
None in Ephrata, but went hiking near Mt. Gretna and they’re out, noise and all. Can’t wait! Tom Wettach, Ephrata, Pa.
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Just wondering if anyone around here has seen any….i’m starting to think this is some kind of orson welles deal because i have not seen any hordes of insects…let me know! Tracy, Dover, DE
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Already a stinking mess in Cincinnati plastered on the pavement and piled corpses at the bases of trees. They are just emerging in the northern Centerville and southern Kettering areas. found none in the sugarcreek area yet. What a sight to see I have been watching and photographing the emergence for the last week from cincy to Dayton Larry Hill, Kettering Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Kinda want to get it over with! Alan, Hauppauge. Long Island
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Kinda want to get it over with! Alan, Hauppauge. Long Island
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
I have been watching for them everyday. Nothing yet here =( Frank, Toledo, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Many storms here over the last week, lots of flooding in S.E. Michigan, cool soil tempertures. Hopefully the babies are in waiting. Envious of those who are now in the midst. Searched in southern Washtenaw County..none so far. Can’t wait for an emergence of Brood X nearby my location in western Wayne County. Has anybody seen them yet in S. E. Mich? And shame on the Humans that are doing the Magic Cicadas harm…watch that your Karma doesn’t whip back around at you. Respect their life. Deb, Western Wayne County, Mi.
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
hey they are at cvg (airport) they love apu’s on planes and ac units drew, hebron ky
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Hey, East TN – if ya’ll don’t care,
just keep them there – it’s quiet
in southern middle-TN, so far!
(fingers crossed, of course!) Annette, Summertown, TN (Lawrence County)
Date: Sunday, May/23/2004
Its almost Midnight on Saturday Night.I went outside and just observed at least a Hundred or more still Singing on the pavement of my street in front of my house under the Street Light.It seems that they are attracted to light at night which explains why there are so many out on my front step in the Morning after leaving the front light on all night.I Dont remember this in 87 Ron and Mary, Annandale, Virginia
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Incredible noise in some areas of town today. Out in the Hoosier Nat’l Forest today the background drone gave the eerie feeling of a Japanese monster movie. I suppose it might get louder yet, but it’s hard to imagine. Mike, Bloomington, IN
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Took a ride through Princeton today and opened the window…could hear them buzzing and vibrating like there was a UFO hovering overhead. I got out of my car and walked around. I looked at this one tree which may just have been the epicenter of all cicada activity in Princeton…there must have been upwards over 100000 cicada casings on just one tree…other trees in the vicinity were also mightily covered. I saw lots of dried dead cicadas on the sidewalk and driveways. I also saw something interesting…dead cicads which were half way out of their molting process…they were dried up…I guess something happened during the molting process that prevented them from finishing it and they just dried out.
I was quite amazing to hear their shrills in the air. It sounded like two distinct waves of noise…one was the general chirping and the second was the UFO type noise like it was hovering overheard and vibrating back and forth. I live about 10 miles north in Belle Mead and none have made it there so I think Princeton and Skillman which is a couple miles north is as far as they will get. mark, belle mead, nj
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in the Cresent Hill area of Louisville and we are crawling (and flying and crunching). They are everywhere!!! This area of Louisville and the Highlands seems to be very popular with brood X. Must be all the old houses. We have been seeing more of the bats from Cave Hill flying around. Soon they will be too heavy to fly from all the crunch and munch. Lisa, Louisville, KY
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
In response to the 5/18 entry from Debbie from Middlesex, NJ: Have you heard of anybody seeing them around here? I haven’t seen any and I’m not looking forward to it at all. In the paper it said that the epicenter for them is Princeton. Has anyone heard anything similar? Thanks. Tracy, Middlesex, NJ
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
You can go a full circle around princeton, NJ and not find a single cicada but in and around the university campus there are millions of them. Maybe there’s some kind of funny microclimate there? Or perhaps they’ve died out in areas around princeton? alan w., new jersey
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Last week I was visiting Arlington VA–and they were hatching. Next morning they were in full cry. I couldn’t believe their awesome sound!! I was thoroughly enchanted by these weird lovestruck critters. But I didn’t think we’d get them here in Suburban Philly area because I don’t recall them from 87. Today I went up to Green Lane Park and there they were!! It seemed to be a different species. The ones in VA had a lovely mellow tone–these sounded more shrill. They were very heavy in this one field by Rt 29, and I went to look. I saw a huge number of dead ones around the bottom of trees. A lot of them looked deformed. I was kind of worried, maybe the environmental pollutants are harming them? Laura , Oaks PA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
There are no signs of anything Cicada here. Planning a trip to Cincinnati next weekend to hang with the cicadas instead. Josh , Ferndale, MI (Just north of Detroit)
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We have tons of cicada’s in our yard and we have been noticing a terrible smell lately. We are worried that there is an animal that died that we can’t find but is is possible that it could be an odor from all of the cicadas? We seem to have noticed it in other areas of our neighborhood as well. Does anyone have any info? Kristen, Rockville, MD
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’m not a friend of creepy crawlies, but I’m excited to see them emerge.
So far I haven’t seen even one. I will take pictures of this event and send them to friends all over the world!
Ilona, Grove City,Ohio
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
There seems to be millions of them. I live in a wooded area and they are all over everything. We saw a lot of them comming out of the shell last night & it looks like they have none or almost no wings at all. Saw a lot of them in different stages, was a very interesting show! Carol, Coopersburg, PA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
They really cranked it up today just north of Baltimore. I live on the 6th floor of an apt. building right next to the beltway and they were louder than the traffic. The noise seemed to start to taper off around 7 pm and they were silent by sunset (8:20 here today). Interesting creatures and all, but the noise is gonna get old pretty soon I suspect. greg, Towson, Md.
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Unbelievable! Louder than a chain Saw!!! Trees That were 25 ft apart appear now to connect! This is my 3rd time I’ve seen them in my life. There are so many at my place of employment they cannot all fit into the trees. They have spilled onto the roadway to be pulverized by autos. I have never witnessed so many. It is only their 3 rd day coming out. Dayton Ky is 3 miles southeast of Cincinnati Ohio. runninmn, Dayton, Ky.
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
My daughter and I went walking around Ft. Benjamin Harrison, and they were everywhere! It wasn’t until I remembered reading an article earlier this week that I realized what they were. Some of my daughter’s classmates were telling her about them as well. I don’t like the summer bugs that come every year, let alone these nasty things! So, I am limited to the outdoors until the end of June! Traci, Indianapolis IN
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We have had a small emergence of cicadas here in my backyard, but so far, I have heard but one or two. I think that most may have been eaten by birds? Have tons of birds out back. About 2 miles away, just on the border of Elkton MD and Delaware, there have been many, many more. The loud humming sound is audible from a mile or so away. shishypat, Newark, DE
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I read a message that the Cicadas weren’t visible on campus two days ago. I just moved here from Minnesota and we never have Cicadas. But they are definitely visible now! Holy cow! MG, Miami University
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Someone from this area posted these 17 year cicadas in Massachusetts, but as far as I can tell there are NONE in New England. Not even sure if there are any as far north as NJ. Tom Aloisi, Bridgewater, MA (southeastern Mass)
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I woke this morning to the sound–I was sure someone had left the water running somewhere. I searched all over the house, but no faucets were running. I opened the front door and sound hit me. I live within 200ft of a major Interstate highway, yet the cicadas drowned out the sound of the traffic. Amazing. Anita, Arlington, Virginia
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Finally found my first cicada’s here on Long Island……….yippy Paul, Deer Park NY
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Finally arrived on the northeast side. State Road 37 and 71st Street. Small emergance so far, we will see how it goes. Kim, Indianapolis IN
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The cicadas started emerging about two weeks or so ago in Annandale (suburb of Washington, DC), and I think they may have hit their peak this weekend. There are literally millions of them – you cannot walk down the street without running into hundreds and hundreds. And the discarded shells are also everywhere. They are so LOUD!
This is pretty cool, but I am also glad to know they will be gone by the end of June. Squished cicadas are pretty icky. And one crawled up the leg of my jeans – ugh! Siobhan Green, Annandale, VA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
just where are the across from belle isle? anywhere in particular? i need to go and find some… minda, detroit ‘burb
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’m very glad we don’t have them around here — swarms of insects like that, however harmless they may be, just creep me out!!! Kristin, Everett, MA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Last week I posted that I haven’t seen or heard any and was VERY disappointed about it. I’ve been walking my dog every day searching for them in the woods nearby.
This morning, I opened the front door and could hear them VERY well coming from the wooded hill nearby. It’s an AWESOME sound!!!
We drove this morning around town to look for them. They can be heard very well on Riva Road in Annapolis.
I wish I could get some photos of them emerging out of their exoskeletons.
Varda, Arnold, Cape St. Claire
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Our back yard is full of cicadas. I was surprised to see so many since we live in town. Our home is 100 years old though and we have an old oak tree in our back yard. At night our yard is fully covered with them with only an inch or two between them. Of a morning our back door and steps are covered with them. They are on everything. The worst part is that the smell of them is starting to get nauseous. Debra, North Vernon,IN USA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Today (May 22) the cicadas were in full song in my Stonewall Manor neighborhood. Sitting on my deck, I could barely hear the neighbor’s lawn mower over the cicada singing. We are near the I-495/I-66 interchange, and normally the interstate traffic can be heard from my deck, but not today. Even the noise from the jet airplanes heading to National Airport are mostly drowned out by the cicadas. I was in Falls Church in 1987, but don’t remember them being this loud. It’s very impressive. Mike, Vienna, VA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Hi everyone…during the past two days the number and noise level of the cicadas have increased dramatically in the woods behind our house. Their symphony is at the highest level at the hottest part of the day, about 3 to 4 p.m. or so. Our Border Collie ate his first cicada last night on the porch…apparently, he really enjoyed the experience!
It continues to be absolutely fascinating. I’ll be sad when it is all over!! Cheryl VanDaalen, Falls Creek, Louisville, Kentucky
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The cicadas have been singing their song here in this part of East TN since around May 22. Their steady song seems to fill the nearby wood. TennTom, Blount County, Tennessee,USA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I wonder if I’ll be seeing any cicadas around here. Part of me finds the fact that swarms of these things taking over my town is kind of cool. Another part of me is creeped out, because one bug alone is creepy enough! If they end up showing up here in high numbers, I will totally freak out! Ha-It’ll probably look like that movie “The Birds!”lol!-and at least my cats will have fun! Cait, Bergan County, NJ
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Does anyone know when our unwanted visitors will be leaving or at least becoming dormant? These things are driving me nuts – they’re just plan nasty.
Elan, Fairfax, Virginia
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
The Cicadas have taken over my property!!! I dont even want to cut the grass right now!!! I should wait till they quite down and do it at night to see how they like that!!! If anyone wants to take these bugs for research you are more than welcome to them. One condition, YOU MUST TAKE THEM ALL!!! David, Knoxville TN
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
today has been the most exciting day so far… they are busily buzzing all over the place, its very loud. I live off a golf course with lots of trees and I can’t imagine how the golfers are concentrating on their game. My friend and I went for a walk and practically had to yell to be heard! nikki, reston, va
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
First week of May i did not Know what this noise was,and it was very loud and you new there was alot of them. I thaught at first bats but then i saw a story on good morning america. I then took a good look out in the back yard and sure enough it was cicadas. Hundreds if not thousands…This was the first week of May and they only started around dusk and went till 5 in the morning…Now you still hear them but theres not as many, you can tell the differnce….The Cicadas are in a garden that has a few trees around it on one side of the house but there not any where else around the house.I’ve never had such a noise keep me up through the night,the bed room windows are on the side of the house that looks into the garden…. michelle, (nonquit,)So.Dartmouth.Ma.
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
Saw a few starting about a week ago.
This morning there were several hundred on and around the sycamore trees in our front yard. Walt Mills, Springfield OH
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
This is the first time I’ve experienced this chaos. They are freaking me out. They don’t really serve much purpose, but I suppose this is pretty cool:
My husband called our local fly-fishing shop and asked if they thought he could use them as bait & if trout (and the like) will eat the cicadas….He replied “The trout should be pounding them once they figure it out!” He also said they should be huge in the fall. I imagine several other species of animals will enjoy gorging themselves and having a good healthy year. So at least they are good for something.
At the very least, just think of it as a ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET FOR MOTHER NATURE!!
Paula, Reisterstown, MD
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in an old sea captain’s house on Barnegat Bay. There is a 130 year old Elm tree in the yard and from the amount of mud chimneys, we are expecting a shipload of bugs. However, our chimneys have sticks pulled into the holes, and even some green leaves. The sticks are up to 8 inches tall, some are little twigs,pointing staight up, very unnaturally, all over the place.The sticks go into the ground at least an inch. Our soil is sandy, could they use these sticks to maintain an air tunnel when it rains? Heide, Waretown, NJ.
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
They have come to Bedford. Although my house is a new construction and I feel many were killed during excavation, I have talked to folks to have tons around their homes. Erick, Bedford, PA
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I live in Mooresville, IN about 40 miles north or Bloomington and I have yet to see any. I am starting to get depressed because I am pumped up for the invasion. The way everybody (media) talked is that they all come out pretty much the same time. The ground temps are far past 64 degrees and we have had lots of rain this week so the conditions are prime. I just hope they save the best for last. Good Cicada Hunting. Tyler Martin, Mooresville, Indiana
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
I’ve been actively searching and the only concentration of Cicadas that I’ve found in Tennessee were 30 miles or so southeast of Knoxville in Dandridge. Even there, thry were mostly spotty and while definitely loud they were for the most part all in the treetops being camera shy. Fred Hallman, Nashville, Tennessee
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
We’ve been hearing Brood X for about a week or 10 days now, all over the mountain. I wnet into an area where many are emerging, and their nymph ‘husks’ are on trees by the hundreds per tree. I don’t think it’s at a peak yet. So far, I have neither seen or heard them in the valley nearer Hagerstown. I don’t know why, just probably havent found the right place. Greg , Hagerstown, Wash. Co. MD
Date: Saturday, May/22/2004
this is not the huge emergence we were hoping for but for the last two nights we have seen several thousand in a small cluster of woods next to our property. nymphs, adults, and all in between on low shrubs headed for the treetops. they’re getting louder, it’s a nice sound. Big Daddy G, Gambrills, MD
Date: Friday, May/21/2004
I have seen where a few people in my surrounding area have seen a few, but nothing here so far, I do leave outside of town in the country area of D-ville, but nothing so far.
I have been waiting, so I can show my kids what I got to see when I was their age!
On another note, I do think dogs can hear them coming! My dog seems to dig a lot lately too, she has been nose to the ground, digging since last week or so. Being as she is only a little over 4 pounds, she will be more scared of them then they are of her, it should be good for a laugh if she gets to see them in full force! Kathleen, Duncansville, Blair County, Central PA
Date: Friday, May/21/2004
hi, i woke up one morning to find shells all over the tires of my car. and that droning sound is so annoying. i live in front of a wooded area. anyways, i think they are on the trees somewhere now because i dont see them crawling in the grass anymore.
also, i’ve always wondered what was the point of the cicada life cycle. they are born larvae, live in the ground for 17 years, come out and die. that must be a great life… Drew, Rockville (Montgomery CO), Maryland
Date: Friday, May/21/2004
I have been closely observing the emergence of cicadas here over the past few nights. I am struck by how vulnerable they are for such an extended length of time – molting out in the open. I figured that since most of them emerge at night, they avoid most predators, like birds.
Tonight I found one emerging on my screen door, with a large droplet of dark, almost black fluid dangling off it. Closer examination revealed that they are, in fact, succeptible to predators. While the Cicada was partially emerged, a soldier beetle simply began feeding on it, releasing a lot of liquid. Undoubtedly, the cicada must use that fluid to expand it’s body, cracking and emerging from its shell –
There must be a lot of soldier beetles feasting this week! Richard, Rockville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Ugh, the sidewalks are disgusting with smashed cicadas everywhere. At one point I looked down today and there were at least 20 cicadas within inches of my feet. Taylor, Washington, DC
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Well, I’ve got about 20000 in my back yard, and the yards not the big. Don’t go out there barefoot! They are crawling everywhere tonight and falling out of the trees. Awesome, but creepy too. Zach Winning, West Carrollton (Dayton), Montgomery CO, OH
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Yesterday I saw my first Brood X cicada near Berea, KY in a wooded area — could hear many singing, but only found one down near the ground.. It seems a pretty light emergence so far in central KY. Then today (after appearing on the morning news as a cicada “expert”) I found my first live cicada here in Lexington, right on the lawn of the Living Arts and Science Center! I took it inside to show it to my fellow workers — they had decided I was making up this whole story of cicadas, since we’d seen none so far. I breathed a sigh of relief since I am creating a small cicada exhibit to interpret the emergence — I was worried we’d see nothing here.
So this all got me so excited that I went and got my son out of preschool early and drove up to Cincinnati for the evening to see the BIG emergence in my sister’s backyard near College Hill. Thousands and thousands of cicadas everywhere!!! What a thrill. Now I have dozens of nymph shells to put in the exhibit. We’re having a cicada celebration on Saturday at the Living Arts and Science Center — we’ll be making “cicada time capsules” and cicada origami, among other things. Hopefully I’ll have completed my giant paper mache cicada by then! Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I first posted on May 16th and I hadn’t seen one. Then a friend that lives in Hyattsville brought one over in a water bottle so I could see one up close and personal. The red eyes creep me out, but they are kind of cute. I’ve seen a few near Route 1 and Cypress Street (near Best Buy and Safeway), but none near my house. I think the birds know where they are though because every night I come home from work there are dozens of wings and heads on my sidewalk, walkway and front step. I haven’t heard them yet, but if they are in Beltsville like some of the posts say, I’m sure I’ll be able to hear them in the distance once they start their mating call. Ayanna, Laurel, MD
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Crunchy shells underfoot on my way to class…they look just like the photos…haven’t heard or seen any flying during the day however, YET! 🙂 A.M. , Oxford, Ohio
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Have yet to see or hear any emergence in the area. I wasn’t here in ’87 but it seems like a place that would have them. Its an older fully wooded community. I have several trees that are well over 100 years old. Maybe all of the shade keeps the ground cooler. I’ll be bummed if we don’t have any…. Steve, Cape St Claire, MD (Bay Bridge)
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
The cicadas started emerging here on May 12, started flying and “humming” on the 17th.Every day the noise gets louder and the shells and newly emeging cicadas litter my garden. The sound could drive me over the edge.I live in a heavily wooded area, and the noise is deafening. Let me just turn my radio up a little louder.. Megan, Sharpsburg, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I’ve been looking but not a one seen in yard or in parks near by. Dave Douglas, Grove City, OH
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Can anyone say when they will emerge here in North-Central Jersey? Kevin, Morris County, NJ
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
If anyone has seen any in Yardley, PA, please give your section and what you see! Sharon, West Acres in Yardley, PA
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I live in Medina, OH 30 miles southwest of Cleveland.
I am looking for the closest spot whre I can find Brood x cicada’s.
Thanks:
Gary Gary, Medina
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I have hundreds of them around my house. They started coming out within the last few days. We’ve had a lot of storms the last week and I’ve found the poor things hanging backwards from the trees, knocked off by the rain. They don’t appear very smart, and can’t navigate during flight worth a darn, but it has been fun watching them. Sure, they are making a mess in the yard and my dog is barfing them up on the couch, but I guess can handle it every 17 years.
Natalie, Winchester, VA
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Looks like there’s a nymph dangling from a leaf just outside the entrance to my office. I just hope I don’t have to clean up the walkway every day to rid my path of shells and carcasses! Dr. Jayson Levine, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
According to the news reports, the Cicadas have been seen in the Scranton area and Mountaintop. But none here yet. I’m about 50 miles north and east of Scranton. I’m hoping they will emerge here. I love the Cicada, and their “summer chorus.” We don’t have the common variety up here either, that is why I’m hoping this brood will arrive. The Cicada brings back many good and happy memories of my childhood, down in the countryside a little north of Philadelphia. I really miss them. Sandra Knapp, Lake Como, Northeast Pa.
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I keep waiting for the gross, red-eyed buggers to appear around us since everyone else I know has been infested for a few days now. I’m guessing maybe the northeast suburbs are slower to emerge… hopefully that means we’ll have fewer! Jamie, Loveland, OH
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I read the article about the yellow wasp that lays eggs in the cicada, but I have seen a BLACK wasp attacking a cicada. It clung onto it and bit off one of the wings, then flew away. It came back and wrestled the cicada off its leaf and subdued it on the ground. It thn proceeded to rip off legs and fly off to eat them, then scissored open the abdomen. When I came back later I saw only a hollow thorax with four legs. I dont theink the wasp laid its eggs in it… ^_^ Luke, Howard County, MD
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
First couple showed up on 5/15 in the sunniest SE-facing spots here (Valley Forge Mountain.) For the last few days they’ve started to emerge in the shadier areas above the slope and under the trees. Still not in huge numbers, but just walking past the gardens this morning I saw 10 or 15 drying their wings, and many more cases. This is mostly-undisturbed oak forest (last logged >70 years ago I’d guess), so I’d imagine it’s close to ideal habitat. Randell Jesup, Malvern, PA
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Still have not spotted a single cicada. The rains over this past week have probably kept them underground for now. I’m sure that once it gets sunny again, they will be on the move. Mike H., Phoenixville, PA (Valley Forge, PA)
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
We are next door to a orcard and they are all over this place. Rebel, Elkton Md
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I saw a few in my yard last night for the first time. I am at zip code 19539. Sue, Fredericksville, PA, Berks County
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Who’s ‘afraida’ a little old Cicada?
We only get to see ’em every 17 years– Kinda makes ya wanna break out in tears!–So fear not when you behold their beady red eyes–For soon enough you’ll come to realize–The insect that tunnels its way through the ground–Just a little while longer will not be found–And if you should almost step on one accidently–Just pick it up nicely and say to it most gently: Oh Cicada, I’m sorry I almost squashed the life from you–And be very glad, for there’s no cicada goo on yer shoe!–The Cicada gets out there and sings its mating song–For it knows deep down it doesn’t have long–You see, the Cicada needs to be findin’ a mate–And it can’t be wastin’ precious time… no, it can’t be late!–So when you hear the Cicadas all ’round you there–Just keep your head down and them outta yer hair–For they will clumsily flutter into your path–How many of ’em you see?–You do the math! I’ve heard it said that they’re fine for cookin’–Man, they’re so ugly they’re kinda good lookin’!–But to eat the flesh of this beady red-eyed bug?–I’d rather fry me up a slimy garden slug!–Oh Cicada, Cicada… as you fly though the air–It’s okay, you can alight on me… if you so care–For I won’t be ‘afraida’ a little old Cicada–So see ya ’round next time…
See ya ‘lata’ Cicada! Lauri Clapper, White Post, VA
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
hey, i was wondering if anybody knows if the brood will reach Western Long Island? The news around here mentions it, but there doesnt seem to be much action. If someone could leave a message to let us know it would be great, WE want in on some of this action 2! Joe , Nassau County, Long Island NY
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I am in lower York County Pa right above nicey-niceeysville Md and I have not found a single one!! We are waiting anxiously!! I did find some yesterday in Reistertown Md outside the Boston Market. They were all over the trees and ground but not an insane amount. Vicki, GLEN ROCK YORK COUNTY PA
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Not a one here. Not that I’ve seen, at least. I lived in PA 17 years ago and remember them well. Tony, Raleigh, NC
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
Well, not really ‘in da house’, at least not yet. Hasn’t stopped my 4-year old from wanting to bring in some of his ‘buddies’ as he calls them. His daycare in Delhi is inundated with them, all over the parking lot, their playground area, etc. The birds are getting confused as they don’t know which one to chase next, they are a bit overwhelmed (and probably full). I bought a Cicadanator just for kicks. beer_advocate, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I’ve heard them but I have yet to see them.. Actually yes I saw one flying arounf buts that it. When are the cicadas going to take full effect?! I am waiting and keep going outside to see whther there all around or not haha! Please let me know if there are any sightings around cause I am right by the Somerset border so we should get some here! Jason, Union County, NJ
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I saw the first blimpy, bumbling cicada yesterday evening but the surround woods resound with their noise. marianne, ashland, va
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
hello, has anyone from the lancaster county area spotted any cicadas yet? im anxiously waiting to catch one! im in the city so maybe i need to get out to the county? thanks…. fasteddie, lancaster pa
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I noticed a bunch over last weekend clinging to grass and the house,but now they have absolutely covered the ground and trees in my yard.Oddly enough i haven’t seen many in the front of the house but the backyard is covered.They’ve been emerging from their shells over the past few days but not much noise yet.The sheer number of them is amazing and i guess i still have the noise and smell to look forward to. Mike, Newark,DE
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
i heard one on monday may 17th and then several today the 19th. i live on the Detroit river across from Belle Isle.
kevin rasmussen, detroit, mi,
Date: Thursday, May/20/2004
I can’t believe some of the posts here. How can anyone be excited about seeing something so ugly? All cicadas do is make noise, fly around and make our lives miserable until they mate and perish.
The cicadas i have seen in reston have been dead.
However every morning you can hear the loud roar.
I will be glad when this is over. joe, reston, va
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have not seen any cicadas yet. I have heard them since Monday and they are getting louder. Maybe they will skip my area. One can only hope. Debbie, Severna Park MD
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I was hoping we’d get them here, though we’re just on the border of the area indicated by the maps. Has anyone heard of any sightings in lower Delaware? When is the last date we can expect them — as in, if we don’t have them by that day we’re not going to get them? Leslie, Sussex County, DE
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are starting to appear, i have them all over my barn. Tate, white hall,md(harford county)
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
So far I haven’t seen any here in Corvette City. My apartment complex is pretty new, though, so I’m guessing that moving all the dirt around probably got rid of brood X in this area… I don’t hear any outside yet. I’m moving back home to eastern KY this weekend. We’ll see if there’s any more over there. Haven’t heard anything from my dad about them yet. I remember Brood XIV from 1991. They were really thick then. Ty Martin, Bowling Green, KY
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Here in East Tennessee we seem to have a rather spotty emergence going on. Some areas, esp. in parts of Knoxville, are seeing the predicted hordes, and hearing the din. However, at my location, there is little to get excited about yet. I went out driving today, and found a somewhat sparse chorous about 2 miles to my east, at Haw Ridge. I am told that slightly further east (Powel), things are buzzing. I have my fingers crossed, but am afraid there may be no calls of “Pharrrroooo” in my neighborhood. John DeMelas, Oak Ridge, TN
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Does anyone know whether or not the Cicadas are native to Brown County? I am looking forward to seeing them in my own home town, but I am not sure as to whether they are even in this particular area. Any help with this question would be appreciated! Darrin, Brown County, Oh
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
ann arbor, ground zero? wow. i’m near there. havent seen anything. maybe more south, towards the ohio border there are some? minda, detroit ‘burb, michigan
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
my mom lives 10 miles south of here and has had cicadas for about 5 days. We have some park areas nearby loaded with oaks and maples and no cicadas yet. Could that be because we’ve had more rain recenlty? Do you think our cicadas will be sounding out soon?
Joanne Joanne, Bel Air, Md
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
starting to see cicadas in Warick New York Ken, Warwick, New York
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
ABOUT 6PM YEASTERDAY WE SWEPT THEM OFF THE WALKWAY AND PORCH , BY 11 THEY CAME BACK WITH ABOUT A MILLIONS FRIENDS. YUK! J TIPTON, BOND HILL, CINCINNATI
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Hi! There’s a TV station in Philadelphia (WPVI) that broadcast a cicada story from Princeton, NJ last night at 5 PM. The cicadas were everywhere and singing quite loudly (very cool)! I know they have a website, but don’t know if there are video archives of stories. Check it out and see what you get. Good luck! Priscilla, Smithville, NJ
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have seen tons of Cicada’s where I work in Fairfax. Just this morning one was sitting next to me on the front steps of my office building. But I haven’t seen any out by my house in Leesburg. This worries me, does this mean they will come in droves?
I better be ready for them to make an appreance soon! Anne, Leesburg, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Has anyone in New York City, especially Brooklyn, seen any Cicada’s yet?
Just wondering. I hope we’ll get them here. Allison, Brooklyn, NY
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My daughter’s getting married outdoors on May 30 in Darien, CT. Are we likely to be cicadaless? Craig Miller, Milwaukee, WI
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My daughter’s getting married outdoors on May 30 in Darien, CT. Are we likely to be cicadaless? Craig Miller, Milwaukee, WI
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I went and walked the dog this morning and there are hundreds of chimney holes under the trees! Haven’t seen any cicadas yet but I’m gonna go looking tonight. Should see them any day now. Kyle, North Wales, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
This is great. each day my apartment has more and more. still metamorphasizing at dusk. at night the sidewalks look like its moving BECAUSEe soooo many mymphs crawling. this is unreal. i was a skeptic at first the the scientists were right cincinnati does have all 5 billion of 3 species of brood x this year. go bengals!, go REDS, Go BROOD X CICADAS!(SMILE) misscube, cincinnati ohio(pleasant ridge)
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
where do they go after the emerge? we seen 100 crawling to the trees hae not seen any flying yet tho bobbie saylor, cincinnati(landen) deerfeild township
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I saw my first cicada yesterday morning. I found the shell clinging near my back door, and then looked up to find the culprit who came out of the shell. I see reports that they are out in Howard Co, but I have not seen anything except this one. When will the madness begin? I hope not during my party Memorial Day weekend! Kim, Glenelg, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
im a 31 year old mother of one..yesterday me and my son was sitting outside moms and i knew the bugs was coming and all so we had just got talking about the bugs when we looked on some flowers and saw the shells i was some exited but it gave me the chills… well later on that night my moms whole entire block was outside and we came out with flashlights and i mean everywhere they was coming out of the ground all over the pace .. me i was creeped out because its been since i was 13 or so since i remember them and i never remembered this,..,. but they was everywhere crawling to find there ways to the branches it was like ants back to back going up the tree like 20 at a time and they was everywhere………… bobbie, maineville ohio (cincinnati}
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I first reported back on 9 May. My yard is now a virtual blanket of Cicadas and their shells are covering everything (walls, trees, brooms,rakes, shoes). I swept up a 2-foot wide pile the other day, only to awake the following morning to have the patio covered again. Their mating call is now at a low roar. Their novelty has worn off, and I’m OVER THEM. Angie, North Springfield, Virginia
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
We were camping in Elizabethtown this past weekend and the cicadas were emerging everywhere. Me grandchildren got to see one actually emerge from the shell and ‘evolve’. But, here in Spring Grove near Hanover, PA we haven’t seen a one, and our property is completed wooded. Helen, Spring Grove, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Now – it is not a joke. We are seeing adult cicadas here in Fairfax for only about 8-9 days. And already I can’t open windows in my house. Because the whole neighborhood stinks of week-old meat leftovers thrown outside to rot in the middle of the summer. How cool is that? And what it’s going to be like in 3-4 weeks, when they start dropping dead by thousands? I read somewhere that they have “a peculiar smell” when dead – it is a humongous understatement, trust me – they STINK. You all can be very happy about watching them out of shells, and flying around and about. But I doubt it very much you’ll be enjoying this divine fragrance. Elena, Fairfax. VA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I was wondering if anyone know how we will be effect in Florida. I have yet to see one. Becci, Port St Lucie, FL
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
During the morning of May 17, 2004, thousands of cicadas emerged in our yard, 17 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio. Thousands of cicadas were hanging on hostas, trees, bushes and flowers and their shells were left behind today. My wife reported that she could not see the green on the leaves of our 15 hostas because of the number of cicadas. Mark Koogler, Dublin, Ohio
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are really bad around here. You see them on all the trees and tires.At night they are coming out and you can here a crunching noise.They are sooo gross. Michelle, Camp Springs, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
First sighting of the cicadas in Fallston, in the woods behind Fallston High School. I’m so excited, I’ll probably eat some! Yummy! Brian, Fallston, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Cicadas are EVERYWHERE! They emerged last week and have since multipled by the hundreds. The just love my apartment, I can’t even get into teh place without getting frisked by a few of them. I have recently decided to move. If only I could get out of the house….. Lauren F, Louisville, Highlands
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I haven’t seen one yet. Kathy, Long Island, New York
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Cicadas are EVERYWHERE! They emerged last week and have since multipled by the hundreds. Strange thing is they seem to be mostly around my apartment. Lauren F, Louisville KY
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Have not seen anything yet! Does anyone have an idea when they may emerge in North Carolina?
I lived thru them in ’79 with two screaming toddlers – now my older girls are still dreading them! Lisa Reinhardt, Charlotte, NC
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
As reported in earlier messages, the emergence in the DC suburbs of Northern Virginia began a week ago last Monday night (May 10-11). It reached a peak at the beginning of the weekend and yesterday morning (Tuesday morning) I was still seeing a few nymphs crawling along the grass heading for the trees. This morning, for the first time, I saw none, but did not look carefully. At any rate, it appears the emergence has more or less run its course. There is now a steady “flying saucer” din throughout the area, particularly loud in them morning, less so in the evening. This morning, also, for the first time, I saw significant numbers flying about. Up until now they appear to have mainly been roosting in the trees. Now they are on the move. jmgradon, McLean, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
hey all i was wondering if anyone has seen them near Corbin I have some scouts that would love to see them i sure wish they would show up in my yard . Linda , Corbin Ky
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Monday I found two exoskeletons. Today I found over 25 exoskeletons and a lot of wings!!! Do birds dislike cicada wings? I still haven’t seen a live cicada, though.
I was told that in 1987, Indianapolis wasn’t hit as hard as other, more southern places. Does that mean that we won’t get hit hard this year? The temperatures have been in the 80’s for weeks now, so the climate should be favorable. Lori, Fishers, IN
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Last night’s rain must have done something to speed them up, because until this morning, there were very few in this area & no singing to be heard. I walked outside this morning & there were literally thousands of their shells stuck to my house & the 2 large trees in my front yard…Many still emerging. It was kind of interesting to catch one of the nymphs & watch it emerge & harden it’s shell.
My 3 year old daughter likes watching them, but is terrified of touching them!
Staci, Beltsville, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
It’s been exceptionally cool and rainy, especially cool at night–probably delaying them. I hear we are supposed to be Ground Zero… Carol Shepherd, Ann Arbor, MI
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I have only seen one, flying round. I’m on pins and needles waiting – or maybe they’re not coming to Herndon!! dede, Herndon, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Today was the first day that I have seen the cicadas on our property. I have only seen about 20-50 per tree, though I think the birds are eating them. We use about 40 lbs. of bird seed every two weeks, but we have not had to fill the feeders for the past two days! Maybe there will be more tomorrow. Kristen Miles, Martinsville, IN
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
They are here, everywhere in my wooded yard. I had seen the holes a month ago so knew they were coming as we had them 17 years ago, also at the same location. Today they are all over my peonies, azaleas, side of my house and elsewhere. Ugh! They can’t leave soon enough! I remember 17 years ago, the awful deafening noise they made. Jan, Solebury, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
In the grass around a large tree, there are hundreds of cicada shells but there is no evidence of the adults. Haven’t seen or heard one of them yet. Not really sure where they are? Hope to see them soon! KJ, Wilmington, DE
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Thousands of them. Everywhere. Wonderful and amazing to watch. I highly recommend early morning forays to watch them in every state of metamorphasis to fully appreciate them. They started emerging here on Saturday (5/15), and despite their vast numbers, I’ve yet to hear their song. Anxiously awaiting… Deborah, Stewartstown, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I found a half of a set of wings 2 days ago. I know they were cicada wings because I matched them up with a specimen from the 1991 hatch.I’ve been looking for them everywhere but none found. stimely, central pa
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
In response to Sally from the same area, I was glad to hear that I am not the only one creaped out by the thousands, maybe millions of cicadas in our yard. We have seveal very old trees in our yard and neighborhood, and the bugs are everywhere. We have to sweep them off with a broom several times a day from our porches and garage door opening. They also seem to like the tires on our cars as they attach themselves there too. I do appreciate nature, but this is a bit rediculous. I am definately feeling “invaded!” Heather, Louisville, KY(highlands)
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
What’s controlling them from being hee sooner?
What’s Brood X been doing all these years?
How many Brood X’ers will be “invading” ? Kimyatha White, Eastpoint, Georgia
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
How exciting…I found the first one in our driveway this morning! I Picked it up to look at it more closely…fascinating! Love their bulging red eyeballs!! We live in a heavily wooded lot so will check out back to see if more have arrived.
My husband saw what must have been several hundred cicadas crawling up the side of a building in downtown Madison, Indiana yesterday.
How fun!! Cheryl VanDaalen, Louisville, KY
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
I live in southern Blair County, PA. The Cicada have begun to emerge here on the night of the 17th. John, Roaring Spring, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
We saw several cicadas emerge from the ground last night after a hard rain. There were a few empty casings attached to tree limbs in the same area. Kristen H., Dublin, OH
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Today I took a drive to Milford, NJ after reading a post on here. Well they are definatly out there. Saw hundreds of shells and heard a few calling. Also caught 1 adult male cicada. And took lots of pictures. I just hope they emerge here in Scranton very soon. Rick, Scranton, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
My husband and I had our first sighting of the cicadas this morning(1am)it’s our first time with this type of cicada.
He’s from TX and I’m from WA state. We’ve lived in Bloomington for almost 2 yrs. now. I thought I’d be really grossed out by them(with all the internet pics I’ve seen)but I’ve found I’m more intrigued with watching them shed their shell and head for high ground to dry out. Hmmmm….wonder how I’ll feel in a couple of days when they start their singing……… Marci Smith, Bloomington, IN
Date: Wednesday, May/19/2004
Edward, your pics are *fantastic*…so clear….I am still hoping to catch a news story on them or at least here them in the background of a news report from the east coast….I’m enjoying reading the mixed reactions posted here….they’re really okay…they won’t hurt you if they land on you although the first time one does it will give you a fright. I was 16 in 1970 and remember hearing this loud chirp right in my ear and having one in my shoulder…got really spooked but after that, I was fascinated with them. I keep imagining that I’m hearing them out here. Debbie, Seattle, WA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I have yet to see anything in my area but I am hoping that with first sighting taking place in Louisville, KY and Bloomington,IN that we are still a few days away as we are a little farther north.
Anyone seen our guest yet in the Indy area? Kenny, Indianapolis
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live on the western side of Annapolis (away from the Bay). Last night and tonight the cicada’s have begun to emerge. I haven’t seen a lot of adults, but I think that will change soon. I work in Bowie, MD and you can hear them all day all around the City. David, Annapolis, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
5/18/04 -I just caught this one on my patio. How can I send a picture to get the brood identified. John Lottinger, Houma, Louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Saw my first member of brood X tonight- It came buzzing right at me….but only one. He must have been the scout. CW, Pennington, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
My son and his scout troop found the dried shells everywhere on our walk tonight. I grew up around brood V in sw PA, and these shells looked small to me. I’m curious to see how brood X will compare! LMB, Denver, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
First sighting this morning, maybe a couple 100 or so in my yard, just coming out of their shells. This afternoon when I got home from work, they were all gone! I guess the birds, etc. got to them. I later went to a cemetery a half mile from my house, there were quite a few live ones there still. None of them fly or sing yet though, I guess that comes after they molt again. David Kirk, Brokkville, IN
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Loads of them today coming out in Crofton Park. We shall see how many there are tomorrow. Kevin Stratton, Crofton, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Haven’t seen any in Pasadena where I live, but they are everywhere in Howard County where I work they are wonderful and the sound is incredible Meg, Pasadena Md
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Found our first Cicada shell today in our yard along with a dozen or so holes in our mulch bed! Lisa, Deerfield Township, Ohio (Mason area)
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
There is nothing here but the dogs have been going crazy digging for a couple of days. Do they hear them coming? Lyn, Tobyhanna, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We had our first sightings today. Because we have no direct trees in our yard, we had no nympy holes, but today there are adults flying everywhere. From next door to across the street. My baby is 18mo old, I’m taking pictures and putting in a keep sake box to see when he’s 18 years old. Its kinda neat to see him run after the little critters. He is not afrain one bit. Isaiah’s mom, Evanston, Cincinnati Ohio
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I am reading many messages of cicadas emerging in other states and some in NJ, but I have still not seen any – and I have been looking. I know this is all very exciting, but I am hoping that the fact that I have not seen any yet is a good sign that they won’t be coming out around here. I remember them from a few years ago when I lived in Edison and I remember how much I hated going outside. If you are from this area and have seen any, please let me know…….I’ll need to start planning indoor activities. Debbie, Middlesex, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Can’t see any evidence here yet. This is a new development, but wetlands have been undisturbed. Will check my parents house in Birmingham. I remember finding empty shells there years ago…. Sue, Novi, Michigan
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
They are all. Over. The. Place.
I was walking the dog last night and made the mistake of looking down… only to see the sidewalk CRAWLING with them. And they are all over our back deck and yard– clinging to fence posts, hanging on to the rails on the steps, there was even one attached to out stone house by the front door this morning. And the noise? Deafening. Reading other people’s messages about having them fly into their shirts or hair has just about completely freaked me out. I may not leave the house till July. Who needs a job, anyway? Sally, Louisville, KY (Highlands)
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live very close to the coast, and I am wondering if cicadas are indigenous to coastal areas of NJ. If not, I’d like to hear of any sightings in inland Atlantic County. Thanks. Priscilla, Smithville, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The li’l buggers started coming out over the weekend and are now all over the place in wooded areas. Today is the first day they’ve really been making noise. One even hitched a ride into my apt. with the plumber. He was promptly evicted, in a firm but gentle manner. The cicada, I mean. greg, Towson, Md.
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The cicadas have been out for a week now. I have a fish pond in my back yard. My frog has been sitting on the edge of the pond every day and he’s been gorging himself. Ellen, Falls Church, Virginia
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
saw the first one today Trey, Chambersburg PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Ed, that’s why we have this note on the “Add your sighting page”: “Please only submit cicada sightings. If you have a question — email us instead.” admin, Cicada Mania Headquarters
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Has anyone seen (HEARD) emergence near me? Went thru 2 years in a row in NC during late ’90s; don’t want a repeat. Thanks. CV Roberts, Martin, GA, Franklin Co., USA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I think the site admin should talk to some expert to visit the message board and answer questions. I see a lot of questions but no answer. Ed, Ga
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
It all started about 3 weeks ago with the mud chimneys, but this week they are everywhere. Probably 10 thousand or so. They seems to like lily of the valley, butterfly bushes, and tiger lillies before they climb the trees. The shells are about 3 or 4 thick on the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen, Randallstown, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We have not seen any cicadas here yet. Saw some shells a week ago, but no noise, no bugs. Maybe the storm we had in the fall (all the flooding and salt water) jolted their rebirth! One can hope! John F, Annapolis MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Rates of emergence here have increased at an almost exponential rate since last Tuesday, except for Saturday (15th) when we had unusually cold weather. They are particularly heavy on dogwood, red maple and pin oak. Heavy chorusing began yesterday morning; today it woke me up. I *am not* the Bloomingtonian who ended up in the hospital … although I finally try several tempura battered tenerals Thursday night. Very tasty, but I prefer watching them and listening.
INCREDIBLE NUMBERS!!! Keith, Bloomington, IN
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
we found our first cicada this afternoon – our chicken thought it was a yummie treat! i didn’t think they’d be emerging this far north yet. joanne, tyrone, pa
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
some of the night photos I think are pretty cool.
http://homepage.mac.com/akbar/magicacida2004/ Edward Delaplaine, Highland, Maryland (howard county)
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Since May 13th the cicada’s have been breaking through the ground, hustling up the trees and emerging from their shells. There are millions! Each day the mating calls get louder and louder – it is incredible! The only time they quiet down other than at night is when it rains.
We had a “cicada party” on Friday night where all the bug geeks in the neighborhood hung out and watched them climb, emerge and hang.
One question though, when will they stop coming out of the ground??? Theresa Lock, Harpers Ferry, WV, Jefferson County
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Well our little friends came out in a swarm the other night and I thought it was pretty cool, but now they seem to be following me everywhere I go….oh No why are they coming at me….they are attacking!!!! Call the national guard!!! They are eating my brain and spine!!! Helllppp!!! Jim S., Woodbridge, NJ
Photos from the New Jersey epicenter: cicadas invade
Princeton university from Julie Angarone.
From what I see and hear you will find cicadas galore down Prospect Street and at 171 Broadmead. The upper old campus (Nassau Hall etc) is slowly being inundated, and they are running rampant down near New South and the dorms near the dinky.
MP3 Music: Brood X (Magicicada septendecim) by George Fox.
Seventeen years was such a long time
Now we’re coming out and going up to the sky
BBC.com Trillions of bugs to invade USA. (thx Roy).
Trillions of insects are set to invade the eastern US as they burst from the earth after 17 years underground.
Cicada Mania was interviewed for and featured in this New
York Times article.
PRINCETON, N.J., May 18 – The cicadas are back. Or, since they’ve never actually left – just dropped out of sight – they’re out again.
Cicada fun fact: when they die, they smell really bad — kind of like "land shrimp".
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Well our little friends came out in a swarm the other night and I thought it was pretty cool, but now they seem to be following me everywhere I go….oh No why are they coming at me….they are attacking!!!! Call the national guard!!! They are eating my brain and spine!!! Helllppp!!! Jim S., Woodbridge, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We have Cicadas in our yard. They are on our garage door and on our chainlink fence. They seem to have just come our of their shells within the last few days. There are several with deformed wings. Mickey, Brooklyn Park, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
i thought we were lucking out and escaping the invasion, but then I went out in the backyard and actually started looking. There are absolutely thousands of them! The exoskeltons are all over the trees and now I am seeing red eyed buggers everywhere! Jenny, West Chester, OH
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I saw one last night in Princeton on the Campus of Princeton University, Carol, Princeton, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Found hundreds of shells and newly emerged cicadas yesterday. My irises are covered with them. No noise yet.
Betty, Malvern, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The noise is definitely here. But I haven’t seen a single one yet. They’re probably living it up in the park just behind our community. Hopefully they won’t find their way to my house. Nathan’s mom, Chantilly, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Well, we first saw them on the morning of the 16th. There weren’t too many…..until the following morning, we saw TONS coming out of their shells all over our deck. As if that wasn’t enough, there are like 10 times more this morning!!! Iv’e been taking lots of pictures! I had nightmares last night. Sarah, Fairfax – Cincinnati Ohio
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
SPOTTING A FEW CICADAS ON THE SIDE OF OUR HOUSE BUT NONE ON OUR TREE IN THE BACKYARD AS OF 2 DAYS AGO.
MY SON AND I WATCH A CICADA EMERGING FROM HIS SHELL ON A TREE AT MY SON’S SCHOOL TODAY.
IT IS INTERESTING TO WATCH.
THEY ARE WHITE OR LIGHT COLOR WHEN THEY EMERGE FROM THEIR SHELL. SOMETHING THAT I DIDN’T KNOW.
MARK, DELHI, CINCINNATI, OHIO
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
An update: Haven’t seen any in our part of Cherry Hill, NJ yet. I can’t say that I remember them coming in 1987 either. We usually start hearing them in late July/early August, and see one or two of their discarded shells in the yard per year. I’ll let everyone know if we see them in Cherry Hill anytime soon! Maria, Cherry Hill, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
There were even more last night than yesterday. still metamorphazising and my building still looks like a polka dot art project!!!!! more is better. now they are on my window seal, hundreds and hundreds. some are 1.5 inches long, some are very tiny, some are medium. live adults were even on my car hood and stuck to my tires. this is great!!!!! misscube, cincinnati ohio/norwood/pleasant ridge
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I hav been hearing that they are in princton now. i am seeing more holes near my house and i have big trees in my yard. These things are going to suck.
I was just wondering if they were going to ruin my summer?? Ricky, Hillsborough, NJ!!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
We’d only seen one shell so far, but this morning they were all over the place — on the honeysuckle, the grass, playground even. Jade, Broadlands, Ashburn, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live in Northern NJ and haven’t seen one yet, I do hope they come out this far North. Pam, Sussex County, New Jersey
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live in Gaithersburg near Great Seneca and Muddy Branch. I have not see any cicada’s yet, not even a shell. I know that the developments in my area may be less than 17-years old but even in talking with friends, no one has seen the “emergence” that was expected. Some of the areas have not been turned by construction but yet none of these vile, red-eyed demon hordes have begun to take over my part of the earth. Any thoughts? Tom, Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
is there any chance we might see them in louisians. there were here when we were children. and we loved to hook the shells on our clothes. helaine moyse, baton rouge, louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Heard one this morning. I remember last emergence when I was a kid…and they weren’t as interesting then, that’s for sure! It will be nice to teach my kids about these fascinating creatures to pass down the line! Carla, Amherst, Ohio
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Empty shells found 5/17 and live cicadas on grass stems 5/18. No noise or flying yet. Cheryl Smagala, Milford, NJ, USA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I live in Leesburg, Virginia, which is about 40 miles west of DC and so far I’ve been pretty disappointed with the cicada count in my area. I was really looking forward to the hatch and so far I’ve seen one and heard maybe three. How long do they take to all come out to play? javajoe220, Leesburg, Virginia
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I first noticed some cicadas on Saturday, but most of them were dead on the sidewalk. There seemed to be many more around yesterday and I saw some flying. As I’m originally from the UK, cicadas are a totally new thing to me and I was a little surprised to see one fly out at me when I opened my mailbox… Oscar, Princeton, NJ
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
So far I have been lucky not to see or hear the cicadas in my complex. I have been receiving reports from others across Maryland (specifically Baltimore) who have told me the are out in numbers.
Every day I have been peeping out of my door so I won’t be alarmed at a sighting and have made out good. This morning when I was exiting my apartment with my poncho, scarf and gloves in tow, I noticed a single shell. To my dismay on my door sill there was a CICADA!
I was so petrified at 6:45 in the morning that I started yelling “Holy Moly” as I walked all the way to my car. If this is only the beginning, I feel very sorry for my neighbors as I will be yelling, as a coping mechanism, for 6 weeks yet!
I hope it was a stray and isn’t there when I get off this evening. The hair on my arms is still standing up! scaredy, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
The soil temperature almost certainly plays some part. In edges of forests with a sunny southern exposure, many are out. Elsewhere, they are just under the surface of the soil waiting their cue. Found many under rocks and logs. My guess is “any day now” for the big one. Mike Frey, Lititz PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Hey, There still are no signs of these bugs in this region, maybe the lack of rain? Chris, Lehigh Valley, PA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
I will be camping in the Noblesville/Deer Creek area around the 23rd of June.
Are these things going to be a problem? Dude, Milwaukee
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Hi, I posted previously about being out in Seattle and missing the Cicadas. I have found one webcam of a few on a fence through the Washington Post but if anyone knows of any other webcams, would you please post them here…esp. ones with audio….I want to see AND hear them. I made a tape of them singing back in 87 but am not sure I still have it…that’s when I was about to leave the east coast so I figured I’d miss them this time around…but they *are* mentioned in the Seattle PI! Gee wonder why they don’t like the Pacific NW….so green, lots of trees and moisture. Debbie , Seattle, WA
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Here a cicada, there a cicada… everywhere you look, there’s another cicada! The Northern Shenandoah Valley has it’s share for sure!
What I found really interesting is that they tend to like to spend time with you once they realize they won’t be hurt! Lol! Cute little red eyes they have! So ugly they are cute! But you won’t catch ME eating one!
Happy Cicada Mania To You All! Lauri Clapper, White Post, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Marianne from Herndon – I will buy one of your umbrellas! I sit in my car when I get home from work and wait for the coast to be clear before dashing into the house. I count how many there are on my plastic chair out back – usually about 15 on one chair alone – needless to say, I’m not going to be chillin’ on the patio any time soon. The worst part about this is that I have to move to a wooded area in about 2 weeks – and by then I think there will be a lot more of them. I might have a panic attack if one lands on me – someone make them go away!! Veronica, Arlington, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Elisa, I haven’t seen or heard one yet. Not sure what to expect here. I keep watching the ground but nothing. hb, Ann Arbor MI
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I saw one! Yes, just one, so far :o) It was just on my window screen. We were so excited and looking like goofballs examining this thing through the screen! This guy must be an early escapee since there aren’t swarms yet but we’ve had a few heavy rain showers lately and the temperature is right, so any minute now I expect to see zillions. Okay, I’ll be patient… I can wait another day or so. 😉 Kym, Pottstown, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
hey, elisa, i havent heard or seen anything yet either. i dont expect them near me, so i plan on heading out somewhere to find them. i hear ann arbor, or in washtenaw cty. but i dont know where exactly. hopefully someone will let it be known if any are seen in michigan. i’m patiently waiting to see it all… minda, detroit ‘burb, michigan
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Exactly one week after my thinking the weird noise was from a nearby house alarm, my youngest daughter came home to put oil in her car. About a mile from the house she heard a weird noise which became louder as she entered our driveway. Thinking it was the engine going bad, she left the motor running, jumped out of the car and put the hood up. She was relieved that the noise wasn’t coming from the engine. As soon as she turned off the engine, she told me the noise must be from a house alarm. I laughed and told her it was the cicada mating call, and that I had made the same mistake last week, even calling Public Safety in the gated community where I live. Joyce, Ellijay, Georgia
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
My husband and I want to take a drive this Sunday to see the cicadas and I was hoping someone could tell me where in Ohio they are emerging. Just give me a good town, and if you can, a good metro park to check out, and we’ll find it !
Thanks !
MJ Mary Jo, Maple Hts, OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Yes, I know. There are millions of huge, ugly bugs invading everyone’s yards. Actually I don’t think they’re ugly but pretty interesting and fascinating to observe. But, my crazy neighbor has some kind of vendetta against these creatures. For the last two nights she has been outside on her front walk smashing every cicada she sees with the flat end of a swiffer broom. The ones she can’t get with the swiffer she stomps with her shoe. Oh, did I mention she does this at from about 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM??
I just feel bad for the poor cicadas. They lie in wait 17 years only to emerge and be smashed by the busniess end of a swiffer broom. What a loon. John, Vienna, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Can anybody please verify if the Cicadas will be heading up to NY. I can’t wait to see this marvelous sight! Mark Rosen, Rye, New York
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I’ve seen several cool sites provided by mother nature but this one will be in the top 3 for a long time,at least 17 years.On May 16th my son and I turned onto the gravel road that takes us to our mountain cabin in north GA. We began to hear a noise. First I thought it was engine trouble. Then when I turned the truck off the noise continued. I could hear the “buzz” of a couple close by cicadas but this noise was constant,like it was just 1/4 mile away .Loud but distant. We went uo to the neighbors house to ask if they know who’s house has a burglar alarm possibly going off without attention.They filled us in with the news. That noise is from the cicadas. The closer we inspected the trees, they they were. Just like the pictures on this site. My son and I notice a mist-like squirt coming from them.Thank goodness it was odorless! Todd, Dahlonega, GA ,USA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
My whole backyard is wooded. I have been hearing the cicadas loud and clear all weekend. Will I definetly see a lot of these? Will they definetly be all over my sidewalk and car or will they mainly stay in the woods where the trees are? I have seen 2. Is this really the beginning? I know they are just bugs, but they really creap me out. Tiffany, Farragut, TN
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I posted earlier that I saw hundreds at least in Skillman in Southern Somerset County but it seems that other Jersey sightings are very rare…some in Princeton which is not far from Skillman. It looks like the enslaught hasnt yet begun. Is it possible that the ones in Skillman that I saw is the first reported case in NJ mark, belle mead, NJ
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I live in an apartment complex where birds, dogs and cats are having a feast with our cicadas. We get to see a lot of them (of whatever is left of them) around the walkways and trees. They don’t look scary anymore. They are very friendly (although clumsy at times!). I’m not sure we’re ready for the many more to come (or so we hear!). Alberto Flores, Greenbelt, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
If I feed my baby ducks cicadas, will it harm them? Lexus Jarrell, Elkridge MD. USA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I got some pesticide for my two youngest trees today and the nursery told me the cicadas have emerged so far in parts of the Highlands and Crescent Hill neighborhoods. I remember that the news folks said their expected date was May 21, so I bet this is just the tip of the iceberg. A friend of mine said the man across the street from her in the Highlands went out and shook his tree. She said it RAINED cicadas. She’s been picking them off certain bushes, etc.
Judy, Louisville, KY
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
around where i live, there are NO cicadas around me. i think i heard one for a day on the side of my house in a tree by the street, that was like 3-4 days ago. i still have yet to see any skeletons or cicadas themselves. Andrew Freeman, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
They`re here. Last Saturday I heard a sole one singing. Sunday there was several more. Getting ready for the deafening sound. I live just down the HILL from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dave Barthel David Barthel, Morganton NC
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I’ve really been looking forward to the invasion. I finally saw my first one this moring – not in Alexandria, but in Arlington. It was an adult, on the walkway from the bus platform leading to the Metro escalator on the east side of the upper bus platform I hope they will soon be in my Del Ray neighborhood. Fancy, Alexandria, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Cicadas singing in the trees
Can bring a grown man to his knees.
A little insect in a shell
Creates for man a living hell.
The creep emerging from its hole
Shows man that he has no control.
And when it starts to fly around
And to emit its clicking sound,
Those few who can will move away
At least until the bug-free day
When once again he can pretend
To be in charge of fortunes bend,
To look around but not to see —
A fellow who’s a lot like me. NR Stratton, Baltimore, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
the cicadas are all over my school T.C. Williams High School on the front steps. This weekend when I went to Kings Dominion ther were cicadas on the seats of the roller coasters. Tim Walker, Alexanria,VA& Kings Dominion Doswell, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
An absolute mess! They mess up sidewalks,
cars, and are a total menace!
I understand they should be gone by the
end of June, but when should they start dying in numbers? In a week, two weeks, a month?
Jack K., Arlington, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I’ve been so excited about the emergence…telling all my friends, telling teachers and kids all about cicadas, etc. I haven’t seen one yet! A lady I work with mentioned that her friend up in Carsonville (thumb area) saw one the other day, so hopefully they are on their way. Anyone else here in Michigan who has seen some? Elisa, Metro Detroit, MI
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
THERE BAAAAAHHHHCK!!!!!
The Cicada’s are all over my house, trees, Swings…. They are everywhere.
How much longer do we have to sit in the house in fear of these alien bugs. Every man for themselves is our motto during this emergence. The kids & I (my husband too)make a mad dash for the car everyday, screaming like nuts if the cicadas swoop down near us.
:o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( Patricia E. P.Craig, Gwynn Oak Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Our backyard and deck resembles an air landing strip. The cicadas line up on the deck railing and thru some silent take off order, individually flit off to the large tree in the yard. Every morning brings a new “fleet” of them. My question is, will the emergence continue for the next several weeks? And when do they stop leaving those creepy shells all over the place? It practically takes a blow torch to remove them from the bushes.
Despite all the news hype about cicadas, they’re really not that bad. And they are pretty fascinating to watch.
Carole M, Silver Spring, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
They’re everywhere! It was so much fun as a bratty 10 year old – lighting them on fire…chopping off their heads, throwing at my older sister’s friends. I’m all grown up now and quite normal I assure you and I couldn’t think of harming one. I keep picking them off the sidewalk so they don’t squashed. I mean they’ve been sitting in the ground for 17 years waiting to get laid and then some drunk carries about and ends that 17 year dream with one drunken smash of his/her foot! Our band plays a show this Thursday and it’s very tempting to fill the drummer’s bass drum with live Cicadas. The first crack of the kick pedal against the drum head sends them into a paniced frenzy and scores of cicadas pour into the unsuspecting audience! What an opener!
-D
P.S. ~ The mothership has landed. David, Washington, DC
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I am really tired of hearing Cicada talk.Even teachers at school talk about it.Not only am i sick of the talk.Im sick of it, its self.Every time I open my front door (on my way to the bus stop) i see dozens upon dozens of them.I know alot of people probably feel me.Right Lane, Laurel,MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
After this weekend’s rain, we had them everywhere…My 2 year old is quite excited, but I am not a bug person and they are creeping me out. I am looking forward to their return to their slumber! Cruzan, Princeton
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Must be millions. I remember this as a child in Fairfax VA but have been living in Shenandoah County in 1987 and didn’t see them there.
I went to vist my sister in Front Royal – she had none – this is hard to believe that they would have none at all and we are dancing with them.
They don’t appear to like bright sun at all. rox, Winchester VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Haven’t seen them yet. I have nore hope now that I see they are emerging in Columbus and Miamisburg!! Cathy, Urbana, OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Saw first one Saturday AM. Spotted about 5 in my backyard Saturday Pm. Spotted about 50 in neighbor’s tree on Sunday, 5/16. Bob Gorman, Elkton, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
We got ’em en masse here in Lockland – though they are not one town over in Reading…Amazing! They must have been eager to get going because we have hundreds of molted shells on high blades of grass in our yard – not even bothering with the trees. Sarah S., Lockland, OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I went out to the woods yesterday and still no signs. Were they in Lexington in ’87??? Ed, Lexington, KY
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Lots of cicadas emerging from their exoskeletons all over the neighborhood. Fence posts and trees are covered with them. Lots of empty shells attatched to the underside of my hostas, and other large vegetation. The noise has started. This is great. Nate Leopold, Fairfax/Cincinnati OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Hey everyone, so far we haven’t seen a single one of this buggers. I hope we get to see some soon since the last time they were here I was only 4 years old and don’t remember it. I hope the Northern Bucks County area of PA gets some this time around. Justin, Allentown, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Do the cicadas make a sound as they are digging their way to the top of the ground? When walking in the woods lately I have heard the ground on either side of the trail “crackling”… kind of like rice krispies. I have never heard anything like that before. It seems to be especially in sunnier areas and I know ground temperature helps them know when to come out. Is it related to them? Have not seen any actual cicadas emerge yet. Julie, York, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
They are behind ashburn elementary school and the ashburn vol. fire dept. We can hear them finally this afternoon. They started coming out on Saturday am and the birds were really chirping back there! Jill, Ashburn Village, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I would like to find a large # of cicadas near cleveland, ohio so my family and I can experience these neat little guys. Any feedback would be appreciated. I know they are around cincinati, columbus etc. but looking for a public place a little closer. Thanks. lee chance, cleveland, oh
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The dog and I found several exoskeletons and one adult bumbling around on the dirt lane next to our home. We haven’t heard them yet, but if this swarm is anything like the one in 1987 they will soon be deafening. I think they are waiting for a good rain to finish emerging-it’s very dry here. It’s intresting, but the little things are too creepy for me. Glad we only do this every 17 years! kim c, New Creek, WV
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The cicadas arrived here on Saturday, May 15. Brent Badger, Martinsville, Indiana
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I have tons of these little buggers in my yard and trees! My son collected a bowl full of skeletons, he thought it was so cool! H, Bloomington, Indiana
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Anyone seen any in the Dayton, Ohio area? I was 8 years old (1973) and then 25 (1990) for Brood XIII outside of Chicago. 1990 was also our wedding, and my fiance/wife was a bit worried. However, wedding was not until July, and all were safe back in the ground by then. I have very fond memories of those two cycles, and am looking forwards to sharing that experience with our two sons (age 7 and 12). Thanks! Jim, Kettering, OH
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Just an update for those of you tracking their progress. Noticed a few shells Friday afternoon……by Friday night they were all over the place! Chuck, Catonsville, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Today is the first day I noticed that the cidadas were in full song. It sounds like a space ship hovering- kind of cool and freaky at the same time. It’s also a high pitched sound and warbly, but it’s constant.
Another odd observation. I live in a high rise on the 12th floor. Last night a cidada was crawling on my window screen. How did he get up so high? It was definitely a cidada- with the big red eyes and all. I went over to say hello. He hung out for a bit and then started walking up the screen and then he flew away. Lisa Jane, Falls Church, Va
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
have about 100+ per square yard.
sounds like a space ship or car alarm ann, potomac md
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The last time the cicadas emerged, the keychains appeared well after they had gone. Please post where we can buy them whenever the keychains appear (even up to a year later). Someone is bound to catch on and make a batch. Thanks. R. Mead, Arlington, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
My daughter and I are terrified of these awful-looking creatures. I know they are harmless, but unrational fear is unrational fear…17 years ago, while running into my place of employment, ducking and dodging these little creatures, one landed on my collar (I didn’t know). When I finally got to my desk, with a huge sigh of relief, my co-worker pointed out that one was sitting on my collar. I panicked, screamed and practically undressed at my desk.
17 YEARS LATER – I’M PREPARED! I’ve fashioned a cicadia-proof umbrella. My umbrella is covered from top to bottom with netting. My husband says he will not be seen in public with me with my cicadia umbrella! Marianne, Herndon, Virginia
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Our home is nestled in the mountains at the far west corner of North Carolina. The cicadas have emerged in a valley behind our house starting 2-3 days ago. Over the last two days, the noise was so loud that no one wanted to go outside. We thought we’d been invaded by a flying saucer (smile) before we heard about the cicadas. What a racket! Pam W, Murphy,NC
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I was wondering if the lack of emergence in Pa could be due to the significant late season snowfall we had. I did ground temp readings late last week and found that about 2-4 inches below the surface the temp was 68F after reading that the temp must go above 64F for them to emerge. How deep must the temp penetrate before they emerge? Dylan Johnson, Kutztown, Pa
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Cicadas began emerging over the May 15-16 weekend in Princeton. Tom, Princeton, New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
No sightings yet, but the chimneys are present. Put netting over my new trees yesterday – we’ll see if it helps more than hurts. Dave A., Powell, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I live in a wooded area – we’ve heard them for years – the deeper into the woods you go, the more deafening the sound. Have seen the shells on fence posts around the yard for the past couple of years. Am very curious to what the magnitude of what’s to come will be! Jennifer, Ewing, NJ, USA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Cicadas emerged after Saturday evenings rainfall – Sunday AM hundreds of cicadas were everywhere on our property. We watched as the nymphs came out of there shells in the AM. By Sunday PM the skeletal shells were everywhere. D. Baird, Upper Black Eddy, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I found two cicada chimneys in my yard this morning, then two exoskeletons underneath newly planted trees. The invasion is starting in Indianapolis! Help! I get wigged-out by bugs!!! Lori, Fishers, IN
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
No one in our subdivision, which was a work in process in 1987 has spotted one yet. We walked into the surrounding wodds with some older trees, but nothing. We did see ONE cicada on a trip into Wyoming yesterday. Looks like it’ll either miss our section of Cincinnati or come later. garrett , Evendale
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I agree with Lori from Va Sharion, BowlingGreen,Oh
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The ciadas are really starting to make some noise near the Howard County Court House in Ellicott City, Maryland. It’s not “crazy” yet but you can definately tell that they’re here. Interesting tidbit is that they are not everywhere. There might be a lot of noise coming from a bunch of trees and a hundred yeards away- nothing. Ian, Ellicott City, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Saw numerous nymphs and adults on many trees. There were even telephone poles festooned with them! Interesting to observe the various states of emergence, as they build from white, and darken over time. None seen flying, nor were any heard. Wait… Tom B., Princeton, NJ
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
If you happen to live in one of the newer developments in our area, you may not see the Brood X cicadas, or you may only see a couple here and there.
The developers scrape away and tear up most of the soil and trees where the Cicada live and feed on underground roots. So if you are one of these people, count yourself lucky…or maybe not…depending on what you were hoping for.yourself lucky…or maybe not…depending on what you were hopeing for. Thomas, Oak Hill, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I saw two squashed cicadas and 1 shell in my parking lot this morning. No holes and none on the trees though.
When does this end? sj, Calverton, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I saw one when I fishing at ludlow Hill Park in a tree.
Oscar Harrell, Lawrencburg IN
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
are cicadas poisonous? i few bit my dog and now he is really sick. i really don’t like these guys. fred scott, arlington, va
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
i have collected 6 albino cicadas since this morning……
we have been overrun by the smelling things !!!
are albino cicadas rare ?? John, ruxton, maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I have been checking daily and have not seen any cicadas yet. Have not even seen many holes in the ground around the trees in my yard. Maybe they will pass us by. BG, Springfield Township, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The Washington Post referenced this message board on their Cicada thread, and I have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts.
Since last Thursday the Cicada have been in abundance in our neighborhood. They appear about first light, the woods gradually swell with their song, by nightfall all is fairly quiet, until the next day. My front porch and surrounding shrubs are full of them. The squirrels and neighborhood cats clean up any they can reach. The deer eat all that they can reach from the leaves of trees and on the grass.
Basically the bugs sleep and eat for 17 years, emerge to reproduce…that all. Nature’s ritual has distracted me from more serious news, not a bad thing. Parenthia Page, Vienna/Oakton, (Fairfax County, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Last week, pockets of big emergences. They finally came out in force in our front yard Sat. and Sunday night.
TONS of nymphs crawling around under the maple trees around 10pm. It was physically impossible to step on the grass without killing at least one. I stood on the driveway to videotape the writhing mass of cicadas, and it was generally about 10 seconds before they were crawling up my legs.
Saw our first mating pair (leading to intensive questioning from my 6-year-old) on Saturday.
The dog now has a breakfast buffet along our fence, picking and choosing the most tender looking ones. The hostas seem to be the favored landing pads– each leaf of our 20 or so hostas has at least 3-4 cicadas.
There’s the wonderful UFO hovering sound in the neighborhood, shutting down around 3 in the afternoon. But I’ve only heard one singing up close. Mike, Arlington, VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I am located in southwestern Adams County, PA about ten miles southwest of Gettysburg. Emergence began Saturday, 5/15. Mating chorus building. Dan, Carroll Valley, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I HAVE A HUGE OAK TREE IN MY FRONT YARD. AND OH MY GOD!!!! MY BUDDIES ARE EVERYWHERE. ALL ON THE FRONT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND THE GRASS IS STEADILY MOVING. THIS IS GREAT! AS I SAT ON THE FRON STEP LAST NIGHT THE WERE METAMORPHASIZING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, I THOUGHT I WAS IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE! SOMETHING TO SEE FOR SURE !!! MISSCUBE, CINCINNATI OHIO
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
The older trees in the neighborhood, including the one in my front yard, are well on the way to be being completely covered with old shells and mature adults. They are all over the ground nearest the base of the tree – as well as the side of the house – you hear them more often now too. Probably about half never make it very far – there are cicada parts on many of the sidewalks. Certainly not an infestation, yet, but getting there. Sarah, Columbia, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
We still have not seen any in Mt. Airy (Frederick County MD). We keep hoping, because I remember what they were like in Silver Spring back in 87. I will keep my fingers crossed. Jen, Mt. Airy, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Has anyone in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania (Scranton) seen any cicadas yet? I am not sure if we had as big emergence in 1987 or not. But I know for a fact we had “millions” in 1991. So no matter what happens this year, watch out in 2008. Rick, Scranton, PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I haven’t seen any near my house in Harford County MD (did see one at our local Target,though)Our development is less than 15 years old, although the developer did leave a considerable amount of older trees behind. BTW, does anyone know which trees they prefer? I would like to know which ones, so I can take pictures. This morning as I was walking my daughter to the bus stop,I could hear them off in the distance. I was 14 in 1987 and lived in an older area of Baltimore County, so I remember how loud it was. This wasn’t that bad though:-) Grace, Abingdon, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Thousands and thousands of cicadas have emerged from my little lot. Late last night, the newcomers completely covered the ground under my trees, and this morning, their shells were everywhere. I am happy to say that it remained pleasant to sit outside yesterday afternoon and this morning — a bunch of hilarious bugs flying around did not spoil the moment. Gaston, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
i figured they would be out already?? what are they on vacation????anyone seen any??? matt, central new jersey
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Well as of Monday morning 17 May, cicadas can be seen everywhere, every tree, weed, signpost, and light pole has 5 or more grouped together and it was hard to avoid stepping on them while I was walking my dog at 5 am. Haven’t heard any really loud noises yet though…thankfully… WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Leaving for work this morning..saw about 30-40 cicadas in all stages on the ground and on the trees. I am very scared of these things but because I have to go out and live my life, I am sure my phobia will decrease as the weeks go by. Pray for me!!!!!!!!! ANGIE, PLEASANT RIDGE (CINCY, OHIO)
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
It is incredible and amazing….but bordering on skeevy and creepy. They are literally everywhere…like a true Biblical plague. Karen, Catonsville, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
We’ve only seen a few actual cicada in Ellicott City. While in neighboring Columbia this weekend, we saw about 100 but that was it.
Yesterday the gentle roar of the Cicada could be heard, from what seemed far away.
Today the din is slowly becoming a roar. It’s almost like being in a sci-fi movie.
They’re coming…They’re coming…
BenignVanilla, Ellicott City, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
NO SIGN OF CICADA’S 5-17-04
IN HARRISBURG PA REGION MARK P, HARRISBURG PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
And I thought Friday was bad enough… I can’t even bring myself to leave the house – it is that bad now. We have an old elm tree on the front yard – and it is covered by these stupid ugly things, every inch of it, and every inch of the grass around it – a circle about 40′ in diameter. My husband mowed the grass yesterday – he said he’d never have believed it can be that bad if he didn’t see it himself – they are “boiling” and “bubbling” in the grass. Also they already stink – and it is just the first week!
Odd enough – there are not many in the back yard, although we have dozens of old trees – mostly oaks, at least 45 years old. When we bought the house in middle 90s, the back yard was covered with ivy, which we pulled out during the years almost completely. I wonder if such ground covers as ivy prevents cicadas’ larvae from burying themselves under it.
Best regards,
Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I have them so bad that half of them are rotting away before they can leave there shell and it is leaving a odor in my yard. I feel like I am the hotel for the Cicada’s this year. My parents live next door and they dont have many at all I live on a half acrea and I know I have at least 1000 or more. After a raining night they came out so bad they were getting in my house under a small crack under my front door. Dori, Clinton, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Apparently in sandy areas, it is tougher for the cicada’s to stick around without being effectively washed away over the 17 or so year period. I think this may be the reason as to why they are not around closer to the shoreline areas now, but they could be around when they start to miander/fly into other areas. Seth, Glen Burnie, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I’ve been searching for them for a week now! If anyone has seen them here in Lower Bucks, PA, please post!!! C, BUCKS CO. PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Saw first sighting, just one, though! Jennifer, Evendale, Ohio
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Follow up to your Cumberland County, NJ post…. see any signs for Gloucester County??? I’m getting married 5/22 and although I didn’t see an chimneys on the site I’m freaking out that they will be emerging!! Lisa, Gloucester Co, NJ
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
To those people who live in the “cicada zones,” who haven’t seen any, yet; if you live in a new housing development, or if there’s been a lot of construction in your area, you may have to go to an older neighborhood or wooded area to see the cicadas. Look on the trees and on the ground; if you see the shells, you’re on the right track! Also, listen – a bit corny, but the cicadas do sound like spaceships; so far, it’s noticeable, but I haven’t heard them as loud as people are saying, e.g., loud enough to drown out a conversation? Too, I’ve noticed that I see LOTS more cicadas early in the day (say, before 9:00 am.), and they seem to be more active; the nymphs are waddling along, shedding the shells, the wings are drying, etc., it’s a sight to see. Good luck in your cicada sightings! Sue, Riverdale, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Now we have so many of them it’s just gross. Squished ones all over the sidewalks and streets. Tons in my backyard. So many, I’d say it even smells bad from all the decaying matter. They’re getting pretty noisy too. The background noise sounds like a UFO from an old science fiction movie.
Bob, Bethesda, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Havent seen a thing….nothing….im quite upset Autorush, Lansdale,PA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Well, we still don’t have any cicada’s at our house in Arnold, but my Gram, who lives just 1-3 miles from us, has them EVERYWHERE! My friend Molly who lives in the heart of Annapolis,(4 1/2 miles away) also has them……I wanna know why we don’t have any at our house!
Anyway, we went to Gram’s house on Sat. night, I got some really great photos, and picked them up, let them crawl on my hands, and completely inspected them…..they are so cool! Cute too! I have never experienced anything like this before, I’m so glad I can! Becky, Anne Arundel Co., MD.
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Heard them for the first time today at 1:30pm, at 9:30pm went to my back yard with flash light lots and lots of crawling critters on my fence and one of the larger tree’s next to our pool. It was very quiet and all I could hear was clicking and cracking from them breaking thru the ground, the earth was moving under my feet literally. Cant wait for tomorrow to get here. Lisa, Centreville, Va
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I really miss them now that I live out here in Seattle…I remember both the 1970 and 1987 invasions….I was living in Maryland then….I really think they are fascinating….my exboyfriend and I even had Cicada Invasion Summer of 87 tshirts….Called my Mom today in Virginia and asked her to open her window so I could hear them but she wants nothing to do with them….I think they are a wonder of nature and I love their song. So I am enjoying reading all these posts. Iorhael, Seattle, WA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
i am puzzled as to why i have hundreds of cicadas in my backyard, and my neighbor four houses away seems to have none? we both have trees in the backyard, and both have dogs. just curious? btw, my kids are loving the cicadas, and having a glorious time torturing their poor mother! i know, cicadas are harmless, but i am just not a bug kind of girl! 🙂 gwen, fairfield, ohio
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
where are they? haven’t seen one yet! i’m not looking forward to it i am terrified. i do remember them from 1987 and it was awful! i know they can’t hurt you, but they are gross and scary! are they gonna be here soon? has any body close to here seen one yet? kerry, lyons IL
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
In our yard, we saw maybe a couple of dozen yesterday (Saturday). But there were HUNDREDS today — emerging, transforming, crawling, and starting to fly. Jan, Silver Spring, Maryland
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I have not seen one in the Annapolis area either – thank goodness! I’m hoping we’ll be spared. I heard that they are less likely to be in places close to the water. Any chance they won’t come to Annapolis or are they just not here yet? Mary, Annapolis, MD
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
I got a call from my family at 9:30 Sunday night about an emergence on the underside of a dogwood. When I arived I found a bunch of people drinking and laughing, holding flashlights and taking pictures of these little red eyed bugs in all stages of metamorphasis, it was cool. So were the cicadas. Big D, Gambrills MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
each day since wednesday, i thought there could not be more. each night, there are exponetionally more nimphs emerging. the sound of cicadas walking to a spot to shed is loud enough to notice inside. my yard has to have 25000-30000 right now. during the day their music is louder than anything else except the occaisional helocopter.
my street is lined with oak trees. i wonder if this makes adifference? timmy, arlington va
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Had to go out and get a new weed eater, and while trying to start it by the shed, Saw one coming out of the ground…in MID DAY, with no rain for the past couple days. It was kinda strange. Can’t wait to see if we are gonna have tons of them around here too. My Fiance is gonna FREAK. I told her i saw it…and the importance of the sighting was beyond her. I told her the story about them coming out every 17 years…and I think she KINDA understands…but she don’t MUAHAHAHAHA!!!! JasonB, Apollo, PA 25m E of PGH
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
…that’s just the cicadas! Holy moley! My heavily wooded old neighborhood is cicada central. I really thought there was a moving van idling outside last night, and then I realized it was the cicadas. Had one fly down the back of my shirt yesterday. The front step of my building has a pile of exoskeletons and live red-eyed wonders waiting for me each morning. Yesterday, I had a cicada ride with me to the local CVS on the windshield. (Well, until I hit 45 mph, and then that tenacious in-need-of-Clear-Eye bugger flew off – probably not by choice.) I find myself uprighting the poor guys who end up flailing around on their backs. Strangely, despite the exoskeleton remains giving me the creeps, I find them pretty endearing, and the cheeeeep cheeeeeep cheeeeep is a marvelous white noise machine – I haven’t heard the guy upstairs for a couple of days! Thank you, Mother Nature!! Melissa J., Bethesda, Maryland
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I feel cheated. Never seen a Cicada, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them. Haven’t seen any in Arnold, MD or Annapolis, MD. Were they here back in 1987? Is there a reason why they’d be emerging later than their brothers and sisters in Virginia?
Where can I find a list of the places they were spotted back in 1987?
Varda, Arnold, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
They Started emerging mostly on Thurday the 13th, and in HUGE amounts on Friday , Sat. and Sunday. They must really taste good. Our dogs are simply walking and eating. They never lift their faces from the yard! It looks magical. The nymphs simply emerge from the ground out of nowhere. Art D., Amberley Village ( Cicinnati) Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
While weeding my husband found an exoskeleton. Carolyn, New Castle, Delaware
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
They’re starting to catch up to speed here; I’ve seen hundreds on certain types of trees, but none on another type right next to those. Funny. They enjoy climbing me and my house wall. Took some pictures, thought they were pretty cool. Find one with blue eyes and bring it to Johns Hopkins for $1000! Jen, Baltimore/Towson, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We went away to the beach for the weekend only seeing a few on Thursday. We returned today to a yard and trees invaded. It was so neat to watch them emerge from their shells at different stages on Thursday. Now, it’s just gross. There are hundreds of shells, dead and live cicadas around each tree and you can’t walk in our back yard without stepping on them. Is this only the begining? If less than half have emerged, I’m heading back to the beach. For those who want to see them and haven’t, come on over to catonsville. I heard they were ankle deep 17 and 34 years ago. I don’t look forward to that! Trish, Catonsville, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Where are the Cicadas in Richmond? Relatives out west want to know what the infestation is like but I can’t tell them. Steve Dixon, Glen Allen, VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Walked around the neighborhood this afternoon and after yesterday’s rain the cicadas are finally emerging–one tree (Emerson and Gray Ave.) had hundreds of live cicadas and the sidewalk was covered with their skeletons. Waiting for more! Sallie, Hamilton, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Chip, that’s a moth. 🙁 Dan, Cicadamania
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Saw this heading up a tree today when I was cutting grass. Had the beady little red eyes.
http://www.pbase.com/image/29039886
Chip Curley, Nashville, Tennessee
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
First sightings late this afternoon. Only a couple and quite small from my recollection from 1987. One neighbor said she saw some approximately five days ago about one hundred yards down the street. I play golf at Ivy Hills golf course (in Newtown and walked 18 holes this afternoon and saw or heard none although the course was built after the last brood; the surrounding woods was for the most part there. Dr.John McDonald, Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
The cicadas started coming out en masse early this morning (May 16) just south of the National Park at Gettysburg. I am not a big “bug” fan, but at a distance, I can appreciate the fascination these creatures hold. I’m sure when I return to the National Park over Memorial Day they will be everywhere! Leslie, Gettysburg, PA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Haven’t seen a single one in the inner harbor area. that’s good because yesterday was my daughter’s wedding and it was outside at Pier V.
Paul, Downtown Baltimore Md.
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
OK, I saw my first Cicada today. It was in new Greenbelt. I went to Silver Spring the other day, and oddly enough, I didn’t see any. But I’m glad that I finally saw one. I think I’m gonna have a heart attack when there are thousands of them flying around! Hisham, Greenbelt, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
They say cicadas don’t cause damage but I beg to differ. They are all over our newly planted rhodies and azaleas. They have already broken the limbs of the new growth and they haven’t even gotten started. Will they eventually go up into the trees or will they stay on the shrubs? I don’t care if they ever come back!
Jane Jane Branch, Clear Spring, MD USA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I remember the last invasion! It was awful! I did not leave the house and was scared to death!! I did not realize that this was the year. We have a family vacation planned for June 19th at Kentucky Lake. I am thinking of canceling. Any information about emersions in Marshall County KY or when they will leave will be helpful. Thanks Sandi, Orland Park, IL
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Reily Township is just south of Oxford, Ohio and about 20 miles north of Cincinnati Ohio.
We are still waiting for them to show up.
I thought with the rain we had over the weekend that they would come out.
Maybe soon
Teddy P Teddy P, Reily Township, Ohio
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Living in Southeastern PA just west of Philadelphia. Would love to hear about a sighting in this area to take the kids. David, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I had my first sighting of cicadas as I was mowing the lawn today, Sunday May 16th. They were sitting on a mum plant in my front yard. Bruce Wolfe, Hidden Valley Lake Lawrenceburg,Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Only one so far Andy, South Riding, VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
After wondering what took so long, I now see many of them in the front yard. (They are particularly prominent in a squashed state on the street, but that is another story.)
Curiously, there are very few in the backyard. I have a huge tulip poplar in the back yard. I suspect they do not like that species of tree.
Love the UFO sound they make. Well, I assume the sound is from the cicadas 🙂
Dennis, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We are in the mid-shore area of MD’s Eastern Shore. We have seen and heard ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It’s very strange to read about what’s going on in the rest of MD and the Mid-Atlantic. When I cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tomorrow to go to work, I think I’m in for a rude awakening! My 3 dogs are VERY disappointed. Kati, Centreville, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Thursday night we saw out first cicadas emerging. We are having so much fun watching them. Dalit, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I took a nice long walk around my yard and the neighbhorhood and didn’t see any. I am kind of disappointed. Has anyone living in South Jersey seen any?
Rich Simmers, Burlington Twp. NJ
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Friday during the day I found about 25 adults throughout the yard, but it took over an hour of searching. Saturday there were dozens to be had. Now today there are thousands upon thousands of adults clining to just about every bush and tree in the yard. I easily collected over 100 in the course of fifteen minutes. We’re planning to try some of the recepies, however even I will need a little bit of “liquid courage” to take my first bite. Nate, Baltimore, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Wow.. God is amazing in his creativity! I am not afraid of very many things. But I am not accustomed to picking up inscects either. I can’t help the strange urge to play with these little guys though! I Love the white ones with long translucent wings and dark markings. They look like little angels. I keep looking around to make sure my neighboors aren’t laughing at me! No really I could care less. I am an artist and a nature lover anyway! I have been helping little cicadas find the tree in my backyard and rescuing some of them from the wet ground when there wings get stuck! It’s funny! I deffinately feel a connection and have a respect for a creature that hibernates that long! It’s Amazing! Heard some songs today! Can’t wait til the whole chior wakes up! No plans to eat any! I like em’ too much! Think I am going to draw some fantasy pics using Cicadas! Inspiration!! Remember! Have fun and Respect all creatures! They are our responsibility!
-Justin Justin “Davinci” Whye, Baltimore, Maryland
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I was beginning to think maybe they weren’t coming … but this morning I spotted one on a hosta. I thought that was it, but the more I looked – they were EVERYWHERE! Sue, Mount Pleasant Washington, DC
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
While N. Kentuckians are still waiting for the Cicadas to appear, Indiana has apparently had a flood of them. According to today’s Cincinnati Enquirer, one unlucky man there decided to saute’ 30 of them with butter, garlic and basil and later found himself in the emergency room. Turns out he was having what the doctors described as a “severe allergic reaction.” It’s important to note that the man already suffered from asthma and allergies to shellfish. Hmmmm. You’d think he would’ve been a bit more careful considering. People … don’t try to be cool man on the block by eating these things. Let them have their sex and die. Believe it or not, they’re not here for our enjoyment, but theirs. If you’re desperate for protein, for Heaven’s sake, eat an egg! Lisa , N. KY
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Found one cassini male near his empty shell while checking milkweed leaves for monarch eggs on 5/15/04 at Blendon Woods Metro Park. First of many I’m sure! Sarah Dalton, Columbus, OH
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We found the first of the skeletons and live cicadas this morning – 30 or so in the back yard mainly on hostas and lillies. This is fascinating – I’d like to see some actually emerging. We’ve noticed the holes in the ground for approximately a week – varying depths of up to 6 inches. Julie, Western Loudoun County, VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
May 13 we spotted several holes in the ground in our yard. That evening we started looking in some of the trees and spotted several shells. The our first cicada. Vicky, Aurora, Indiana, U.S.A.
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
The cicadas aren’t here yet! We live in oxford,Pennsylvania right near the maryland border line. Do anybody know when they are coming here. I have been waiting for a long time for them!! Nicholas Rifon, Oxford P.A
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Okay, emergence appears to be definitely slowing down. At least I THINK it’s not just my imagination or wishful thinking. I am beginning to have a burgeoning hope that this won’t reach Biblical proportions in my neighborhood. (The noise level in the park across Rt. 50, next to the Sunrise Assisted Living complex, however is deafening) They can go up in the trees and make all the noise they want as long as they leave my person alone! I’m originally from SC (Hi Robb!) and the noise doesn’t faze me as it is everpresent in my home state during the summer.
What I really want to know is, though, when they finally die, will they start dropping out of the trees on my head? What about the new nymphs? How big are they and will THEY drop out of the trees onto my head? As you can see, I am extremely concerned about these things getting tangled up in my hair and me looking like a total idiot thrashing about and screeching, “Get it off me! Get it off me!” I have my dignity to preserve, after all. 🙂
One last thing: what motivates someone to voluntarily eat these bugs? Is it a macho deal? Are there people who don’t have laundry to do or lawns to mow? Or do you just wake up one morning and think, “I’ve got a real hankerin’ for a nice batch of fried cicadas today!” I wonder if there are any women in these households? The greater sociological implications of cicada-eating are worth a government funded study I think. 🙂 Laura, Rt. 50 and Nutley, Fairfax, VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I now know that I DO NOT remember 1987 AT ALL! Sort of fascinating at first, but now a really big nuisance. All over the house, the grounds, the trees, the cars, door and window screens – flying EVERYWHERE including getting inside the house. I’ve actually had to pick some of the live critters up and move them – I really didn’t want to kill them! Haven’t had one land on me yet and really don’t want one landing on me – you can duck out of their way pretty easily – really clumsey fliers. And the noise! You can hear it grow louder by the hour. I can even hear it with all the windows closed! The dogs definitely do not like them at all. They are getting really spooked by their singing. I can’t imagine it getting much worse, but I’m sure it will! Linda, Catonsville, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
A few cicadas in our garden yesterday, lots and lots today (16th May).
Some pictures at
http://www.pbase.com/annedave/birds_etc
Dave Dave, Princeton, NJ
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I found my first cicada. We saw lots of them this morning behind our house. One jumped on my little sisters leg and she screamed. It was really loud. Daddy said that was the loudest time Leah ever screamed before. I like cicadas because they are not really around for much, and that’s why I like them. And they look good. I’m going to bring one to my school. We can hear lots of them in the woods but my bug dictionary says they will be as loud as jet engine later. Bye. That’s all I want to say about cicadas. Madeline Peloff (age 5), Olney, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
the loud mating calls of the cicadas sound like some alien machine…its neverending even with the air on blast…i dont know if i’ll to make it for another six weeks…they are covering my entire porch..one flew up and landed on my foot and i screamed…i grew up in ny and i remember 1987 and how they were all over the place..but no where near the extent of this…dc area is horrible Jessica C, Bethesda, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Brood X emerged in our area [AT] Burnett Woods yesterday afternoon during the most recent rain. I witnessed several still crawling in their shells, a bunch of empty shells, and two drying themselves on blades of grass after sheading their skins. Neil, Cincinnati, Ohio.USA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I saw one flying around the backyard this morning and can hear them singing in the wooded area in the distance. Our neighborhood is barely 17 years old, which explains why there have been so few near the house. Susan, Centreville/Chantilly, VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Went for a ride on the W&OD trail from Ashburn Village to Leesburg and saw them on the trail as well as heard them in the woodland. Amazing! S Kenney, Ashburn
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
ANYBODY in southeastern PA or NJ seeing LARGE numbers of nymphs, chimney holes.
Or found large numbers of nymphs under boards, logs, etc. I would like to travel to an area in PA or NJ where there will be a large emergence. PLEASE POST if anyone in those areas sees evidence of a large emergence.
THANKS! Jeff, Lancaster, PA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
They are walking all over the rails of my deck and the floor of my deck has about 50-100 dead ones. I do not hear any “singing” nearby, but I do hear it in the distance. Does this mean I’m surrounded by females who will lay eggs? Peg, Germantown, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Bugs, in general, give me an advanced case of the “willies.” Spotting a spider on my wall or a centipede scuttling across my floor can cause my heart to skip a beat. So, naturally, it was with a nameless dread that I anticipated the cicada onslaught. But now they’re here en masse, and I must say that – although I still find them physically repulsive – I have a new respect for the little fellows, and I go out of my way to avoid treading upon them. I find their background song to be rather soothing, and they have a certain dignified majesty about them. The next few weeks are, quite literally, their brief moment in the sun, and the upcoming days will provide us humans with a rare chance to witness a brief stage in the cicadas’ lifecycle (a lifecycle which is truly close to miraculous). So if this is being read by anyone from far away who shares my general distaste for bugs and feels pity for we poor souls who are being subjected to cicadas, you may rest assured that things aren’t altogether bad. In fact, I rather pity you for your inability to witness this rare and curious natural display firsthand. I maintain, however, that if one of these things lands on me I will scream with reckless abandon and run for cover. Ken Ramsey, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
While I can understand a fear of spiders, I cannot understand the fear of these amazing creatures. To emerge for a couple of weeks, after 17 years underground, sing a mating tune, do “the thing” and then die, only to have one’s offspring appear in another 17 years – well, I think it’s something worth experiencing. Compared to tent caterpillars, the cicadas are a wonder to behold AND hear.
Mireille, Bethesda, MD Mireille, Bethesda, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Cindy –
I’m pretty sure that there will be none out in Cumberland Co. NJ this year — the soil is pretty sandy there. Still, there are some old records from the region so you could get lucky (in which case I would like to hear about it). The closest populations will be in northern Salem County. In two weeks or so, once the cicada are all out, you can call around to people in that area to see if they have heard of any populations out. Dave Marshall, CT
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We spotted one on our doorstep last night. When we awoke, his shell was attached to our brick house and the adult was still on the doorstep. Here they come! Susanne, Alexandria (Mount Vernon), VA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I was out putting wood on a burn pile this morning when I noticed a strange insect shell. I brought it inside and started searching the web to identify it. I have come to the conclusion that it is a cicada exoskeleton thingy. How cool! I havent seen any of the adults or heard any of them sing either. Hope I see some soon. Do they work well as bait for fishing? I’m an avid fisher”girl” and would like to use them if I ever find any. Ashley, Mercersburg PA
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Went to church in Old Lutherville this morning. Cicadas everywhere! Lots of them on trees but also on outdoor railing, telephone pole and the handicap parking sign.
Saw 1 with a deformed wing. Lea, Lutherville, Md
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
continuing to accelerate in Bethesda/Chevy
Chase MD area. Still areas with huge numbers waiting to emerge mostly in wooded park areas. Deformed wings are mostly caused by being disturbed during emergence IMO. This happens when they fall, get trampled by another cicada or touched by a human. David, Bethesda
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
This morning for the first time, I can hear the cicadas but the sound appears to be in the distance. Have not seen any flying around as yet, but like Lori in Va. I plan to stay indoors….I would have cardiac arrest if one landed on me! Eeewwwww is right! Ellen, Baltimore, Md
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
first sighting 5/15 evening jeff, Anderson, Cincinnati, OH 45244
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I thought the rain we got last night might encourage them to come out, but my AM yard check shows nothing yet. South Jersey seems to be behind, but I’ll report back as soon as we have them! Lori, Mullica Hill, NJ
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We started to experience the first wave of emergence this week in the Washington Grove area of Gaithersburg. Yesterday (Saturday, 5/15) we started to hear the first low buzz of the cicadas. It was still at the level of background, much like traffic noise, but you could already hear the modulation. John Bradfield, Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
The last 2 nights so many have appeared
at dark that the tree bark looks like it’s sliding up the tree. We have had thousands out since thursday the 13th. These poor guys only seem to make it to about noon the next day with wings, and body parts found all around. The birds and squirrel are just waiting each morning for thier next meal.Just as the singing and flying start, it’s over that quick. Any one else seeing the same? Thomas S., Fallston- Maryland
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Saw two empty nymph shells and one adult cicada today. I have been checking everyday for a week and a half looking for signs of them coming out and finally saw the first one. I’m sure the rest will be following shortly. Cindy, Pr. William Pkwy, Virginia
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Hello! A colleague and I are organizing an expedition to record the song of Brood X using wide-format analog tape and good microphones… where is the best emergence zone within a few hours of Asheville North Carolina? Would we do best to head north, to the NC/TN border, or farther east towards Virginia? Thanks for any replies.
-Amos
North American Institute for Psychoacoustic Research Amos, Asheville NC
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Apparently, I jumped the gun the other day in declaring that the recent development in the area had prevented any emergence of Brood X.
Walking… er, stumbling home tonight, there are at least 200-300 nymphs and some white adults on the trees, bushes and street signs in front of my apartment building – Potomac at River House. (And here I am posting about it at 3am, how dorky.)
I feel a little less masculine saying so, but these bugs are creepy — I was up at a friend of mine’s house in Silver Spring today and his yard was literally teeming with them. And apparently, they seemed to think that my shoes were a good resting spot, even while I was standing in them (they’re tenacious little buggers and wouldn’t let go). Dan, Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
I noticed a few on Friday, maybe 10-15. Today (Sat.) there were hundreds in all stages all over the yard. My dog had a field day. Needless to say she didn’t touch her food in her dog bowl. I’ve been telling my kids about the Brood X envasion for a few months now. They were totally freaking out today thinking this was it….I told them “IT’S ONLY JUST BEGUN…JUST WAIT” they can’t believe there will be more….I’m sure the sound will be WAY more than they expected too. It’s quite cool tonight so it will be interesting to see if many more emerge tongiht. The temp is below 65. Jan, French Lick , Indiana
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
We had thunderstorms roll through the area tonight, and I decided to go out after the storm (12:30 am) and see if I could find any Cicadas. I’m excited to report that I saw three white nymphs on the lower bare branches of some oak trees. I’m excited! Neighborhood (Loveton Farms) is just barely 17 years old, at higher elevation. We’re late, I guess!
Greg
Greg, Sparks, Maryland
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
My neighborhood is relatively young. To put it in perspective, my house is only 17 years old. We’ve had an enoromous amount of new construction right behind our communicty, so I’m thinking…maybe we won’t get hit that hard. I’m not ruling it out though. I’m bracing myself. I’M TERRIFIED OF BUGS!! I’ve been conditioning myself for a face to face confortation with one of these things by looking at every picture possible posted on the web. Co-workers that live in Beltsville and near College Park have seen hundreds of them. Is it possible to such concentrated pockets of activity only a few miles away? Ayanna, Laurel, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I have not seen a single cicada at my house yet. I live on a 1 acre lot that is 1/2 wooded, so this area would have been all woods 17 years ago. Somebody said they don’t like sandy soil? Could I miss out on all the excitement? john, pasadena, md
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Have seen many cicadas in the lawns of Odenton, but none in Crofton, MD. Eileen, Crofton, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I saw the first one Thurs.5/13 and tonight,5/15, when I got home from work there were hundreds of them in the trees,on my house and anything else they could climb on. I think they are fasinating! Mike O., McCoole,Maryland
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Haven’t seen one critter yet..maybe the thunderstorms are keeping them away.. fine by me ! Kay, Enola, PA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I thought they would come in one big swoop, but everyday as I walk I see new emergence sites. Tip for those looking, look low. I thought they would be up higher on the trees, but they are low in the bushes and tall grass. I pointed them out to many people who were walking by and never even noticed them. I hate bugs, but these guys have me morbidly fascinated Jane, Ashburn
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I’m really hoping they come to York. My mom only remembers a few here. We are 30 miles for the PA/MD border and it seems PA has nothing and MD has everything. I went to my grandma’s house in Timonium and brought some back to satisfy myself by placing them in our yard! Now we have cicadas! Yay!!! Ed, York PA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
AM chilly and rainy. While walking the dogs I saw dozens of nymph shells. Also several nymphs walking around, sluggish. Emergence is spotty. For example, our neighbor’s yard next door had a bunch of nymphs on grass, with cicadas molting, but I see none in our yard. I took one cicada home and took pictures. When you put them somewhere, they go ‘up’. Probably a lot of cicadas high in the trees. PM. Rain stopped. Saw numerous cicadas in the back yard. There were also more emergence holes in the ground. We gave the dogs their second walk. Some trees and telephone poles had 20 shells/nymphs on them, others no signs. Tom Cpp[er, Miamisburg, OH
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Woke up this morning and there must be 1 million of those things all over my house, car, yard, trees and that nosie is annoying
Great pics Sean, Springfield VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I found one cocoon under a rock this morning, put in jar. Anyone in northern morris county having an emergence? rikikitty, succasunna nj
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I was starting to get worried…no sign of cicadas in Leesburg, but I found my first exoskeleton yesterday. Found 10 more in one tree in my front yard today. I can hear a few singing off in the distance. I guess we are about to get it.
It’s raining right now, so I expect a serious emergence tomorrow.
Gary, Leesburg, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
My kids and I live in Gaithersburg and have been disappointed with our lack of cicadas. My husbands house in Wheaton is submerged in cicadas. We packed up a bowl of them and imported them to our apt. here. We taken tons of photos. So far the cicadas have been on the toy train and remote control car rides and lots of cicada races. Oh yes, the cicadas also hung out with my daughter’s Barbie’s on the little beds and tables and fridge. Our cat has snacked on three which rather upset my son. We’ll play with them a bit more then release them tomorrow or tonight. We put a boy and a girl on our plant on the balcony and wished them luck. Yes, we’re nuts, but they are rather cute with their red eyes and their little growls. We liked reading all about them on the nicey-nice’s. Thanks for the info! Amy Israel, Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I hope this isn’t the “Keith” that’s been posting from Bloomington;
None seen yet in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis, IN. Joe, Noblesville, IN
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
We are in the middle of a 500 acre forest near the Tennessee border west of Murphy, NC.
We really don’t seem to have that many and no sound yet except off in the distance to the east of us for some odd reason we hear cicadas singing loudly during the day.
We have bird feeders and usually feed hundreds of birds but they have been gone the last few days…very wierd.
Pictures here:
Cicadas
Cicada skins
Very exciting!
Hope Hope, Murphy, NC
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Found one this afternoon while checking milkweed plants for monarch eggs – newly emerged, still next to its shell — a cassini male. Sarah Dalton, NE Columbus, OH
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
When I woke up this morning and I stepped outside, I took a deep breath, and I said “oh my”. Things were looking, a little peculiar. So I saw cicadas, OH MY GOD did I see cicadas, I SEE THEM ALL THE TIME! IT’S A REVOLUTION!!! So I said, “Hey hey hey hey, hey hey hey” I said, “hey, what’s going on?” Ryan J, Oakton
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Are there any confimed NJ sightings yet? I did read that one person saw some in Somerset Cty, but would especially like to know if cicadas have emerged any further south in the state. I read that Salem County was a likely emergence area, and am dying to know if any there have been seen or heard. I CAN’T WAIT!!! Debbi, southwestern NJ
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
My Mexican neighbors visited my yard late last night to collect several hundred newly-hatched cicadas for cooking. They say they soak them in water and remove the shells & legs, fry them, and wrap them in tortillas. They will bring me some tonight & I may try eating one of these tortillas, or at least see how they look. I was afraid there would not be any cicadas left but there are lots more…Hyattsville Maryland. mahala, hyattsville maryland
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
they are everywhere, in the tree’s the pond,and they are nasty can’t wait for them to leave,on the other hand my grandson like’s them and he is only 2 1/2 so we are getting picture of him with them elizabeth, severn maryland
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Must be thousands that have emerged in my neighborhood, Parkside Condos near the Grosvenor Metro stop. Went for a walk this morning and they are all over the trees, sidewalks, sign posts, fire hydrants…felt bad about stepping on them but I tried to avoid that as best I could. Not too many are actually flying though. A lot of them seem to have messed up wings, and many seem to have died shortly after emerging. Makes me wonder if something is wrong with my local population. As for the healthy ones, they’re fascinating to watch. See http://www.djflowerz.com/cicada.html Evan, North Bethesda, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I would plan my next 17 years so that I will be able to come up with a working pesticide to kill this X brood before it invades our living space again. Nothing but disgust to the people it brings – everyone I know would prefer never see it. They don’t even “taste just like chicken” – according to those who are curious enough to try. MY DOG IS WEARING A MUZZLE since Monday – because just a though of her eating those things make me sick, thank you very much. I’d rather compensate her need in proteins with beef or lamb.
Best regards,
Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I spotted my first adult cicada this morning on my balcony. Well, my cat Layla did. Luckily enough the window was closed hehehehe. Laura from Fairfax, I agree with you. If one of those things landed on me, I might die!!! Ewwwww. I’m not going out for the whole cicada season. Anyway, they are clearly visible today here across from W & OD Railroad Trail Regional Park, and they have been singing in the wooded park since this morning. Lori, Arlington, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I spotted my first adult cicada this morning on my balcony. Well, my cat Layla did. Luckily enough the window was closed hehehehe. Laura from Fairfax, I agree with you. If one of those things landed on me, I might die!!! Ewwwww. I’m not going out for the whole cicada season. Anyway, they are clearly visible today here across from W & OD Railroad Trail Regional Park, and they have been singing in the wooded park since this morning. Lori, Arlington, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I want to take my kids to see the cicadas but the only sightings in NJ appear to be in the central/northern regions of the state. I am in Cumberland County located in the southern region, has anyone sighted any in this area? Any ideas where to look, wooded areas etc. There seem to be plenty in DE and MD so I may just have to take a day/night trip. Cindy, Bridgeton,NJ
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I would love to see a map of the US (or the world, if someone is really motivated) on this site that shows the areas affected by Cicada emergence. It would be cool if it were interactive, too, such that one can see maybe states, or moderately accurate colored areas indicating the emergence (and maybe colored to indicate they type of cicada that’s emerging) that one can click on to zoom and see a more accurate detailed layout of the emergence patterns. Robb, Columbia, SC
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Just came in from watching a few thousand emerge & molt in my back yard! There everywhere!
GlennR, Vienna, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Emergence picking up speed now…not yet to the horror stage (and I’m praying we are spared), but they’re coming out fast and furious. Started on 12 May and increasing by leaps and bounds. (BTW, The Pentagon courtyard was LOADED by 13 May), I am no longer spending any time outside. If one of those things lands on me I may have heart failure. Most bugs, spiders, etc., don’t much bother me, but these things are so big and so mindless (will land on ANYTHING upright!) and so numerous, that I am totally creeped out. Got my husband to clean out the garage so I can park my car inside and dash straight from the house, heehee. Also ordered 1/4inches mesh to put over my small (less than 6 ft.) trees, as there is a chance of injury to these less established plants. My dogs, on the other hand, are having a field day! Every ten minutes they are “bugging” me to go outside so they can gorge themselves. They are having a blast scouring the yard and the small bushes for what they obviously consider a VERY tasty treat. (sorry to you cicada lovers out there–no disrespect intended 🙂 Fortunately, I also have encouraged LOTS of wildlife in my yard, so everyone benefits. I hope I survive this month with my sanity intact–my Mom grew up in Baltimore and remembers the 1953 emergence there and she won’t even let me TALK about cicadas, she gets creeped out so bad…I am hoping my experience won’t be similar! Laura, Rt. 50 and Nutley St., Fairfax, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
They’re definitely out and about in Falls Church. Not a huge number yet in my yard, but enough to be distinctly audible. And from what I can tell, there are primarily M. septendecim in the area. But music geek that I am, I had to figure out the pitch of the call. For the most part, it’s a descending perfect fifth. Yesterday (13 May), the top note of that fifth was E, the bottom A440 (which is the pitch orchestras tune to)–and I found this very interesting. Today, though, I noticed that the top pitch is more like E-flat, and the bottom more A-flat (or some quartertone very nearby). Is there any known reason for shifts of pitch like that?
And has anyone ever studied the pitch/rhythm of cicada song in terms of musical analysis as opposed to biological function of the song? Mitya, Falls Church, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There are hundreds beneath the street trees, climbing everywhere. Yesterday nothing. Tomorrow —- oh my! Rutherford B, Potomac
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I haven’t seen any until tonight. They are all over the sidewalks, and each step goes crunch. I think I’m really to go on a vacation for 6 weeks until they are all gone. Abby, Pikesville/Upper Park Heights – Baltimore
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I came home tonight around 11:30 pm and hundreds of the little buggers were crawling all over the pavement and onto trees…i even saw some on the wheels of other cars! Took some great pictures. Oh and my cat loves them! Bring a few in for your kitty. They are a great toy! Andrew, Fairfax County off Columbia PIke, Falls Church, Virginia
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
We have now tried a couple of the recipes from the Cicada-licious cook book, and I have some thoughts/advice to share. (1) Don’t to the blanching thing. They turn out really gross that way. Just freeze them and cook them later, dry roast them straight away, or use them fresh. (2) There is wide variation in size, with the very largest being easily 4 times as big as the very tiniest. (3) We have blanched, pan fried, and dry roasted, and no matter how you cook them they turn out basically hollow inside. Some proteinaceous material collects in the very tail end of the abdomen, and some more in in the thorax and head area, but they are at least 80% hollow after cooking. (4) Dry roasting took some experimenting. The cook book says 10-15 minutes, but I found it took a good 40-45 minutes to completely dry out the largest cicadas. When roasting, they smell a lot like baking potatoes. It’s probably a good idea to throw them in the freezer for 10 minutes to “knock them out” before you try to roast them. (5) By the time you get them home and begin cooking with them, they will probably start to turn a little dark. This did not cause us any problems at all with cooking or eating. They were all still alive at least 2 hours after we started collecting. (6) They really do taste like a very mild nut. The “soft shelled” cicadas from the cook book were basically a waste of time–they tasted mostly like the fried breading, with just a very small amount of cicada flavor. The chocolate covered cicadas are very good. They taste a lot like chocolate covered nuts, but have just a very slight chewiness. Have a glass of mild or water on hand, because the chocolate melts away before you are done chewing cicada material, and you might get some stuck in your teeth. Don’t let that last bit scare you away, because the cooked cicada is really only a small amount of actual stuff, and the taste of the chocolate covered cicadas is really very good. Good luck! Keith2, Bloomington, IN
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Went out last night and found about 7 or 8.
Had a good rain here today and this evening, my friends & I drove all over our neighborhoods, sighting hundreds!
http://share-photocenter.bestbuy.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAs3LJu3ctHIw&open=1&sm=0&sl=0
zappagirl, cincinati (greenhills) ohio
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Haven’t seen them at my house but they have invaded my parent’s yard. There are holes about 2 inches apard all over one side of their yard and you can’t take a step without stepping on one. And the noise. It sounded like hundreds of motors running. Amazing. Sandy, East Tennessee
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Yesterday (5/14) at the Howard County High School Tennis Tournament at Wilde Lake Tennis Center an adult Cicada utilized my leg as a landing strip. It was alarming at first but I recovered quickly and inspected the creature. Very docile and in a wierd way, cute.
Most of the High School boys around me reacted with curiosity. Most of the girls ran away screaming.
After seeing NO cicadas around my property I awoke this morning to see about 50 shells and 30 adults clinging to the side of my house. The area birds have yet to notice them. A literal smorgasbord awaits them! Jeff Grimshaw, Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
We first started seeing them on Tuesday at our apartment. On Wednesday night I could only find 4 to use as fishing bait. Friday night there were hundreds crawling everywhere around our apartment building, but the neighboring buildings have very few. Today, we are seeing them everywere, in all stages of growth. Jeff the Canadian in MD, Catonsville, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
You walk outside in the morning and it’s like the ALIENS have landed (so true). No kidding, it’s like the Flying Saucer Invasion sound effect in the movies. To me that’s the most unsettling part initially. You actually don’t even have to go outside, you can hear them indoors too. You cannot escape it. It is here. We spent last night watching hundreds of them coming out of their shells on our front step, and all around the creepy rustling. Everywhere. John, Arlington, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Updated photos at http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/detail?.dir=/3883&.dnm=a1be.jpg&.src=ph
Found a HUGE concentration in some weeds and grass over by a stream, and heard them chirping for the first time while I was over there taking photos. WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I live in South Bowie and I haven’t seen one cicada. My son said he saw a couple of shells on his way to school yesterday. I am thankful and hope this will continue. I do like those big bugs that fly on you. If I don’t see a one it will be ok with me. Denise, Bowie, Maryland
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
They are here in Columbia. I watched them emerge last night around 10:30. It was so cool. Today there are many shells on trees and bushes. There are also a few fully developed cicadas on plants and trees. There were two hanging out on the tires of my car!! They are so cute. Tommorrow I expect to see a lot more. Monica , Columbia MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There are everywhere this morning, 5-15-2004 and I don’t think they were here yesterday! They are mostly found in sunny places, I suppose to help with their metamorphosis. I can clearly see them emerging from their old shells, unfolding their wings, warming up and hardening and then moving for vertical structures. Dave Starcher, Reisterstown, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Found a couple of molting nymphs out front of my house. I can hear the drone of cicadas in the distance, across the lake at Blackhill. Was getting worried because I’ve seen tons in Rockville, but none up here. Thought that maybe that these new townhouse developments had plowed all the critters under. drex snodworth, Germantown, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
I woke up this morning, and went outside. And there were cicadas all over my house! There are probably about 50 of them on my front porch! Laura, Maryland
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
TOP SERIOUS! Jon, Owings Mills, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Yesterday 7pm, nothing. Yesterday 11pm, maybe a hundred on all the trees. 5/15 at 11:30am, over a thousand shells. More coming, but the stupid dog eats all of them (along with everything else non-metal) Brad, Timonium, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
The cicadas were slow to emerge here, in Reston, but are coming out more and more. Yesterday we had about 10 in the back yard on the house, but today, there were enough for my husband to sweep up and move out of the way. Our dog has already eated one and decided it wasn’t as tasty as it could have been!
No noise yet either…I’m anxious for the noises. This brood year is the first I ever remember seeing.
Robin, Reston, Va
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
After seeing lots of thier holes in the ground, and lots of thier husks on trees, and LOTS of thier dead bodies on the sidewalk and street, they are not only finally here, but they started to sing today.
At first I didnt think there were going to be that many, but I was wrong. They are literally crawling all over the place. I was kind of surprised even to hear them this morning when I woke, let alone how LOUD they are.
At the gas station this morning while pumping fuel, I felt a strange tickling on my lower leg. I brushed it away not even looking or thinking. Then a minute later I looked down.. and there were 4 fully adult cicadas on the ground near me. I didnt pay much attention to them at first. Then I felt the strange tickling again. I look down and one is on my shoe, and one is on my leg about half way up my calf!
He fell off and fluttered around on his back for a minute then went right back to climbing up my shoe again. So when I finsihed pumping the gas. I picked all 4 of em up, and placed them in the tree at the edge of the station.
I dont see how on earth anyone can be scared of these things. I think they are kinda cute! I even feel kinda sorry for them because they are so clumsy. LOL! So they are here and in BIG numbers in Fairfax VA! DC UNITED FAN – K.J., Fairfax, VA
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
There Here!!!!!!! First shells/bugs late Fri evening.
We have had intense rain….and Now Cicadas..found 10 in just the lenght of my house on west side of foundation.
Here we go…….
James Hail, Martinsville Indiana
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So, my 82 year old dad mentioned to me that he would like to experience a cicada emergence before he passes on. He’s in great health, don’t worry, but despite his robust nature, chances are he won’t be around for Brood X’s next go ’round.
If I was to organize a trip in the next month to see an emergence, where in your expert opinion might we have the most memorable experience?
Any advice is helpful, as I’m a California native and never seen a cidada, much less an emergence.
Thanks! Edith , Never Seen a Cicada, CA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Each last three nights ten times the night before. Tonight so many they are knocking each other out of the trees for lack of space. Chris, Potomac, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I haven’t been sure if I was looking forward to this or dreading it, having grown up in the western US, where periodical cicadas don’t live. We saw a couple dozen this evening in south-eastern Ellicott City. Came home (western Ellicott City) and looked outside with a flashlight, and still no sign of mass emergence, but did see one brave little cicada fly past my head and through the beam of my flashlight while I was looking! Corine, Ellicott City, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I live in Annandale, VA and during the morning to early afternoon, they are all over the place. I know they are only bugs but they scare me because of how big they are. Just waiting at the bus stop, I saw them going into the street and beside the bus stop in the dirt. Mike, Annandale, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was terrified when I opened my door a few days ago and saw so many huge bugs all over my front porch. Since then, I have learned all about cicadas and am no longer afraid. I love seeing and hearing them all around my yard. Jo, Cheverly, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw the first cicada climbing up the brick wall at school this afternoon. Lynn, Dover DE
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There havent been alot of postings from New Jersey. They have finally arrived. I saw hundreds of them today when cutting lawns about 5 miles away in a wooded area in southern Somerset County. Lots of discarded shells….Cicadas resting in bushes and tree leaves. Also saw some deformed cicadas and just leftover wings with no bodies…I guess the birds got to them. I didnt get a chance to see one molt before my eyes or the nymphs climb up from the ground but hopefully in my travels I will. mark, belle mead, new jersey
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This afternoon I heared cicada songs for the first time this week. They were faint, only a few cicadas, and they sounded like they were a few houses over from mine. This week has been pretty active with cicadas emerging each evening. Sean, Kensington, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Talking with co-workers today, someone who lives in Columbia MD saw them emerging today and watched one moult. Someone who lives in Kensington MD said they began to come out yesterday, today he had what he called “cicada siding” on his house and hosed them off, I’m sure they’re back. I saw one in North Potomac today all by itself (my first sighting). None yet in my yard in Poolesville. The yard looks aerated though with their holes. Daughter has bug cage ready we are waiting. Barb, Poolesville MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I can hear the cicadas coming out of the ground. They sound almost like rice crispies. There are cicadas on my porch that need to be swept away, there are cicadas on every leaf of many of the trees here, there are cicadas every morning on my car tires, there are cicadas an inch thick around the base of several of my trees. We have tons of them.
But–the thing that scares me is that about 10% of them are deformed. Yes, hundreds are emerging with dwarfed, curled wings. Some have no wings and some are small and round. Is anyone else experiencing the same?
Linda, McLean, VA USA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday, during my daily walk, I found one cicada dead in the road. I never saw any shed shells on the trees, so I though it was possible that it was brought up from DC on someone’s car.
Today on my walk, I found more smushed cicadas in the road where I found the other one. But this time, I found scores and scores of husks in the nearby shurbs.
I’m sure my girlfriend will be less than pleased. Dale, Harpers Ferry, WV
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning there were plenty with the wobbling noise. By this afternoon all the live ones were gone. There are tons of shells, some trees having hundreds. Maybe the birds havn’t been sated. Alan, Fairfax
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada’s are ugly. I saw a picture of one and I’m gald they have not came here ,yet! paige, maryland,pasadena
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
i live just outside of nashville,tn…so far i have not seen or heard them yet jon, nashville,tn
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I work at the Tournament Players Club at Jasna Polana, a golf club in Princeton NJ. One of our workers trapped the first cicada we’ve seen, right by the clubhouse, in a soda cup with a lid. It was his gift to me! Kristine, princeton, nj
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
My wife & I went “hunting” for the cicadas last night at Potomac Overlook Park on Marcy Drive in Arlington last night and saw about 100 or so in various stages of the molting process. There were lots of empty shells around, but we only saw 1 adult. I grabbed him and he started vibrating like he was trying to sing.
It was really cool watching them come out of the ground, molting out of their shells, and expanding out their wings. They look beautiful and angelic while they’re still white, before they turn dark. What fun! Evan, Arlington
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Has anyone seen ANY of the 17-year cicadas in the Centreville or Manassas areas?
We have yet to see EVEN ONE of them in that area. Brad, Centreville
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We watched hundreds of the critters emerge last night. This morning, our sons could find nothing but shells and wings–we live next to a bird sanctuary. The birds seemed happier this morning. Cicadapizza, Cincinnati
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve had few exoskeletons decorate my front porch, and a few more live ones climbing trees nearby. No mating calls yet, but we’re getting ready for the orgy. Robin Jones, Louisville, KY
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
2 shells found in yard Karen, Severn, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The last couple days I only saw a few cicadas here and there. This morning my yard had lots of little holes in it and my bushes were covered with hundreds of cicadas. Haven’t heard them sing yet, though. Lynn, Cheverly, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I am in northern baltimore county, And I have a 150 year old property with many old trees, I have one seen a few single cicadas around the yard ,but no masses just yet. Cicada Bob, Hereford , MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The madness has begun. In the neighboorhood of Somerset in Chevy Chase, MD, there are pockets of activity. The most activity is near where some trees were recently cut down (the trunks are still there). I imagine that the loss of tree cover has exposed the ground to more sunlight, causing these areas to become more active than others.
In stretches along sidewalks near these, you can see many nymphs actively walking towards their molting destinations in the evenings and mornings (along with the unfortunate ones that didn’t make it). This morning alone, I got an excellent view of several stages of the molting process on one tree. There were the just emerging, the struggling to get out, the out, but white, and the darkening ones.
And to think that this is only the beginning! I must take pictures. Maurice, Chevy Chase, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I thought we were going to miss out on the show. Not many to be found in my yard.
Peeked out again before I went to bed at 11:30pm and found the yard FULL of hatchlings. Sat on my porch and watched several hatch from right up close. They are so beautiful when they are still white!
I thought I heard it start to rain but shortly realized I was hearing the scuffling of all the cicadas in the leaves and in the grass. Okay – THAT was pretty creepy.
By morning they were again hard to find. Finally located many spent skins from the night before, and discovered that the grown bugs had hidden under leaves or flown high into the trees.
Next came the free Cicada Buffet for all the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood! Saw one last white nymph on a tree trunk but before I could get close enough to see him close a bird swooped in and gobbled him up.
Now its afternoon and the adults are flying and one has finally started singing – WEEEEoooo! WEEEEooo!
Oh this is going to be fun! Pat, Gaithersburg MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
HAVE NOT SEEN THEM YET, BUT HEARD THEM
OVERHEAD IN CLIFTON STEVE, FAIRFAX,VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was 8 years old when the 1987 infestation hit metro DC, and am now 25 and living in New England, where no one I’ve talked to has even HEARD of cicadas. My mother, still living in Arlington, VA, has been keeping me posted, and I’ll be traveling that direction tomorrow for a week. I feel that I’m making some sort of pilgrimage. Ben, Keene, New Hampshire
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! joan, west Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! Ed, Glenelg, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. Mike, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. Will, Naperville, IL
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. Jason, Alexandria
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. Boris, Towson, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening cicadalady, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 DLE, Great Falls, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! Erica, Owings Mills, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! Coles, Randallstown, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. Pauline, Dayton, OH USA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.
I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
we found an albino cicada….how common is that? andrea, annapolis, md
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As of today, no action yet even though there are tons of wooded areas near our house in the western part of Price William County, hope they won’t disappoint us, maybe the traffic in this area scared them away. Andy, Bristow, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. John, Reston, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… NIkki, Takoma Park, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. Mark, Rockville, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. Jane, Ashburn, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…
http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle
Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.
I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas Mike, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. Tim, Columbia
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. Robert, Rockville MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. Lesley, Centreville, Virginia
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. Snow, Fairfax, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 Ray, Alexandria
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. Little Johnny, Oakton
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Based on my cicada experience in 1987, I’ve been excitedly pushing my students to be on the lookout for hordes of cicadas any time in the last week through this one. To my disappointment (and theirs), I have yet to see a single one in my backyard or neighborhood for that matter. Out of pity for me, one of my students brought in a carcass yesterday.
Where are all the cicadas? Reiko, Reston, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. Eric, Bellbrook, OH
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Johnson City, TN
Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.
Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. Dave, Jones
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Have a pic of an emerging cicada, it’s yellow with red eyes. Looks so neat. Nicole, Lanham, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First 2 empty shells last night (5/13) and the neighbor caught 1 live one this a.m. OH NO!!…….Here they come>!>!
Getting out the ear plugs………. Dave, Glen Burnie, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They have finally started showing up in Herndon! I saw a few shells in my backyard today, and tonight I saw a few unfortunate critters squished at a parking lot. I did save the one live one I found, though. I picked him up off the road and pointed him toward a tree so he could discard his shell and live on. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! KJ, Herndon, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! joan, west Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! Ed, Glenelg, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. Mike, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. Will, Naperville, IL
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. Jason, Alexandria
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. Boris, Towson, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening cicadalady, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 DLE, Great Falls, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! Erica, Owings Mills, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! Coles, Randallstown, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. Pauline, Dayton, OH USA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.
I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
we found an albino cicada….how common is that? andrea, annapolis, md
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. John, Reston, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… NIkki, Takoma Park, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. Mark, Rockville, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. Jane, Ashburn, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…
http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle
Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.
I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas Mike, Arlington, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. Tim, Columbia
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. Robert, Rockville MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. Lesley, Centreville, Virginia
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. Snow, Fairfax, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 Ray, Alexandria
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. Little Johnny, Oakton
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. Eric, Bellbrook, OH
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Johnson City, TN
Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.
Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. Dave, Jones
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! Jean, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. Keith2, Bloomington, IN
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania Scott, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada SIPA, Vienna, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! Jean, Columbia, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
No emergence yet in Burnsville, Yancey Co. western North Carolina. Elevation downtown is 2,815 feet; elevation at the house ~2,950 ft. Temperature 63 degrees f at 2am so I gather soil temperature is a little too low.
This is in a borderline area – was not here in 1987 or 1970. I hope they live here and are fixin’ to emerge – want to see this once-every-17-y phenomenon. Ruth, Burnsville, NC
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. Keith2, Bloomington, IN
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania Scott, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada SIPA, Vienna, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Noticed a couple of mub tubes and exit holes under our large wild cherry tree yesterday morning. Nothing outside yet. Rhett, Hershey, PA
Cicada Mania was mentioned in this recent
Washington Post article. (thx Donna)
In isolated pockets across the Washington area, periodical cicadas have begun to emerge in heavy numbers, the silent beginning of an infestation of black-bodied, red-eyed insects that is going to get a lot more intense and a lot more noisy before it ends next month.
Cicada Mania was mentioned in the Christian Science
Monitor article Invasion of the teenage insects.
Every 17 years they emerge. To some, it’s a dream come true: an opportunity to see nature in full-blown action. To others it’s a waking nightmare: the invasion of the really big bugs with the big red eyes.
Too good not to share: Cicada-licious: cooking and enjoying periodical cicadas: the ultimate guide to cooking and eating cicadas. [Adobe Acrobat PDF] Link goes to archive.org.
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Noticed a couple of mub tubes and exit holes under our large wild cherry tree yesterday morning. Nothing outside yet. Rhett, Hershey, PA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw the first one 2 days ago. Came home to find 3 more yesterday afternoon. Woke up this orning to find over 200 on my front porch! I am home now and they have begin singing here in Catonsville. John, Catonsville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well the cicadas are definitely afoot. I saw a few of the lumbering larva last night crawling up one side of my house. Tonight is a totally different story, not few but many, possibly hundreds are crawling up a nearby tree with the sole intent of exiting there collective carcasses. Interesting creatures to be sure if you find them you can actually hear them crawling on the lawn, climbing trees, trying to grasp at leaves. After viewing them in all there glory I decided to hop in the car and run to the store. As I exit the driveway I feel something crawling up my leg. Yep you guessed it, one of them 17 year critters, yuck. I suspect I’ll be having cicada nightmares soon. Brandon, Rockville, Md
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The widespread Cincinnati emergence started on May 12 with 40% of our study sites showing cicada activity. We have now received reports from Northern Kentucky, central Cincinnati, and the western suburbs. Gene Kritsky, Cincinnati, OH
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw postings of others nearby and was feeling forgotten even though our yard is full of the definitive “dime-sized” holes.
Was not disappointed this morning – saw about 50-60 skins and a couple of dozen of live cicadas. Worked from home and was able to watch the molt, the climb, the nap, and the flight to adventure. Probably would have sighted quite few more except for the birds happily enjoying cicada buffet for lunch! Pat, Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well, for some reason I really haven’t found any on my property, but last night I counted about fifteen larvae crawling on the sidewalk out front of my neighbors house. Tonight I counted sixteen, along with a couple of shells Gosh this is exciting. I’m only twenty five so I don’t really remember the last one. I hope they hurry along because nothing sounds more like summer than the music of cicadas! Joshua, Northeast Baltimore, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw about ten cicadas crawling around on one block in Woodley Park. Can’t wait till they start getting loud. Taylor, Washington DC
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I first saw them (yeah!!) yesterday morning sitting on daffodil leaves when I went out to get the paper. More this AM. Grabbed my digital camera both times and got great close-ups since the cicadas were drying their wings and couldn’t fly yet. They are a marvel!!!! Ann, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My daughter brought me what she considered an interesting insect shell 2 days ago (May 11th), and I finally checked it out…Sure enough, it’s a cicada shell…I haven’t heard too much ruckus, so don’t know if it was a solitary cicada, or if there’s more and we just haven’t found more shells…I’ll be mowing the grass tomorrow, so we’ll see then…If not, at least we know that they’ve arrived in Odenton… Vivian P, Odenton, Maryland USA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Had my first one smash right into my face (faceshield on my helmet was raised) at about 35 mph in Owen County, Indiana. Man was it painful. It will be a tough month for motorcyclists in Indiana.
Brendan Kearns, Clay City, IN
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Finally, after a long awaited arrival, I caught my first one this round tonight. They are cte in there own sort of bug eyed way, only saw one live one, saw many shells however. Can’t wait until they’re making my ears ring…oh, and I’ve heard some people say they are finding “albinos”. While there may be albinos out there, they all start out white, with red eyes (look like an albino, right?!), but however they are just newly emerged. Just wanted to clear up any confusion. Enjoy them while they’re here! Jeff, Parkville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Walked my dog this evening thinking maybe there just aren’t any cicadas around me, being in a newly developed neighborhood. Just then I heard something fall from a tree, walked over to it, and in the process stepped on a cicada and saw a few crawling up a tree, and saw the holes. I was only able to see about 5 of them, low in the trees and on the ground. So, they are likely the first buggers to come. gmoney, North Potomac, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw a shell WAAAAAAAAAAY up in a tree this morning, 2 more on a signpost this afternoon…expecting to see tons tomorrow..we’ll see. Saw TONS in Silver Spring on my way to work though… WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I cant believe people are actually eating these things. Is there like a shortage of spam at the local Giant or something. I havent seen a cicada yet, but I have been preparing myself for the mass hysteria they will cause. I remember when I was 8 and they first showed. It was crazy. They were everywhere. The worse was the shells they leave behind. O well they are one of god’s creatures. Sytero Illgalscus, Riverdale, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The Cicadas are up today, May 13, inside the town (Bloomington, Indiana), but out in the countryside away from the heat sinks of pavement and buildings, they don’t seem to be up yet.
http://www.kevinatkins.com/20040513cicadas
-Kevin
Kevin, Bloomington, Indiana
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My mother, who lives in Ellijay, GA, called me today. She told me that she called the security office of the gated community where she lives to report a house alarm going off nearby. They called back a few minutes later, “I’m sorry ma’am, but the noise you are hearing is not an alarm going off, it is the cicada’s mating call.” Needless to say, my mother felt very foolish! Linda, Jonesborough, TN
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I hadn’t seen any until this morning but there are shells everywhere so they are here! Beth, Catonsville MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I have noticed that a lot of the cicadas are mutated in some way. Some have no wings, some have small shriveled wings, some have one large & one small wing, some have two curly wings, etcetera. I have also noticed that some have underdeveloped bodies. For every normal cicada I have seen in my yard I have seen two or three that are abnormal. We are still getting hundreds of them as of today, 05/13/04.
Scott, Franconia, Virginia
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw my first cicada shell today on the tire of my car this morning. I imagine that is a good indication of what is to come!!! Karla, Fairfax
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Cicadas are everywhere here in Timonium, every night hundreds more emerge – my cat is going crazy. I left NY and love this! Steve Saia, Timonium, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Cicada sighting today, at my busstop, Wabash & Flower Ave. Yesterday there was nothing and this morning…there were shells galore! Ugh! yuck! There was one little cicada wabbling around in the grass as well.
Jennifer, Takoma Park, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We are still looking for them – someone told me in Carroll County, MD they really aren’t that prevalent. Has anyone seen them in Carroll County yet? I am in the southwestern corner near Frederick and Montgomery Co. Laura, Mount Airy, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First saw several yesterday morning on the trunk of a tree in my front yard. Saw even more this morning as well as some making their way through the grass. I live on 1/2 acre very wooded lot backing to acres of treed parkland. Tons of cicada holes all over the back yard. Should get very exciting in the next few days! Tom McCafferty, Falls Church, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Was around the neighborhood of the National Cathedral last night, and they are EVERYWHERE. The concentration of them was huge walking up the sidewalks of Wisconsin Ave, and they are in all stages of emergence. Crazy. Eric, Washington, DC
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Well they’re all over the clothing left outside overnight and the benches and coming up through the gardens. No noise is coming from them yet. Jennifer, College Park, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I heard one for the first time today. It actually woke me up from my nap. It ha been “singing” all day. I will be going out to look for him later. Wolfie, Olmsted Falls Ohio
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
So I’m getting hitched June 5th IN THE PARK outside of Philly. I’m just worried that we won’t have enough seats for these uninvited guests. Any other brides share my concern? Rachel, Philadelphia
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I *think* I saw a cicada flying past my kitchen window in the backyard within the last hour. I haven’t seen any up close yet, though a neighbor said that they did out on New Hampshire Avenue. Melissa, Cloverly,Montgomery County, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First observed emergence on May 5. Night of May 11 was heavy activity, but night of May 12 was even heavier! As many as 50 on one Iris plant. Daniel, Bethesda, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The cicadas have emerged in the Kensington area this past Monday. I hated them in 1987 and nothing has changed since! Hopefully, I can survive this emergence without going insane! AMSL, Kensington, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They were out in full force this AM. We had seen the shells but nothing else. This morning the grass was moving as they made their way to the maple tree in our front yard. Very creepy…There were hundreds all trying to get a date. Gretchen, Fairfax, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Yesterday we saw a couple casts in the yard and one half-eaten adult. So last night at 10:00 pm I took my fellow-bug-loving 3-yr-old daughter and my always-looking-for-adventure foreign exchange student out with a flashlight and the digital camera and caught hundreds of the bugs in the act of molting on a tree in the front yard. It was fascinating. They’d crawl on our feet if we stood still too long (no Flip-flops from now on!). It was like watching a birth every time a new molting ocurred. I let my 3-yr-old take a newly-molted adult with fully unfurled wings, inside in a plastic container, so she could see how he (she?) would have changed from white to black by morning. I hope she remembers this forever! Viki Johnson, Temple Hills, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We live in a hollow, that is slightly cooler and a bit behind on most climatological events, so the Cicadas just began in earnest last night. Interesting that they only seemed to come out of the ground for the first hour or so of darkness. I’m guessing this is another insanely instinctual part of this strange bug; that gives them the most time until daylight to climb and molt while the predators (birds and squirrels) are all asleep.
We live on five acres of old trees, so I think we’re in for quite a show! Armand Sadlier, Howard County, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw one live adult this morning while walking to work in Falls Church VA. I saw a lot of remnants in the Metro parking lot. Strange–where are all the live ones? M, Falls Church
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Previously, I may have mistaken a brown slug emerging for a Cicada. The photo gallery on this site convinces me I may have had initial confusion. However, I later did see a red-eyed Cicada on a tree in the evening, and an empty shell in the morning, so they’re here … Peter, Sterling, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Found one exoskeleton Wednesday morning on my porch, and a live one — beady red eyes and all — on a wooden gate. Also a few sitings in Southern Indiana… Alex Davis, Louisville, KY
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Thousands in very isolated pockets only, around N. Grubb Rd. in Chevy Chase.
This morning I found what I thought were albinos, then realized they were slowly drying their wings and becoming adults.
One’s in a bug cage on my desk right now-I’m watching his tiny crumpled wings unfold, and his abdomen darken. They are very sweet bugs, and crawl placidly on your arms and fingers, a delight to examine closely. Amazing, the red eyes.
This is truly a beautiful and awesome event and I’m enjoying every minute of it! Going out to look tonight and see it begin… MerryB, Chevy Chase,MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Today was a HUGE day — early morning while it is still cool and dewey is definitely a great time to see them in action, molting out of their sheds. Their are THOUSANDS in our yard — some have really climbed quite a ways to get up and out on ends of branches; others were bogged down by the pachysandra and are only a few inches up. We saw many in various stages of emerging — a real treat since one was at eye level for the girls to see up close. Obviously many had emerged overnight, as there were hundreds that were already dark and sunning themselves. We rescued a few that were in the middle of the yard and placed them in areas where they wouldn’t be as exposed to feet or predators.
Truly an amazing event to witness… more to come! LST, Annandale, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Every since the first sighting a few days ago in College Park, I think that everything flying around is a cicada. I am terrified of large bugs. Really, I wish that this entire cicada thing goes away PRONTO!!!!! By the way I think I hear the ugly buggers now. Charmaine S., Riverdale, Md
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
After reading all the messages on this board yesterday. I went out and check my yard last evening. I saw some holes in the ground, not sure if they are ant colonies, or cicadas readying to emerge. Beverly G, Springfield Towship, PA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are coming out overklok, west springfield
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I’ve been watching the board with great interest- but hadn’t seen any signs of cicadas in Ellicott City, Maryland. But finally this morning I saw dozens of shells in the Howard County Court House parking lot- and even one little guy who was trying to make his way to some place verticle- but having a tough time of it. Glas to see it’s not all hype. Ian , Ellicott City
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
First started seeing them on Monday. I’ve been doing the Cicada Two Step every morning when I leave for work. Apparently, they like the front porch of my apartment building! Ugh! Nasty creatures! There were twice as many this morning as yesterday.
I have tickets for the Capital Jazz Fest [AT] Merriweather in Columbia, MD on 6/5 and 6/6. This emergence should make my concert going experience…rather interesting. MB, Arlington, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Saw my first batch of Brood X yesterday; fascinating! I was turned off by the fact that so many were being eaten by birds; now, how fair is that? I mean, you’re underground for 17 years, and the minute you come out, you’re a snack for a bird! Boo!
Welcome back, cicadas! Sue, Riverdale, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are definitely in the Hamilton area. I have a tree that sits in my front yard. This morning as I was leaving for work, I saw about ten in the tree and about 20 or so in the street. They are really starting to emerge. I saw a lot of holes in the ground. The last time they were here, I was 4. I remember very vaguely, so I am very excited about them coming. Enjoy! L. Lynch, Baltimore, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
The cicadas have now awakened and no longer slowly moving about. They are flying, dropping from trees. I need an umbrella to go from my walk way to the front door without getting landed on. I’m glad this is only a major event every 17 years! ED, Bethesda
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
While walking to work this morning, I saw several dead (smooshed) cicadas on the sidewalk and one alive cicada walking along the sidewalk; it had to have been at least an inch and a half long. Seeing it totally wigged me out. I think that these things are going to be out and flying about real soon. I’m going to have to dig out my old baseball cap to wear so that the darn things don’t get caught in my hair. EWWWWW
Let’s just get this over with already!! Mary, Rockville, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
My Grammy and me just saw our first cicadas on our front porch. Grammy told me all about them and said they go through many changes. We even think we could hear a little bit singing way back in the woods. It might be too early, Grammy has heard them before and said she thinks that is them. Anyway, from Clarksville, Maryland…There Here! Olivia Schwab, Clarksville, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
When we returned home after dark last night my kids said ‘hey look, its a convoy’. Curious, I looked down at the sidewalk and sure enough there were at least 100 cicadas creeping alond in formation from the tree lawn to the fence. It surely is amazing to witness the inate determination of these creatures!…
Last night was warm again so we left the windows open as we slept. I was awaken early this morning when a car drove down our street. Pop, pop, pop was the sound of the poor cicadas being crushed by the moving vehicle…
ldb, McLean, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw my first cluster of cicadas (cicadae???) & abandoned skins in front of my house this morning as I headed out to work. There were maybe 10 or 12, all still white, and a couple were still in the process of emerging from the skins. I was beginning to wonder if we were going to see any in Springfield, but I guess the time has come! My colleagues who live in Burke also began seeing the cicadas in their yards in the past couple of days. Michael, Springfield, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
They are all over the place in front of my apartment complex in Bethesda (cheltenham / tilbury / chase). I’d pay someone to sweep them off my sidewalk and stoop every morning before I leave for work!
Herbert, Bethesda, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I finally got to see a bunch last night. They are amazing- I swear I could hear them moving in the grass as well as see them emerging. I watched one “hatch” from it’s shell and watched his wings come about. VERY COOL!! Wile so many folks are disgusted by them, I am absolutely fascinated by them and can’t wait for the rest to arrive!
Does anyone know if they come out more at night? There were too many to count last night and then this morning just a handful of shells remaining. Jenn, Alexandria, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
BAM! They are here! Hundreds of Brood X graduates showed up on the morning of May 12 in the back yard with dozens climbing up the back of our house. One oak tree in particular is bearing the attack of the cicadas so far. Larry, Burke, Virginia
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Last night was the third night of emergence and by far the heaviest. When I got up this morning the large trees in my front yard were covered with empty nymph shells and so was much of the ground around them. There were still large numbers of nymphs edging their way through the grass and many adults in the process of quickening or sitting on the ground waiting to get up enough gumption to fly off. I also began to see some in the air although still not many. My 9-year-old son picked up a couple of adults and let them crawl up his arms. Our six-year-old son, however, is suffering from a bout of the “yucks.” My suspicion is that tonight will be even bigger. We shall see. jmgradon, McLean, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Adrian Portland says: “He seen a cicada in a hole being attacked by ants” He also said ” That is common” so being the nice person he is he dug it up; got it out of the hole and made a new hole and put him in there till it was ready to leave it. Marc Yourfavoritstudent, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, USA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I’ve been waiting and waiting for my first sighting this year – and was rewarded this morning. Our old elm tree was covered with numerous cicadas in various stages of emergence! Watching them develop from an embryo-like critter into a fully mature cicada in a matter of hours is truly amazing! Evidently, the birds think so too, as I was joined by a male cardinal who came within about three feet of me before he decided I might eat him before he could eat the cicadas! (LOL). Since we have lost several of our old trees in the last couple of years, and there’s been a lot of development in the area and increasing use of pesticides in no-till farming,I was concerned our cicada crop might not be as healthy as it was the last two cycles (we’ve been at the same house since 1963). This morning’s emergence is reassuring!
Frances Smith, Sparks, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I have a bunch munching on my azaleas, must be more than 20. My cats have sniffed at them, but not taken a bite yet! I have spotted one that is white with black eyes, the rest are the regular red eyed type. M Merriman, Springfield Va 22153
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I know many people get the jeebies about large bugs, as I am one of them, lol, but these are amazing creatures….They have lives 17 years underground waiting to emerge for a few weeks, mate & die. I bought my 3 yr old daughter one of those bug boxes with the air vents & handle on top so she can see how interesting they are. So, don’t squash them, try to deal with them, it will be 17 years before we see them again, hard to believe my daughter will be 20!! Staci, Beltsville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
At first I was pretty anxious about this whole thing (being from NY and all), but I finally saw a bunch last night and they’re cool! An adult popped out from behind my car tire this morning…I think he’d been hiding from the birds (lots of squished/eaten nymphs around him). Now I’m excited…they’re kinda cute in a spooky way. Sue, Arlington, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
When I went out for a smoke this morning around 1000 I saw a cicada skin on a tree by the picnic table and the cicada on the table. I moved it off of the table at which time it left. Fred Oelrich, Andrews AFB, Clinton, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I was just wondering, where in the MD/DC/VA area where the largest concentrations of the cicadas will be?
I have seen about 12 shells & 2 cicadas, one which I caught for my daughter, the other became an ant victim, he landed on the concrete & the ants ate his legs off!! I guess ants enjoy them, too!! Staci, Beltsville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Eerie sounds from the trees, and piles of shells on the road, a few blocks east of downtown Silver Spring. Wow! Gaston, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
This tree is located on a warm streetcorner in my Rockville neighborhood. Last night as I was walking by I heard an unearthly squirming, crawling, scrabbling sound. I came back with the flashlight to see what must have been at least a thousand cicadas on the base, trunk and branches of the tree. Interestingly, there were many trees nearby with few or none. The warmth of this spot seems to have attracted them.
When I returned this morning, there was a large pile of husks and a few bugs still struggling to emerge. There are also lots squished on the roads–again, I’m guessing because the warm surface is attractive to them. Julia, Rockville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Last night I stepped outside around 11pm and witnessed the first few arrivals in the mulch beds in front of my house. We have a concrete porch with steps at the entrance, and for some reason this was their sought after destination. It was only three or four of them but I watched intently for about an hour to see what they would do. And what they did was proceed to make the arduous journey up the side of the porch, only to want to climb higher once they reached the foot of the door. So they walked along the edge of the porch (fairly swiftly) around and around trying to climb the various surfaces, all of which were too steep. Some would fall back off the porch and then try and climb it again. Now there is a nice tree in our front yard so I moved one over to it and he seemed content with the fact that he could get a foothold and started climbing up. I thought great, Ill get to see one molt! But he didnt stop climbing, and after about ten minutes he was 7 feet up on the tree. He promptly lost his footing and fell 7 feet into the grass below. Unharmed and frustrated with the tree he proceeded to start back for the porch! (Cicada skating rink). So I gave up and went to bed. Im sure Ill be sick of them soon enough Brian, North Potomac, Md
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
On my way to the garbage can I saw one dead on the sidewalk. One fell from a tree branch and down my neck into my shirt. I threw it to the ground and poured the rest of my Pepsi soda on it. Donald Pilner, Washington, DC
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Went for a walk this morning 5am, couldn’t help but crunch a few under my feet. Saw what looked to be hundreds on the street under a light. Looks like many will be squashed under the tires. I hope my dog doesn’t eat too many! Who knows maybe they will make her breath smell better! Curt, Aspen Hill, Rockville MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I saw a bunch of cicadas (perhaps 10) hanging on a tree. I found a molted shell on the ground, and noted many emergence holes near the base. Probably many cicadas here. Ben, UMBC Campus, Catonsville, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I found a moderately sized emergence Wednesday night around 11:30 on the north side of the Indiana University campus (across the street from the parking lot “up-the-hill” from the Psych building). Several hundred in various stages of development. Fascinating, but seriously creepy, too. I for one am looking forward to the noise. Keith2, Bloomington, IN
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
I just got through looking around some of the trees here around the barracks and no sign of the Brood X Cicada yet. I’ll give it a couple of days, since we have had a very cold winter this past year, they might be running a little behind schedule from the surrounding areas like Springfield, Alexandria and DC, which already have lots of ’em! I’ve been looking forward to seeing these little critters for the past couple of weeks. Back in Texas where I am originally from, we get the annual “Dog-Day Cicadas” in late Summer that have and Orange shell, black spots, and hazel eyes. Private First-Class, Fort Belvoir, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
A cicada flew in the window in nymph stage ot looks to me and I have saved him here sure is ugly and kinda small, maybe not a cicada I dont know…LOL Nicole, Stanley Virginia
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
WHAT I ORIGANALLY THOUGHT WAS MUD WASPS IN MY FRONT YARD, I FIND OUT FROM OUR EXTERMINATOR THAY ARE THESE CICADAS. AND THEY WILL ONLY LAST A COUPLE OF WEEKS. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO ABOUT THEM. ANY ADVISE ON KEEPING THEM OUT OF THE HOUSE? mark, browns mills, nj
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
No need to witness my first confontation- these things will make a man squeel like a girl. Do I dynomite the family’s prized oak tree or move out of civilization for 5 weeks- life dependent decisions are always hard to choose! Azza, Woodbridge, VA
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
We were excited to see one molt on the old oak tree – it took about 20 minutes. But then alarmed to see 50 in the street. Laurie Jo, Bowie, Maryland
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Tonight I was preparing to go on a nighthike with my boyfriend when we happened upon a thriving mass of ten to twenty cicada nymphs pumping themselves up through the loose soil in a planting island at a gas station.
There were trees nearby and the nymphs are protected from being run over by cars as long as they head toward the nearest trees.
We saw more on the sidewalk and soon we decided to give up on the walk because the pavement was poorly lit and we didn’t want to risk stepping on any of them.
I can’t wait. This is my first experience with a full brood! Carmen, Columbia, MD
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
There must be several hundred cicadas within 50 feet of my condo. I’ve been seeing lots of holes around here for the past few days, and I finally spotted about 5 of them in the bushes and trees this morning. I knew more would be on the way tonight, but WOW! There’s a LOT. Saw them in all stages: Just coming up and crawling along the ground – climbing up bushes and trees – just breaking out of their shells – wings just unfolding – wings fully extended, etc.. It’s amazing to watch them pump blood into their wings. This is just plain cool! Dan, Reston, Virginia
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Just opening the front door, I can hear them coming out. The end of the driveway has at least 50 of them crawling around. alan, fairfax va
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Thanks to this great web site, I knew the nymphs crawl out at 1030 pm or so. I also knew they were coming based on the many detailed reports here. Sure enough, I went out a few minutes after that, and saw my first one crawling out of the dirt just under a slightly raised shed.
After looking the first one over, I was able to see two more, one on a concrete slab for the hot tub, another on dirt near the base of a tree in a flower bedding area just off the lawn. They look a lot like slugs, and are a very dark choclate brown with medium brown spots and two distinct antennae.
I realize there are folks out there who are concerned about being touched by the cicadas. About the best advice I can give these folks is to consider long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide brimmed hats and keeping some spares available, as well as some towels or moist towelettes. These preparations may not be needed, but will help assure confidence.
Best. Peter, VA – Loudoun – Sterling – near Church Rd. & Lincoln Rd.
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Late wednesday nite the cicadas arrived in my apartment complex much to my dismay. These things are disgusting. I feel like we are being invaded by bugs. Heather, Rockville MD (Courthouse Area)
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I came home tonight at 9:00 and thought I saw a cicada on a tree. Grabbed my flashlight and went out to look closer, I’m glad I did because in a 60 minute period I counted no less than 20 in various stages of molting. Lots of exit holes in the ground so there will probably be many more I didn’t find. COOL stuff!! you only get to see this once in a great while. It takes about 20-30 minutes for them to complete the molting process from cracking their shell to sitting on a branch with wings unfurled. John Schmidt, Springfield, VA, USA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I grew up in Annandale and am very familiar with the Cicadas. Last large emergence which I witnessed had the cicadas with flourescent orange outlines on their wings. Three weeks ago I noticed something that really shocked me, while I was getting my mail at the community PO, I noticed a hole in the ground, moderate sized and I told my wife how Cicadas sow the soil like you wouldn’t believe. About 9 Days Later I went to get the mail and I saw a shell on the post which supports the canopy to the mailbox, lowenbehold there was a cicada on the post all by its lonesome self. At first I didn’t think it was real, I tried to pick it up and it sure was, it was definitely a cicada. This poor guy kept returning to its “post” for a few days, now hes gone. My theory on this is that 20 years ago, when our neighborhood was a pig farm, someone brought some cicadae with them from back East (in a suitcase, truck etc). They must have survived long enough to mate and drop their eggs into a tree. Now the only one left came out! His friends are all victims of the bulldozer, he will die alone, but I can say that he lived in California for a few weeks. I have never heard or seen cicadas out here, so I think this guy got lost (or punished). I know about lookalike insects, my neighbors are from back East and we all were in agreement as to what he was, hopefully another one came out maybe a female (or vice versa, not sure what this was but it had the needle on the abdomen). Amazing but true, I shoulda taken his picture. Wish I was there for this brood. At least the pictures are up! Bringing back memories, while I’m at it, I lived in Annandale for 18 years, we recently had a Thunderstorm which was more intense than Annandale ever had in 18 years, goes to show you that the climate is changing. I hope we get more, it was wonderful to see some lightning!
Daniel Gidez, Sylmar California (No Joke)
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Im a highschool student in baltimore, and one of our biology teachers gave an assembly today on the cicadas. he also publically announced to the entire school that i am the one member of the school community who will eat a cicada in any stage of its life cycle. what can i say? they are yummy! well, i just wanted to give everybody and update on my cicada eatinf prowess and encourage those who have not eaten any to do so. *they emerged in roland park/ ruxton today*
~chris~ chris schmidt, baltimore
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The birds were going absolutely nuts today outside my house, so I looked out and saw a bird fly to the trunk of a tree, then onto the ground, eating a cicada. My daughters and I went out tonight to collect them to maybe cook and eat. You have to look for the grass moving. But the first bag we collected had a bunch of mites in it. We must have grabbed one bad cicada. Got about 60 totally, but we’ll toss the half with the mites. James, Potomac, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Gizmo (our old tabby cat) just deposited a lone cicada on the front step. (It’s his concept of rent.) Hundreds of chimneys under trees here, but the red-eyed guys are “sleepin’ in” here in Wheaton. Jack, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have been seeing several of them on my walk way in front of my house. This is giving me the heebies. If I had known about these things a year ago… I would have paved my whole yard! Going to go stay with some relatives for three weeks. Can’t take it alone. Yuk. I know it’s an amazing thing but I just can’t stand to see so many at once. Yuk.
Lisa, Riverdale
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The neighbourhood kids are getting into the Cicadas here…popping up ALL OVER THE PLACE (the bugs, not the kids…lol)on our morning walks to school.
There were at least 20 of them on my front stoop, & the large tree in out front yard must be the happin place “hang out” at! Paisley, Fairfax, Virginia
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was with a friend when we went walking. I saw them in the upper park heights/pikesville area climbing on a few trees. Not many yet, but enough to freak me out. Naomi, Pikesville, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Last night we saw a few holes around a tree, and one cicada on a blade of grass. Tonight, after dark, we saw at least 12 crawling up one tree, but not a single cicada on the other trees! They are so neat! My brother wants to try eating some cicadas, and we put one in a box to see it change. Sarah, Eldersburg, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Tonight 8:00PM, Route 322 near Lancaster / Lebanon County line. I’ve been watching for the past week. Finally found a nymph coming out of the ground. It’s now in a small cage next to my computer. I’ll be watching daily, more news to come. Film at 11. Mike Frey, Lancaster PA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I teach Pre-K in Sterling, VA. One of my students brought in a Ciciada still in its shell, she lives in Ashburn, VA. That is the only one I have seen so far, nobody I work with has seen them yet. Maybe they will be here soon. Kimberly, Leesburg, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Well, so far I have seen three empty shells, all on the garage doors. I am waiting patiently for the hammer to fall. Aaron, Silver Spring
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I just let my dog out to find a cicad invasion in my back yard!!!!I emptied my son’s baby pool earlier today to find that I must have really loosened the soil and set them free. I have to admit it makes me a little queasy to see so many. Im talking dozens!!!! kara, severna park, md
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We have not seen any spread their wings yet, but this evening a nymph was out of his hole to take a look around. Hoping that tomorrow brings us a lot of little red eyed friends warming up to a 17 year symphony! Rich G, Gambrills, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw about 1/2 a dozen in the backyard where I work today in Crofton. Pam, Severn
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Maybe this area’s seen too much development over the last decade – I have yet to see a nymph casing, let alone an actual red-eyed beastie. And to think that I was kind of looking forward to this – I’m originally from central North Carolina and as far as I can remember from my childhood, all we ever got there were the pedestrian annual Dog-Day Cicadas. Dan, Pentagon City, Arlington, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Tongiht as I tuned in to watch the Bachelor on TV I had a cicada fly INTO my house through my window! I’ve seen a lot out in my front yard, its fun to see them leak some shells! Mandy, Oakton
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Have only seen a few husks around the trees and fence. I found a few wings laying around the fence. I guess the first few are the unlucky ones that get eaten by birds.
I suppose there will be plenty of them around soon enough. John, Vienna, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found lots of cicada chimneys and holes in the backyard. As many as 10 per square foot. No bugs though.
Steve, Miamisburg, OH
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first one this morning after it had just shed it’s shell….So add Beltsville, MD to the list!!!! Stacy, Beltsville, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
In 2 days we collected a full gallon size ziploc bag of the shells. We took them to my son’s pre-K class for show and tell. They loved it! Teacher said was the best show and tell ever. I am
amazed by these mysterious creatures. I’m watching them come out of shells (white) and within 30 minutes they turn brown and their wings develope. So cool!
Can we sell these anywhere??? Misti Stevens, Johnson City, TN
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’m disappointed. I thought that since our development was built around 20 years ago we would have a good number about. Saw one nymph two nights ago crossing our front step. One on a screen this afternoon and that’s it. Some signs of holes around a couple of trees where the developers left them, but not many (maybe a dozen). Alastair Thomson, Centreville VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was so excited to see the cicadas arrive in Fairfax! I had only seen a couple in the past few days but today they have literally taken over my entire yard! I think there have to be at least 10 per square foot!! I have an old lot with lots of deciduous trees so I wasn’t surprised. My son and I are going to break out the digital camera later today and take pictures. I’ll have to be careful though – the last time we did that he took 302 pictures! Happy cicada hunting! 🙂 Charles, Fairfax, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Cicidas have arrived in Jefferson City. Cassandra, Jefferson County Tennessee
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
They started ewmerging here about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Now at night they seem to be making a b-line for my sun room. Had to seal the space in the door before they invaded. Jay, Kensington, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my walk to the Metro (Forest Glen), I saw 3 shells and 2 basking cicadas. Later, walking to my office, I saw lots of *pieces* of cicadas but nothing much else.
I remember back in 1987 (I was 12)I used to catch them in flight and stick them to my gym teacher’s shirt. He’d scream like a little girl. That memory still makes me laugh! JR, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have my first cicada!!!! After dealing with these guys last year with Brood IX, I know better of what to expect this year. All of my trees were ‘pruned’ last year by the cicadas and really looked better by summer’s end than they did before. If you have grapes, GET SOME NETTING!! Please do not spray these guys, or anything else in your yard. The only thing that irritates me about these is the fact that my 5 year old daughter sneaks them in the house!! Happy watching. Jennifer, Westfield, Stokes Co, North Carolina
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Ranger, 6 miles west of Murphy NC the trees are alive with cicada’s .. dean, Ranger, NC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I walked out of my house this morning to find a single cicada sitting on my back wall, staring at me. I knew I had to act quickly, so I jetted for my car. I jumped in and slammed the door just in time to look back and see… that he was still sitting there staring at me. Maybe he is harmless. But I think he is waiting for his friends before he strikes. Matt, Arlington, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Actually got to see some emerge lastnight. Picked up one to check out texture. Felt kinda rubbery. Placed him back on the tree and left him to dry. Watching him dry out was quite amazing. I could actually see the little moisture drops on his wings. I felt like I was watching the discovery channel, only live 🙂 I’m very excited. The last time I seen these guys I was 9 and had just moved to the area also very freaked out by bugs. Heather , Laurel, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I was 13 when Brood X emerged in 1970 and that seemed like a big emergence to me. On my walk to school I’d see the cidada body shells all over trees and fence posts and I’d see the just emerged cidadas (we actually called them locusts back then)trying to dry and harden up. The 1987 emergence didn’t seem as dramatic to me and it’s probably because I wasn’t walking in a wooded area as much as I did at age 13.
A lot of people are trying to tease those who have never experienced the cidadas that these insects are going to attack them. This is NOT TRUE! These are very gentle creatures and the only thing that I thought was kind of gross was all the cidada body shells everywhere and the wet, shiny, just emerged insects. The “singing” does get a bit loud, but most people have air conditioning this time of year and keep the windows closed. It’s such a cool phenomenon so just enjoy it. This time I’m taking lots of pictures.
The cidadas will not fly at you or bother you or bite or sting you. I remember that in 1970 and 1987 when I had cats that they loved to eat the cicadas. They just dive bomb for them and the poor cicadas didn’t stand a chance. If you are really afraid of them, stay away from wooded areas and trees. If you go to the swimming pool you may see a stray cidada or two floating on top of the water. That’s a minor downside.
I walked to the Metro stop at East Falls Church today- which is actually in Arlington, VA- and I didn’t see one cidada. I have not seen any yet but I know they will be here! Enjoy them while they last. Lisa Jane, Falls Church, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We are just north of Kensington, MD(technically in Wheaton) and we haven’t seen any yet either. We have tons in the ground but none have emerged yet.
I’m waiting. Dalit, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first cicada cut in front of me in traffic this morning as I was approaching Pennsylvania Avenue on 4th Street SE. Luckily it was faster than my windshield and continued on its merry way! Johanna, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
A note from Columbia, Maryland: they are now here! Saw a few on a tree last night! Heather, Columbia, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We went to the local rec center today — a lovely wooded area — and they are HERE! Tons of sheds all over trees and the side of the building. We saw several “groggy” ones basking in the sun, waiting for their wings and bodies to dry. We also saw quite a few carcasses strewn about, not sure of the cause.
Now we await the chorus!
L S T, Annandale, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Emergence really got started last night– saw hundreds and only one with any sign of massospora. They seemed to be molting much more quickly than in 1987. Also noticed that male nymphs headed way up into trees to molt. I only found a few adults from last night when I checked this morning– this first group didn’t come out in sufficient numbers to escape predation. The next three or four nights will be incredible, as we’re in the 1 million plus epicentre of the brood. I LOVE THESE GUYS! This is the most fantastic display of nature you are going to see in North America! Keith, Bloomington, IN
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
over 70 nymphs were emerging last night in the pikesville Chruch lane area. lots were just splitting in the street, and soon swarmed by ants. so i picked up the cicadas and stepped on the ants… (that will teach em to plague my kitchen). James, Pikesville
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Today, my students found several adults cicadas in the grass. So we put them on the trees and watched them race to the top. Shirley Jeffords, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Like everyone else on the thread, I noticed several last night on the underside of plants. This morning, there were about 100 on and around a telephone pole. I’m corrected as I thought this was mostly hype. Rahul, Falls Church, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Hey Guys! I’m so excited about the Cicadas. In fact, I just saw one this morning! It was so cool. I’m a little nervous about one flying into me though. That would be so gross! I can’t wait! I’m going to put one as my Windows XP backdrop now! Anne R., Oakton
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our family will be on our annual houseboat trip to Dale Hollow all of next week, May 15-23. Any ideas on what we can expect by way of the cicada hatch? Have a couple of terrified kids so need to know. Still will go, but have to plan alternative things for them to do if they won’t go catch them! Thanks! KP Kristie, Illinois
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
As of 05/12/04 there are hundreds of cicadas in my yard most of them are sitting at ground level or on the side of my house. One plant in my front yard had easily several hundred clinging to it. There were a few emerging yesterday, but the bulk seem to be today. Scott, Franconia, Virgnina
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw a couple of them flying around Braddock Park in Centreville on Tuesday night…a lot of evergreen trees out that way, so we’ll see if the park becomes a “million per acre” site or not. Jason, Centreville, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
May 12 lots of them are coming out of the ground. Watched dozens climb out of the ground and climb the tree. Several emerging. Matt, Columbia, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We got a few hundred this past Saturday in Anneslie South of Towson.
Very friendly bugs. Lots of smiles for the kids.
Mike MIKE [AT] WJZ-TV, TOWSON
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We first discovered fifty to one hundred cicadas in our front yard on Sunday night, when I went to take out the garbage and heard something crunch underfoot. They were swarming my front porch. My teenage son and I watched for an hour as they skittered across the pavement and wriggled out of their skins. We posted a warning sign, “Watch your step–cicadas!” There were not so many on Monday or Tuesday night, but this morning the back yard was full of cicadas festooned on the azalea bushes, resting on the swingset, buzzing through the sunlight. One enormous, enterprising black squirrel was harvesting cicadas from the bushes and consuming them as fast as he could. They have definitely arrived. Laura, Wheaton, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I am very anxious about these cicadas flying into me, landing on me, swarming around me, seeing them, etc…. Is there some sort of “beekeeper-ish” suit that I could purchase in the DC area to avoid “feeling” them on me? I am already getting panic attacks and some anxiety about them!! PLEASE HELP!! Scared!, Washington DC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I went to check out some of the emerging cicadas this morning with three of my co-workers. There were shells every where, and we watched some very groggy guys climbing up trees and drying out. There were some dead ones on the sidewalk who didn’t seem to have the strength to continue their journey.
Audrey, Towson, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have seen one this morning [AT] 7am.
It’s 11:30 and i have approx 100 popping out. It’s really cool to
them go from the larva stage to the flight stage. Watch one, it will
be worth it!! Thomas S., Fallston- Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I found 1 shell this morning on the base of a White Birch tree in my yard. Rick, Archbald, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw one yesterday (May 11) on my mailbox, but thus far this is the only one I have seen. My boyfriend, in Silver Spring, MD has seen many. Jennifer, Hyattsville, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I have hundreds of cicadas on my front lawn, front elm tree and on our walkway. The squirrels and birds have been feasting the past 2 days. The squirrels like to eat the abdomen and leave the legs wriggling. Leaving the front light on seems to make a difference. I had a few less around the front door last night as I left the front light off. Not doing this the night before resulted in many hanging on the front screen. ED, Bethesda
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our backyard is covered with shells and adults. We had our first couple on May 5, then a few more on the 6th. I left town for the weekend and when I returned on the 9th, our house exterior and back yard were covered. They seem particularly fond of the south point of our yard where I found hundreds this morning. Ashley, Baltimore, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my drive along the GSP to pick up my daughter from college I saw this thing coming from a fair distance away. It left a big smudge on my windshield. Can’t wait to see the full emergence. Ed Hawley, Keyport,NJ
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Couldn’t find a single one yesterday. This morning, there were hundreds in my front yard alone. Most were on the shrubs and hostas underneath my oak tree. The squirrels were going nuts! Vic, McLean, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw two this morning. One had just shed his nymph-skin and was drying his wings. Very beautiful. The red eyes are stunning.
Looking forward to more! kristenfw, lower Brookland, DC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Cicadas are here in the Middleridge section of Fairfax. A dozen moltings around my front door this morning and a few cicadas hanging out on the front steps, not quite ready to fly. Dave, Fairfax, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I saw my first empty shell (alright, 1/2 a shell) this morning! Susan, Columbia, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Last night I took a walk around the block and saw about two dozen shells on utility poles — no cicadas. This morning, when I went outside to bring in the newspapers — no cicadas. However, when my ten year old and I went to get in the car at 8AM, she spotted one perched on a rear tire! Then I saw one on the other rear tire.
I remember them from when I was ten back in 1970 and then again 17 years ago. My question is: when will I say I’ve seen too many? Dennis, Silver Spring, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
This past Monday, May 10th they were covering my entire driveway. All dead due to the heat of the blacktop. Judy, Rockville, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
No worries on the mulch. Even if you kill 1000 of them, there’s 10,000’s more right behind ’em…..
I live in Northwest DC — Friendship Heights area. They’re here! Witness to about 300 cicadas this morning on my walk around the block Cicada BBQ-Man, Washington, DC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Yesterday (5/11/2004), I saw 4 shells on a short walk in the evening outside my home about a mile west of the Pentagon. This morning, I saw between 6 and 12 more shells and 2 cicadas while walking to the car. David Gray, Arlington, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Here in McLean in suburban DC we had even more cicads emerging last night than the night before. My 9-year-old son amused himself by picking up nymphs crawling through the grass and helping them out by putting them onto the tree trunks. Although there appear to be dozens and perhaps hundreds of empty nymph casings on the trunks of our older trees or in the grass at their base we have yet to see cicadas flying around much less in large numbers. Nor have we heard any noises we could identify as cicada buzzing. jmgradon, McLean, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Only about an hour south of DC and I’ve had no sightings and I haven’t heard them yet either. I’m excited to see them, but don’t want them to ruin the Preakness up in Baltimore this weekend. Has anyone in the Baltimore area seen them? Wendel, Southern Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We’ve had them for over a week. Just a handful right now, but the dog’s loving it. Bart, Woodbridge, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
On my morning walk yesterday, 5/11/04, I first saw holes in the ground, then empty skins, then some dead cicadas and finally a live one, drying in the sun.
But this morning, 5/12/04…it was a bug of a different color! They seemed to be everywhere! Hundreds of skins, lots of live and dead cicadas on the sidewalks (including some 1/2 eaten and lots of random wings! Yuk!) As well as some still emerging, many buzzing about on shrubs and some in the beaks of passing sparrows. The invasion is upon us! J. Lowe, Woodley Park, Washington, DC
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I haven’t seen any yet, but I’ve been doing research. There is a cookbook online at the University of Maryland entomology department!
There are soft-shelled cicadas, shanghai cicadas, cicada dumplings, cicada stir-fry, chirper tacos, chocolate covered circadas, circada pie, and others!!!http://www.urhome.umd.edu/newsdesk/pdf/cicada%20recipes.PDF Bonnie, Elkridge, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
My children and I saw a few cicadas on our building as you walk out. We even saw them stuck together. I think they are so nasty looking. I’m getting married in June, what I’m I going to do.
Jeanine, New Carrollton, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw a few shells on my tree this morning – saw a shell on a leaf in the tree last night, saw two birds fighting over a cicada in front of the door, and then saw another shell on the ground under the same tree! Telephone poles on Ravensworth Rd. in Annandale are covered with shells. Lisa, Springfield, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
This morning, there were shells all over the ground, and lots of critters all over the trees – hugging the bark, the leaves. Everywhere. For a number, let’s go with dozens. No noise noted.
Joe, mount washinton, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Arlington Village – Arlington, VA
Cicada’s, cicada’s everywhere!
The birds seemed especially loud this morning…. Cicada Steve, Arlington, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Our State entymologist did not expect Cicadas South of Lumpkin County, GA. Well I can tell you for sure they are here! (5/12/04) Dave Blake, Jasper, Georgia
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
The emergence began last night here in Potomac Farms. I watched several cicadas emerge and begin to shed thier shells at about 10:30 pm. By this morning there were several dozen empty shells at the base of an old maple tree in my front yard and adult cicadas hanging out in the branches. We are expecting more to emerge in the coming days! James, Ashburn, Virginia
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found one in the pool this morning! I’m sure there are many more to come. Tami, North Potomac, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Woke up this morning and found dozens of cicadas attached to the black tires on our car!! Also on a little tree and our wooden fence! Wow!!! Jeff G, Silver Spring, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
There must have been almost two dozen of the nasty critters clinging to my garage door this morning. I can only guess that the birds will soon be showing up and it will look like something out of a Hitchcock film! Funny thing, though, that’s the only place I saw them. Were they there because of the morning sun? Lynne, Oak HIll, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ll be in the Pennsville, NJ area this weekend. Does anyone know of a place nearby to see the Cicadas ? Karen, Rochester, NY
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I just spent some time picking up 20 or so off the parking lot and tires of trucks parked overnight here at work. Yesterday we saw 2 or 3, today there are tons. Kathy, Camp Springs, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Found 5 on the front porch and a shell hanging on the brick. My son freaked out when he poked the shell and realized that there was still a bug in it that had not emerged yet. The fun has begun. Cam, Severna Park, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I live near Georgia Avenue and the beltway. Yesterday there were reportedly lots of cicadas near my church (east side of Ga. ave) but I haven’t even seen a shell on the west side. Tammy, Silver Spring
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve got thousands of cicadas in my backyard. Last night the ground seemed alive with them. There were hundreds climbing up one tree. It was bizarre. Now I know why there are big piles of the skeletons at the base of the tree. A lot climb up and then fall down. Go out at night to see them come out. Bob, Bethesda, Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Empty shells on the trees Monday; saw MANY emerging Tuesday evening. They are definitely here. John, Bowie, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We don’t have large cicadas in the Netherlands, but I have encountered them on my trips to southern Spain and the Sonoran desert in Arizona. How an insect like this can make such a lot of noise is a mystery to me! I would love to see this 2004 Brood X phenomenon take place. Edith Nies, The Netherlands
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve seen nymphs for about a week when digging the soil and turning over rocks. Inspired by todays May 11 Post article, I went out tonight and saw a nymph crawling up the tree. Quite a few holes in the ground, and saw one cicada butt sticking out of one. Quite a kick to see them making their way out of the soil.
I’d been feeding nymphs to my daughter’s White’s Tree Frog over the last week, but he’s been looking fat and constipated, so I stopped that practice . . . Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
My son found 2 cicadas on the front porch at 10:30pm Tuesday. Terri, Jessup,Maryland
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
Saw one (and only one) at around midnight. The rest should be out by tomorrow. John, Severna Park, MD
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I’ve been sitting outside watching a Cicada come out of it’s shell…it is so amazing!
Lisa S, Rockville Maryland, USA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
We’ve seen a few over the past couple of days, but tonight they are EVERYWHERE! Jean, Annandale, VA
Date: Wednesday, May/12/2004
I finally saw some of the little critters as I was on the way to our laundry room. I’m in the Courthouse metro area, in Colinial Village. As I watched the one slowly make its way along the sidealk, another one came out. I think this is pretty exciting. But, maybe in a few days when they are every where….. Barb, Arlington, Va.
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Came face to face with my first cicada in my back yard yesterday morning. Saw more later last night after sundown. Today, those were all dead or torn apart. Tonight, 3 times as many on my back and front patios. I am morbidly engrossed and grossed out. I am not happy about this. I’ve got a huge yard with many old, old trees. I resent that I won’t be able to enjoy it for the next few weeks. Shawn, Garrett Park, Maryland
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Don’t worry about it —- my mom described to me once how they were coming up through sun-warmed asphalt during an emergence in her youth!!!! Sarah Dalton, Columbus, OH
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Yeah my aunts dog came in with a cicada wing hanging out of it’s mouth. So they have arrived in Morristown. Mark , Morristown, New Jersey
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Went outside to retrieve a something from the car, and there they were on the pavement, just roaming very slowly… they are not afraid like most insects… Can’t wait to hear them “SING”
Good-Luck James, Montgomery Village, MD USA
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
10pm tues. i found 8-10 crawling on my front walk and house. They are here!!!! K Hicks, oxon hill, md
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m seeing more and more holes every day, can even look into some of the holes and see those red eyes peering back at me. Have not seen a single shell from one that has emerged. I was in Vienna
Virginia in 1987, they were everywhere. Rich G, Gambrills, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
On my morning walk of, I saw 1 1/2 mile in western Annandale on Monday 5/10, I saw 2 cicadas. Today I saw about 250!! Claire, Annandale, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
it’s 9:30pm and there is a molt-fest going on in my backyard. fascinating! i highly recommend looking for cicadas soon after nightfall. Pam, Kensington, MD
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my kids collected 28 exoskeletons this afternoon and placed them in baggies to bring to school tomorrow. They were playfully arguing over their new posessions. We also found 2 live ones in the grass that did not make it up into the trees. Mary Ellen Wolf, Reston VA
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Laotians are very exited about ” Chakchanh ”
will come out because It is exotic. Khammoung, Murfreesboro, TN
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Was planning to put down mulch around some of our trees this weekend but I’m afraid I my hurt the ciacdas chances of getting out? Does anyone know it this is a valid concern?
Thanks! Peter, Princeton, NJ
May 25th – May 29th 2004 Cicada Comments
For Kim at Smithville School
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
No cicadas here yet, but my sister and I took a ride up to Princeton today to see them. They were everywhere! And that noise! It was like a million crickets over our heads. They were quite clumsy, and even friendly, as they allowed my sister and I to pick them up and carry them around.
I don’t know if we’ll be seeing them here, but I have a feeling we won’t (too many pines and not enough deciduous trees). If not, I brought home a few exoskeletons and can drop them off at the school for you and your class. Let me know if you want them. You can post it here. Priscilla, Smithville, NJ
still no cicadas!
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
where are they ? i haven’t seen them here in stuarts draft virginia yet! patiently_waiting, stuarts draft, virginia
cicadas do pee
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
A cicada pee’d on my car the other day and then flew away. It was gross!! I didn’t know bugs could pee like that. Judy, Hamilton, Ohio
Bunch of Cicadas out in NEPA
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I took a walk up by Pittson Area High School in the woods behind the school and I found a bunch of old shells, and was about to just leave when I spotted an adult. I snatched him up and put him in my jug, and I looked down at this bush and there were a ton of them under the leaves. I snatched up about 20 of the. 2 vibrated or made that noise they make when I picked them up. It must come from deep within their angry, demonic soul, because it couldn’t use its wings to make it the way I was holding it. All had red eyes except one had orange. I noticed some of them had one wing that was smaller than the other also. Vel, Pittston, PA
Roadtrip
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Today I spent the day in Cincinnati. From what I noticed, there are cicadas just about everywhere in town in some number. However, the two places I found the most were Alms Park in Cincinnati (it’s a big park, on just about any map) and Withrow Nature Preserve in Anderson Twp. In Alms Park, there were literally hundreds on every single tree in the park. They were also flying EVERYWHERE. The noise, of course, was nearly deafening. If anyone reading this is planning to goto Cincy to check the cicadas out, I highly recommend the two places I mentioned. Josh , Detroit, MI
Finally found some
Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
I went hiking today in Caledonia State Park (near Chambersburg, PA) and saw hundreds of exit-holes in the ground, as well as about 50 shells and two dead adults. Didn’t see any live ones, although we could hear their sound emanating from somewhere in the distance, varying in volume depending on our location. Upon returning to our starting point at around 5:30 PM, the sound was completely gone. I don’t know if they moved on to somewhere else or if they just get quiet at certain times of the day. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t see any live ones. During the ’87 emergence, I lived up in the central part of the state and we had cicadas out the ying-yang. I was eight years old and I remember the playground at my school was covered with them.
Jason, York, PA
Cicadas found in Cincinnati
Date: Sunday, May/30/2004
There is a big swarm covering some small trees in the Kenwood Mall parking lot, easy to catch. Also I heard there were some at an office park off of 75, but I’m not sure where. Ellen, Cincinnati, OH
anyone know where i can see them locally?
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I heard on NPR that they emerging in a few spots locally. The report said Haverford College and i forget where else. i tried to search their website for more info. anyone know any local sightings?
trish trish, philadelphia
cicada golf hazards
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I missed an important birdie putt yesterday when a cicada altered the path of the ball by landing in front of it. Can you believe it? A cicada hazard. Are these things blind or just stupid? Why didn’t it move? Don’t these things realize just how rare a birdie is, or do they just hart all birdies?
also, while driving the cart through wooded areas, I must’ve taken a hundred cicadas in the face. They make great targets for practice swings, but you have to wipe the guts off your driver. Bob Goldberg, Baltimore
unique cicada caught!!!
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I have captured a living cicada with unique eyes. The specimen, caught in Mt. Washington (Baltimore) Maryland, has silvery or light blue eyes, depending on lighting conditions, and has what appear to be dark eyeballs. How can I preserve this specimen without destroying or altering the eyes? Alcohol? Formaldehyde? Please advise. Thank you Bob, northern Baltimore, Maryland
Cicada at work
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Yesterday I found a live cicada in the men’s room at work. It was a male. How did he know which restroom to use? Can cicada’s read? Probably it had flown onto a man who entered the restroom but it was funny to find a male cicada in the men’s room. Lorenzo, Baltimore
cicada spotted
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Cicada spotted in Massachusetts!
Last in the neighborhood Summer of ’90.
Are they early? Marje, Mashpee, Massachusetts
CSI
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Where are your teachers? They should be telling the kids not to hurt them! Elaine, Sterling,VA
PA – where they are (and where they are not)
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
Advance news had hyped the cicadas as “they will be everywhere”. They are not EVERYWHERE but where they are, there are a LOT of them. Look for them in the woodland hills just north of the PA Turnpike. Not many south of that (till they reappear in the Baltimore area). Mike, Lititz PA
PA – Still emerging!!!
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I drove up to Middle Creek Wildlife preserve last night at dusk and saw hundreds emerging. Looks like the emergence is slowing down a little but the chorus is just getting under way. Took pictures, will put them on web site as soon as I can. Mike, Lititz PA
Hearing them from afar
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I finally heard them on TV!!! Just barely during a news story with Bush out in the Rose Garden of the White House….it didn’t even hit me at first and then realized that that whirring sound was the cicadas! It will be interesting to see if you can hear them during the WWII Memorial dedication tomorrow
Rachel, good for you for saving the Cicadas and Mike, I loved your web site 🙂 Debbie, Seattle
my cicadas wings are wilted 🙁
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I found a nymph today and it quickly turned into a winged black adult. the thing is, the tips of the wings are wilted and the cicada doesn;t seem too active. also there are 2 thin strandy white things still attached to the shell. what went wrong with this guy? Vel, pittston, pa
Will they come to Minnesota
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I am pretty jealous of all the sightings in the east coast. Will they every appear in Minneosta? Or it is too cold for them.
Where is the sighting closest to Minnesota? I would like to drive over and experience it.
Thanks Larry, Eden Prairie, MN
Where are they!?
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
I must admit, if you haven’t seen a cicada..then count your self lucky!
Those little frisky fellas are everywhere!
They might not like pine trees a lot, but they seem to have no problem hanging on to them.
In fact, there’s hardly anything I don’t seem to NOT hanging on to!
They don’t bother me and I won’t bother them..I do carry my trusty badminton racket with me to help them on their way though!
The First 2 weeks wasn’t that bad, but this week is just plain crazy!!
I have so many buzzing around my house, I call it ” Alpha Base Charlie”
Look, if you don’t have any..it’s a blessing.
Take a road trip to go see some if you must, but for God’s sake don’t bring them home!
Squashed cicadas stink too, so the recent rain was a real big help.
They truly ARE a sight to behold, especially while fleeing! 🙂
Michelle, Randallstown, MD
STOP CICADA ABUSE!
Date: Saturday, May/29/2004
PLEASE, CSI and DC metro area trackers–STOP THOSE CRUEL KIDS AT SCHOOL FROM HARMING THESE WINGED WONDERS!!! Leave them be in peace! We’re missing out on all the fun here in cicada deficient CA, but tracking the daily emergence from afar…BE KIND TO OUR FLYING FRIENDS!!! They’ll soon all be gone. Chris, Carlsbad, CA
Where are they?
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I have yet to see any around here. We visited VA and DC last week and they have tons. Where are ours? Eisey, Hazleton PA
Archbald PA
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I saw my first cicada in Archbald PA yesterday. 8 miles east of Scranton. Rick, Archbald, PA
Lake Nockamixon, Bucks County, PA
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
We went on a cicada quest today, since there are none in our own area. We found them in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, PA. On Top Rock Trail Road off of route 563 they were so loud that my daughters had to plug their ears! (That was mid-afternoon.) We caught a bunch there, including some as they were flying. Then we went to the lake, where the boat rental is, and in the woods by the parking lot there we found hundreds of live ones in the bushes on and the trees. We came home with a terrarium full of dozens of them, and they sang for us all the way home. We decided that, close up, their sound alternates between a machine gun noise and a chain saw noise. Ed, PA
Still not here
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I heard them heading into Quakertown on rte. 309 in various places, but still none in Chalfont or Horsham, PA. They seem to be to our North (Q-town), South (MD), East (Princeton), and West (Valley Forge), but not here! Waahhhh! Mike, Chalfont, PA
My Home Isn’t Safe Anymore
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
What is going on? I am losing weight by having to drive in a car with the windows cracked, if not rolled completely up. Sick and tired of cicadas flying in the car and having to fumble with getting them out. There have even been a couple found in my basement. This isnt a MOTEL! When will these buzzards leave!!!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! They are EVERYWHERE I GO! Completely Disturbed, Baltimore, Maryland
Feel stupid
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
U know how sometimes you feel stupid looking at or hearing someone say stupid things. Well today this guy was on the bus talking to a woman about the cicadas. This dumb dumb said cicadas don’t have eyes. lol, they have eye sockets ,but no eyes oh and they also don’t have mouths. I felt so stupid hearing him say that. lol , oh ,but the funny thing is the lady listening genuinely beleived what he was saying. so she was like oh they don’t have eyes i thought they didn’t then she was like so if they don’t have mouths how do they eat he said they don’t eat. then he said well they do ,but u know how some fish don’t have mouths? well the cicadas are the same way and eat through there gills .HA HA HA what fish do you know of that doesn’t have a mouth. Also when did cicadas evolve and grew gills ? LOL Lil Paul, Seat Pleasant, MD
They are still around
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
For the last 2 weeks that the cicadas have been out i barely saw any around here. I’m takeing a guess that the rain last night bothered some that were not yet out of the ground ,because when I woke up this morning they were swarming everywhere and loud as ever. I could hear them even with my walkman on full blast. Paco, Laurel Maryland
cicada sighting outside Ann Arbor!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
These are the first I’ve seen in Michigan–a little sluggish in this cold, wet weather and not making much noise. But there are some at Oak Trails School off Warren northeast of town. There are quite a few, charmingly, on the sign that says “Oak Trails School” itself. More to come, I hope! Jim, Ann Arbor, MI
I hate cicadas…
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
… and they’re coming to get me.
VS, Nashville TN
Wow
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I work at Princeton University and man is it load.Everyone I talk to says the same thing.It sounds exactly like the alien spaceships from movies.Although I’m sqeemish around bugs I’m glad Ive been able to experience this once in my life.Its the noise thats most impressive.
Mike Mike Peloso, Princeton NJ
Still waiting!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Haven’t seen any yet. I’m in an area that hasn’t had a house built for at least 50-60 years so they should be here. David, Media PA Delaware County
how much longer?
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Hi-
does anyone know how much longer the cicadas will be around? Becca, Prince George County, MD
Cicadas in Dublin
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Amy in Dublin: can’t imagine cicadas in Dublin (I used to live on Avery Rd) They’ve poured so much concrete in the past eight years, how could one EVER crawl through??? Helen, Ann Arbor MI
Yeah for the CSI ‘-)
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Good for you Rachel (and the CSI). I am not crazy about cicadas, but it’s not right to abuse anything for fun. I’m proud of you. Helen, Ann Arbor MI
My House is Possessed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Just when I thought I was fearing something pointless (none of my friends in Grove City, Columbus (Polaris area) or even Sunburry had seen any cicadas)…I wake up this morning to see them in my lawn by the hundreds…didn’t think we were on the map to get them, but they tried to mate with my husband while he mowed the grass. I thought I was lucky since we live in a brand new subdivision, but just as the real estate is moving to Lewis Center/Delaware, I suppose the cicadas are attracted to Olentangy schools too! After growing up on Lake Erie (Huron, OH) I thought I’d never see another swarm of May Flies when I moved to the Columbus area…but I’d take those nasty things ANY DAY over these Cicadas!! Heather, Delaware, OH
White Eyed Cicadas
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Has anyone seen any of these? My son just brought one in. He wanted to take it to the police station to get his $1000 that he heard at school was being paid for them. 🙂 JW, Trenotn, OH
NONE!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I am starting to think this whole thing is overblown–not a cicada in sight, not a buzz or hum in the air. What’s up? c, union, new jersey
They’re Close!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
We don’t have any Cicadas in our woods yet, but we’ve been hearing them from a distance for several days. We’ve been getting a lot of T-Storms, that may have something to do with it. Mike, Macungie, PA
Loud little buggers, aren’t they?
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Jeez. We’ve got cicadas! They started emerging about 2 weeks ago- and we aren’t seeing any more new skins anywhere, so I guess we’re done with that aspect of things. However – now my backyard and trees are filled with VERY LOUD cicadas. Our lot backs up to a woods, and so we have more cicadas than our sparsely wooded lot deserves. My daughter won’t go out to her swingset now. It’s pretty Hollywood ugly out there. Hopefully this will all be over soon???
Amanda L, Fairfield, OH
“Anti-Cicada Policy at My Son’s School”
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
My son and I collected a few cicadas a few miles north of where we live in Hilliard, Ohio so he could take them to his elemetary school and show them to his classmates. After he came home from school the next day, I asked how it went. He said, with sadness in his eyes, his 2nd grade teacher made him throw out the cicadas before he could show them to anyone.
Apparently, she has a anti-bug policy in class and has a “zero tollerance” toward all bug bringer-in-ers. I was amazed and upset, too! So much for trying to bring the wonderful world of nature and science to thier classroom. I think his teacher needs to rethink her additude toward those red-eyed creatures from below.
For instance: “1-cicada, 2-cicada, 3-cacada, 4. How many cicadas can we get past her door?” Chris J., Hilliard, Ohio
CSI
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Kids at my school rip the wings, legs &heads off cicadas.. me, Carson, & Katie are the CSI, the cicada saving industry. I’m making flyers now! 😀 Rachel, MD
Went to Princeton today
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I went into Princeton today and as I was walking around downtown it sounded like a giant transformer. The area around where Princeton Pike, 206, and Nassau Street come together was unbelievable load and full of Cicada. Saw two that were still white, they must have just emerged. Also saw a lot on Vandeventer Ave. Leaving Princeton via Harrison Street the sound faded and by the time I reach Carnegie they could not be heard. Amazing how localized they are. Jim, nj
Not as loud as before…
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Finally, they noise from these annoying critteres appears to be tappering down. Definitely not as loud the past couple of days. I hope this marks the beginning of the end of this “emergence”.
Alan, Fairfax, VA
Finally found the mother lode of cicadas in Indianapolis!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
So I’ve been bummed because we’ve had so few cicadas… then I’m driving along 56th street on the east side, between 465 and Keystone, and I notice a loud buzzing/humming sound … it was thousands of cicadas! I had to roll up my windows for fear of one flying in the window! Holy cow!
I got my daughters and we went back… we drove through a neighborhood there and were amazed. These creatures were crawling on everything from the ground, grass, low lying plants, up tree trunks and all over houses. There are hundreds flying in the air.
The sound was unbelievable. There was a recognizable buzzing that seemed to ebb and flow in unison… and overlaying that bug sounding buzz was an eerie high pitched hum. Now I understand the references to lasers and UFOs. It’s really undescribable.
We drove past one house that had a blow up jumping toy set up in the front yard apparently for a birthday party this weekend… but I’m afraid there will be more than a few kids and adults who will refuse to go outside in the midst of all those flying monsters.
My daughters begged me to let them out to catch a few… so we got out a bag and they each brought in a captured cicada, but my oldest daughter caught a mating pair! When we got home, she transplanted the mating pair to a tree in our yard hoping this couple would populate our yard! My other daughter’s friend flew off only to be IMMEDIATELY picked off in mid-air by a bird! My daughter was more than a bit honked off.
The sheer numbers of this emergence is overwhelming. We are so happy that a) we finally got to experience this phenomenon and b) there are not this many in our yard! Yuck!
If anyone in the Indianapolis area wants to experience this – head to the neighborhoods north and south of 56th street between 465 and Keystone (closer to 465). Open your car windows a bit, you can’t miss the sound! Holly, Indianapolis Indiana
Just back from Hershey Park
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
We just spent 2 days in Hershey and there were no signs of any cicadas there yet. Christine Lisciak, PA
They are everywhere
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Just had two on my back from walking to my car and back. Store owners are sweeping live ones up like they were discarded cigarette butts. My car is covered in smashed cicadas from the beltway around DC. I left for a trip last friday and there were none and I came back to this. ARGH john, Rockville MD
Cicadas — Come Baaaack!!!!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Not a sighting or sounding for these creatures — when are they coming to South Jersey? We’re waiting!! Anneliese, Pine Hill, NJ
Cicadas in Towson!!!
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
This is my second time around with these things and the first time I don’t remember it being ANYTHING like this. I work in Towson, and there is not ONE place that I’ve been to that hasn’t had hundreds of Cicadas per tree. I’ve noticed that they don’t particularly care for the pine trees, but they certainly LOVE the maple trees! I thought that I would not be seeing them near my home since I live in the city, but yesterday I had one in my front yard, then today I saw at least 5 or 6, so they are definitely emerging slowly but surely and my SUV windows are taking a lot a of misguided Cicadas. Smashed Cicadas are hard to clean off your windshield!!! Tiffany, Baltimore, MD
New Gallery and Blue-eyed Cicada
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Arlington’s in full swing. My neighborhood actually doesn’t sound as loud as earlier in the week, but there are more in the city area than last weekend.
I have some pictures and commentary at
http://www.geocities.com/mikemeg/cicadas
There are two pages. Next weekend, a birthday party for my daughter with cicada pinata, cake, and racetrack (tried it out, and it’s a little underwhelming– they’re perfectly happy to sit still). Mike, Arlington
Pennsylvania
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I saw the post below about Quakertown PA. I live there and havent seen or heard anything! Mike, Quakertown PA
WHERE ARE THEY???
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I have been looking forward to seeing these creatures, but I have yet to see one. Are they coming to Georgia? Jenny, Locust Grove, Georgia
Where should we go?
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I am going to head up to Princeton on Thursday June 3rd in the hope of finding and documenting some cicada activity. Could any of you fine folks in Princeton reccommend some specific locations to seek out? Much obliged. I. A. Bodulait, Brooklyn, NY
Sooooo Loud
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
The cicadas are definatly here. Too noisy to be outside. We are on 2 acres just outside of dublin. My black lab thinks they are delicious! A,my, Dublin,ohio
Everywhere
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
My back yard is like a Hitchcock movie. The smell is getting stronger and so are the cicada’s. I saw one trying to carry off my neighbor’s kid much to my joy, only to drop him in the middle of the street. Cutting the grass is a growing adventure. Several have found me to be a suitable mate, but I guess they don’t like Italian. Can’t wait until I’m able to hear the music coming from my stereo again, but I’ll miss them nonetheless. Born in the cicada year of 1987 ties me to them I guess. Sorry for those of you not able to enjoy this craziness. It’s quite memorizing. Terp Fan, Ellicott City, MD
I found which direction they are moving in.
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Thur. May 27th, i was driving through Dublin, OH when the setting outside went from normal to erie. I soon relized that when I had crossed the Scioto River that I had entered Cicada central. I wonder when they will cross the river and arrive at my house? They are so loud. I could hear them in my car with the windows all up and the radoi playing. I thought something was wrong with my car. It was incredible. Dustin Z., Dublin, OH
Where are they???
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Sadly, none to speak of in Warrington. No one can tell me if they remember them from 17 years ago. T. Hess, Warrington, PA (Central Bucks)
Cicada songs – fading away 🙁
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Sad to say, the cicada songs are fading in my area; presumably they’re ending their stay? I’ve rescued a few from the street over the past few days, and when I picked them up, they started “crenelating” (is that the proper word?) I don’t know if they were singing to me or swearing at me, but it’s a fascinating sound! Also, I was out walking last week and it seemed every cicada in the area was using me for a landing strip; a man was walking 10 feet in front of me, but they were leaving him alone; any thoughts on “why me?” (not that I minded, I think the Magics are just that – magic!) Sue, Riverdale, MD
Webcam with audio?
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Has anyone found a webcam with audio yet in a cicada-intense area? Still haven’t had a chance to *hear* them (my mother still won’t open her window, even though she has screens…she’s completely freaked out) Debbie, Seattle
Philadelphia, PA suburbs
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Saw 2 live cicadas (one with deformed wings) and their exoskeletons here in the near western suburbs of Philadelphia on 5/25. Several more exoskeletons each day since, though no more live cidadas. Perhaps 20 cicada holes readily visible under the maple in our back yard.
Former homeowner told us there had been a relatively large emergence here in 1987. Dawn, Wynnewood, PA
Friend visiting Princeton from Seattle
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I have a friend who grew up here in Seattle who’s visiting Princeton this weekend with her boyfriend for a college reunion….I did not have a chance to talk to her before she left so she may have *no* idea what she’s in for! It sounds like they are all over Princeton campus from what I’m reading here…am I correct? It will be interesting to hear her comments when she gets back.
I wonder if researchers would be interested in these special colored eye cicadas? I know the person who found the blue-eyed cicada in MD turned it in to researchers at the UM. Debbie, Seattle
Not here yet……
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I have not seen or heard even one yet here in Northwestern Indiana. I thought perhaps our recent spell of cool and wet weather is postponing the emergence. I do not remember seeing any in 1987, but I vividly remember the brood in 1973, when to a child it seemed to be the coolest natural thing on earth. I am hoping that our human race has not obliterated these fascinating creatures; but I am afraid with deforestation and rapid urbanization of countryside in this area, this may very well be the case. A sad thing to happen to a harmless and interesting animal. Dan, Valparaiso, IN
Brood X Street Locations
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I was wondering if we could give more specific street locations for some of the hotspots. I just came back from Maryland and Brood X was not as widespread as I thought. I did not hear any in Hagerstown. Baltimore was incredible though. Specifically: Edmondson Avenue. The noise level was amazing. I located all three species near a middle school on that street. Septendecula sang loudly around 8 pm. I also found a tree with roughly 5000 skins underneath. Anyways, I want to see other sights but to save time (and gas)I would like specific locations. Also, I believe this info will prove useful for future seekers. Thanks cicadamaniacs!
Mike Mike, Connecticut -Maryland
NE Extension / PA Turnpike
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
Nothing in the Allentown, PA area yet . . . but my daughter and I were driving down to the Phillies game late afternoon and could not believe the intensity of noise coming from the woods beginning just south of the Quakertown exit of the NE Extension/PA Turnpike. Stayed that way for several miles towards Lansdale, then — just like that — it was all over with for the rest of the trip south into the Phila. area. The wave of emergence must be making it’s way north a little each day.
Frankie D, Allentown PA
Traveling into Hillsborough
Date: Friday, May/28/2004
I am about 10 miles north of Princeton and I spotted 3 fluttering cicadas on Hwy 206. None on trees yet, and nothing like Princeton! Was in Princeton yesterday, and one was traveling with me on my windshield. Set it free before I left Princeton. Can they survive if they are transported into other areas by cars, buses, etc…? Janet, Hillsborough, NJ
Smithsonian attack
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Just fyi for anyone visting the new Dulles Smithsonian National Aircraft and Space Museum in Virginia/DC — the cicadas were swarming the place. They were blindly running into the glass building, a small pile was at the front door where they had all haplessly landed. We were there on a field trip for my son’s class and had to eat outside. When we re-entered the building, one teacher found three had landed on or in his collar area and students pulled them out for him YUK!!! In general, I feel sorry for these bugs. The cicadas are about the dumbest, saddest flying insects ever. They look as if they’re struggling horribly when flying and they just run into anything. And if they land upside down, they just lay their waving their feet in agony. And half the time when you flip them over, they flip right back onto their back. Jane, Ashburn, VA
cicadas and hershey park
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
LOL to the guy asking about Hershey Park. I emailed the very same question to the park a couple of days ago and this is the LONG answer I got back: Thank you for your inquiry regarding Cicadas. It is projected to be a peak
cyclic year for these insects to mature to adulthood in the Northeastern
United States. So far I have only heard one adult within HERSHEYPARK. We do
expect numbers to increase and the projected peak breeding season is to be
mid-to-late June. One will expect to see evidence of the metamorphosis to
adulthood by the time of your visit. However, I do not expect that the
presence of these insects to impact greatly on your visit. I expect the
sights, sounds and excitement of HERSHEYPARK will overshadow the impact of
this natural, but harmless, phenomenon.
To hypothesize regarding one of your concerns, I suppose it is conceivable
that one could encounter one of the insects while it is in flight. The
likelihood seems improbable, but I suppose possible. All I can tell you is
that I’ve been an adult living in this area long enough to have been here
for two previous peak cyclic years, and I do not recall an incident of that
type happening or having had my lifestyle impacted in any way during these
“peak” cycles. As Director of the zoo associated with HERSHEYPARK, I and my
staff attempt to be aware of all of these natural occurrences. In our area
some cicada reach adulthood every year, but there are these cyclic peak
years. The sound of these insects competing for mating rites and seeing an
occasional adult in flight is expected. These insects do not bite or seek
out any sources of food throughout this portion of their life cycle. I do
reiterate that so far whatever we may see remains to happen. I have only
heard two adults so far, and only one was within HERSHEYPARK as of this
time.
Please feel free to contact me if I can offer additional information.
Troy E. Stump
Director
ZOOAMERICA Wildlife Park
Jane, Ashburn VA
I am 15 minutes from Princeton and still I do not see any!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Are the people surrounding the Princeton area supposed to be Plagued with these bugs? I have been in fear of these little buggers, sticking their heads above ground, for some time now. I know people who live in Princeton and they say that they are everywhere! What I am asking is this….. Is this the first generation that wants an education from an Ivy League school or are more supposed to arrive and be in the area of Plainsboro, Cranbury and the surrounding areas??? I pray that they just stay in Princeton and become graduates of 2004. 🙂 Michael, Cranbury
White eyes?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I’v heard there are a few with blue eyes. This ones eyes are for sure not red. My wife says they are white? Earl, Lancaster Pa.
None yet.,
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
CANT WAIT TILL THEY COME. GUNNA BE AMAZING! Mike, Englshtown
Are they blind?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I have been trying to convince my roomate that these buggers are not blind. But she insists that they are.
How about it? Anyone else want to back me up on this one?
Tony Roberts, Columbia MD
Gold eyed cicada
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Hi everybody, today I found a gold eyed cicada and I’m thinking that it has to be rare so im keeping it in my room. If anyone knows about the rarity of this color, please send back a message because I’m very interested in knowing If my discovery is actually a discovery. Thanks for your time, Nick Nick Kostreski, Wheaton, MD, U.S.
can they see?? or just stupid..
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
here’s my ‘cicada’ question..are they blind?? everyday driving home on kenilworth avenue in the berwyn heights area (cicada central), they fly into my windshield..they MUST be blind or incredibly stupid..they r EVERYWHERE..very creepy and SO BIG… michelle, greenbelt, maryland
Keeping my ears open for the Magic
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I am listening closely for a sign of our Magic friends. Sometimes I’ll think I hear it, but it just turns out to be a malfunctioning car engine. How disappointed I’ll be if they dont’ visit me… I have heard an occasional sound coming from the trees, which sounds like a weed-whacker. I wonder if it might be one *solitary* cicada. Up at Green Lane last week, there were 2 different species singing. One of them made that hollow whistle that could be compared to a jet at the other end of the runway. The other breed sounded like a chorus of weed-whackers. Then I also detected the ‘howling’ or warbling– I think that’s the actual mating call. Also, the females make a clicking sort of sound when they are ready to, um, get it on. I learned all this from a web site from a university in michigan, which has .mp3 and .wav files of the different cicada calls. I think the link is here on this site. Check it out! Laura, Oaks PA
nasty!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
They are everywhere! When will they leave?! I m going to lose my mind or not go outside until they go away! Hannah, oakton, va
how to avoid cicadas?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
i am scared of cicadas….how can i avoid them? Jan, Indiana
Cicada Attack!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I was working off the Beltway in Falls Church looking out a fourth story window Tuesday morning as the Cicadas starting bouncing around. By noon the side of the building was covered with thousands. By 6pm when I left they were 5 to 6 inches deep along the bottom of the walls crawling over each other like something off of fear factor!
We have none of these in Yorktown.
Taking the family to Hershey PA two weeks from now…can anyone tell me if it is that bad there? I don’t want to take my kids on a roller coaster going 70mph if these things are flying around!
Regards… Jeff Dixon, Yorktown, VA
Where are they?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Haven’t seen any here yet. Lots of ticks (yuk) though! David, Media, Delaware County, PA
CICADAS!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I work off Rolling Road. Man, they’re invading my freakin’ job!!! They’re all over the place here! I run into them in the truck on delivery, they come into my warehouse… they’re everywhere! I really wonder how long this thing will last. Hope not too long, I’m tired of having to flash my towel when I’m walkin’ outside to ward them off, lol. Have fun, cicada lovers! Obie , Springfield, VA (Where I work anyways…)
Black Eyes
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I found a female this afternoon with grey-black eyes. Has anyone heard of this sort of anomaly before? Joyce, Rockville, MD
first live one
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I have finally seen a live one and they look really cool and they are not the least bit scared of us I still have not seen what I was expecting, I have seen about 5 shells but and one live one but still not what others are seeing. I hope I get to see that. Scott Davis, Bel Air, MD
welcome cicadas!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
the cicadas have been here for about a week. They are very “patchy” in their gathering, you can drive the down the street and not hear them, then turn the corner and hear 100s of them in one tree. You can hear their melodic droning in the distance all day, but standing under a tree where they are all hanging out is UNREAL! I always smile when i see or hear them. Paul, Germantown, MD
what a buzz!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I thought I remembered how LOUD these guys were from the last time… The buzz started here a few nights ago, but this morning – after some heavy, persistent rain moved off – the buzz is truly in the air! Amazing too how isoloated some of the noise is; even in town you can drive past a city block and there’d be a sudden and very noticeable increase in the volume. rick xaver, bloomington, in
Swarms
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
They’ve started to swarm big time in Falls Church VA. Riding home from the lunch, we saw scores of people on the sidewalk flailing haplessly at the air. It resembled a science-finction movie. It’s dangerous–a co-worker almost hit a child who jumped into the street to escape a cicada. michael, Falls Church
They’re back!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
They are all over Princeton Borough. Depending on where you are – near old trees and woods – you can see zillions of them and hear them buzzing very loudly.
I remember them from 17 years ago when I worked in town. They carpeted the streets and side-walks. You had no choice but to step on them. They were everywhere! Cyn, Princeton, NJ
Crunchy Critters invade West Virginia!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Coming home from Virginia this weekend (5/25), north on I81, my fiance and I stopped in an antique market in West Virginia. THEY WERE EVERYWHERE! Crunching off the windshield as we pulled off the exit, swooping down from the trees, crushed under our feet as we walked…The shop owner said they’re looking forward to 4 more weeks of the squealing, crunchy critters! Ichhhh! Jen, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Guess What?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I saw a cicada today! I’ve been waiting for a moment like this! I didn’t think they existed until I finally saw one myself. They’re a lot bigger than I thought they were! YAY Cicadas! WEEEEEEE!! 🙂 Ryan Swift, Georgetown
Flying Everywhere Heere!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Please, Please tell me when this madness will end!!!! There are BIG Cicadas flying everywhere. It must stop soon or I am going to lose my MIND. Saw a different breed this morning just a bit smaller with white wings. I am petrified!! Rock, Northwest Baltimore, MD
They’re so cool!
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
I live right by the water, so I haven’t seen any at home. But we were at a Baysox game on Sunday, and there were so many we could catch them in the air and pass them around. And they feel really neat when you hold them. sort of like little prickles… Mer, Annapolis, MD
Cicadas like blondes
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
One of these nasty things flew into my wife’s hair. Alan, Washington DC
Found Brood X
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Thanks to this message board and the earlier posting from Green Lane, PA.
We found the brood.
See ya in 17 years !!! Danny, Audubon,PA
Cicadas in Upstate NY?
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Does anyone know if the cicadas are coming to upstate NY. I’m only 17, and curious to find out as much as I can, I obviously cant remember the last time they came, as I was born that year. Let me know… Melanie, Lisbon NY (St. Lawrence County)
Trip To Washington DC
Date: Thursday, May/27/2004
Yesterday I made a quick trip to Washington National Airport and had a couple of hours to collect cicadas and bring some home to Chicago. There’s a beautiful bike path that goes north from the airport along the Potomac, and it was heavily populated with cicadas. I collected a few males and females and brought them home. They’re in a big jar climbing around on a big ball of wet paper towels.
Odd thing is that they seem to have two or three distinct mating calls. Do they vary by family, mood, or both??
I’ll probably let’em go free tomorrow in the forest preserves up here. They’ll have a ball in these here woods… Philip, Chicago
On the Mall
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
There are pockets of cicadas on the National Mall in Washington that emerged late last week. Most of the trees there are pruned regularly of their low brances so there aren’t a lot to be seen up close anymore, but you can definitely hear them in patches around the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of American History.
Meanwhile, my neighborhood in Arlington has been droning for almost two weeks. I’ve had cicadas land on my shoulder and sing — it’s loud, but OK by me. The courtyard below my 7th floor apartment just became active in recent days, and cicadas sometimes land on my window screens and sing. I haven’t seen any new emergences in several days. P. Yabut, Arlington, VA
Sightings in NJ?
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
We’re on the look-out, but haven’t seen any yet! Is it possible they won’t emerge here? Chuck, Montclair, NJ
Where are they?
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Why haven’t the cicadas invaded this town. I saw one today for the first time and it was probably blown here from a storm we had the night before. Don’t get me wrong though, I am relieved not to have that rotting smell but I would like to know the reason if there is one. M.O., Glen Burnie, MD
100s [AT] Battelle Darby Park
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I took my dog on the Wag Trail. They were all over some of the bushes. The sound came in waves. I found a few dead ones on the ground. I brought them back with me, along with a couple of ticks. I got some tick spray and plan to head back out on a daily bases. Tim Hamilton, Columbus, Ohio
koo koo bugs
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Funny bugs. They’ve become part of the fabric of life. They land on you because you’re vertical. Had one on the car the other day, demurely staring with red eyes. Funny.
I have sympathy for bug phobics. Oh my God. michael, falls church VA
Cicada in NJ
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Nothing in EB NJ but I know that they will come soon. If they don’t then I guess I’ll try in another 17 years. Jason, East Brunswick, NJ
ANY SIGHTINGS IN SMITHVILLE,NJ YET?
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Just wondering if anyone along the Jersey shore has seen any abundance of these buggers yet? I have my tunnel builders on standby and I want to make sure they have enough construction time! My mother went to Crofton,MD yesterday for a few days to visit and only lasted a day! She said the cicadas were so bad she was having a nervous breakdown and went back home to upstate New York! Ha-Ha! Hope some followed her… Kimmy, SMITHVILLE, NJ
need a few
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
in my middle school classes, we do a number of comparitive studys. i would love to have a few males and females to compare to the annual cicadas that we have in kansas. we are not due for an emergence until 2015, and with all of the discussion
on the news, my students are really interested.
d butler, leon kansas
white eyed cicada
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
found a white eyed cicada when I was walking up to my school so I picked it up and put it in my backpack. I can’t bring cicadas into my school so when I got home I took it out to take a picture. Then I put it in a jar with a branch.
SEAN WILKINSON M.D sean wilkinson, upper marlboro maryland
Not hear yet! 🙁
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I’m about 30 miles south of Nashville and no sitings yet! Although I hear Knoxville, about 150 miles east of us, is covered with them.
Cicadas, come west, young bugs, come west! Sandra, Murfreesboro, TN
Boy are they ever loud!!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
These cicadas are deafening. Our house is surrounded by woods and the noise is really unbearable during the day! We have to turn up the TV to hear it and that’s with the windows shut! The end of June won’t be here soon enough! Karen, Gettysburg, PA
None spotted Yet!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Will they reach as far east in NJ as Howell? Randy, Howell NJ
I heard them over the phone from Princeton!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Nothing here in NorthEast Somerset County so far, and looking at the Brood X territory map, we’re really close to the edge of the expected emergence so I’m not 100% certain we’re in the zone. My husband thinks it’s Brood II that emerges here based on the year he remembers it, so we’ll have to wait and see.
However, my husband was on business in Princeton today and called to say he didn’t see cicadas anywhere! I told him it was impossible based on the reports on this site. He pulled over near a wooded area and when no cars were going by, he said he could hear the UFO noise. I urged him to drive closer to the noise and sure enough, it got much louder and I could hear them over the phone! It really sounded like the attack of the giant bugs in old horror movies. He only saw one cicada flying – it might be too chilly today – but they were very noisy in the tree tops. This was along the Raritan canal and just a few blocks from the older part of the University campus. Loretta, North Plainfield, NJ
looks like dive bombers
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Sitting here in clinic and looked out the window…must be a hundred i have seen in the past few minutes…7 floors up…flying through the air like dive bombers…males chasing females??…females looking for a tree branch???…in the heat and heart of a urban center…more buildings than grass and trees… health provider, Baltimore
The noise is deafening
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Even tho’ I’m 17 years older than I was in 1987 and us old folk are supposed to be losing our hearing, the noise seems louder than it was the last time.
Also, the smell of dead and dying cicadas is starting to be a little gamey.
I don’t know if I can make it another 4 weeks without going mad! Iris, Baltimore, MD
where the heck are they?!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I read your message shorty from kunkletown, pa; we’re neighbors and I haven’t seen any yet. I’m getting the feeling we may not see any, and that makes me sad! becky, saylorsburg,pa
The Maddening Noise
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
The noise level in my neighborhood is getting pretty loud. Everyone said that we wouldn’t see too many here because my neighborhood was built about 10 yrs. ago. Not true!! And now they “sing” at night, too. My husband likes the noise. He says it is soothing.
To Debbie in Seattle: Here is the web page with the article you were looking for: www.nbc4.com/news/3337453/detail.html
Grace, Abingdon, MD
They freak me out
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
They are EVERYWHERE! They fly around all over the place and they have landed on me a few times. I wanted to cry. I’m trying to accept them, I’m actually starting to like them a little bit. They are kind of cute in an ugly sort of way… Melody, Hanover, MD
Nastiness
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Cicadas are disgusting and thats all i have to say about that!! Amanda, MD
are they coming?
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
ARE THE CICADA BUGS COMING TO SHIRLEY?????????????? OR MASTIC?????? Brittany, Shirley
manhattan cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
hello,
i am very excited about the prospect of seeing cicadas in manhattan. it drives me wild, in fact. when will they be in manhattan. will they even be in manhattan? does anyone remember from the last outbreak. im talking about in the parks eg central park, riverside park etc…
reply back soon,
thanks,
manhattan cicadamaniac TK, new york, ny
Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
So far, not any sign of them over here.
However, saw them yesterday, while driving, only 25 miles south of here. “Hope” we’ll have them soon in northern NJ. Peter, Long Valley, NJ
Washing the windshield
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
They seem to be very active this week. And there lots of them dead on the sidewalks – perhaps the first to show up had done their dirty business already and can die in peace now. Anyway – driving home from work yesterday, I got quite a few killed on my windshield. And it’s not an easy task to wash the mess off – no way it would come off with water or regular fluid. Even Windex wasn’t working very well – you have to rub it and scrub it.
And boy, do they stink! I guess people who eats them consider it “delicious”, but I’m actually thinking of getting a gas mask – it’ll be much worse in a week or two…
By the way – to those, who love them so much, and say they are totally harmless: DON’T YOU KNOW THAT ROTTEN FLESH IN LARGE AMOUNTS CAN BE BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH? Have you read (in history schoolbooks perhaps?) that they use to bury corpses after a battle, instead of leaving them around to decompose. And it isn’t only because they honor their soldiers – they bury the enemy soldiers as well. So – who’s gonna bury those “harmless” and “cute” and whatnot things? EIU, Fairfax, VA
Cicadas take a lickin’, but keep on tickin’
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Yesterday evening (May 25) we experienced a serious thunderstorm in Stonewall Manor with nickel sized hail stones. The hail lasted about 5 minutes and shredded leaves of trees in our community. So how did the cicadas, which were perched high in the treetops, weather this assault, you ask? This morning they were singing their usual tune, although at a somewhat reduced volume from the day before. It sounded like most of them survived. Mike, Vienna, VA
They all may have died…
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
…from all the fertilizer and lawn care products being absorbed into the ground, I feel it will be just another normal year for the Cicada.
McKenzie McKenzie, Bucks County
SEEN IN GETTYSBURG, PA
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
WE HAVEN’T SPOTTED ANY HERE IN YORK, PA YET (2 HRS. NORTH OF DC) BUT I WAS IN GETTYSBURG, PA LAST FRIDAY AND THEY WERE EVERYWHERE…WE CANCELLED OUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND PLANS TO GO CAMPING THINKING THEY WOULD BE TOO ANNOYING (AND lOUD) TO dEAL WITH! PAM STEIN, YORK, PA
Still waiting in NC mountains
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
We are in the northwestern corner of NC very close to TN and VA. Elevation 3400′. So far, not a single cicada has been seen. The past month has been cooler than normal, so we are thinking the soil temp has not reached the magic 65 degrees yet. We are hoping they come soon! SK, Watauga County, Boone, NC
Cicadas Make Great Models
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
They’re often so slow and docile, and so large, that they take great photo close-ups. Here’s one from my back yard that sat still long enough for me to get this great shot.
http://img74.photobucket.com/albums/v224/blmarsha/charlie.jpg B. Marshall, Annandale, VA
nothing dramatic
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I found some larvae that was ready to emerge while digging the garden but I haven’t seen any adults. Haven’t heard them yet either. Last weekend near Quakertown Pa on Rt 663 they were very loud. MJB, Mountaintop pa
Egg laying
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Yesterday, I noticed that some cicadas have started to lay eggs on my 13 year old tree. It looked like thread on several branches. I plan on checking the trees at my school. I will try to take a picture to send to you. Shirley Jeffords , Silver Spring MD
Cicadas everywhere
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I live in knox county tennessee. my 2.5 wooded acres are absolutely covered with these buggers. They haven’t caused any trouble but they make a lot of noise all day and now all night. first time i’ve ever seen them Wayne, Knoxville TN
BY THE BILLIONS!!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
They are here by literally the billions!! This small quiet town literally sounds like a big city now! Just one tree in my yards has 1000’s of them!! WOW! Scott, Marshall, IL
Egg laying
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Yesterday, I noticed that some cicadas have started to lay eggs on my 13 year old tree. It looked like thread on several branches. I plan on checking the trees at my school. I will try to take a picture to send to you. Shirley Jeffords , Silver Spring MD
Cicadas everywhere
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I live in knox county tennessee. my 2.5 wooded acres are absolutely covered with these buggers. They haven’t caused any trouble but they make a lot of noise all day and now all night. first time i’ve ever seen them Wayne, Knoxville TN
BY THE BILLIONS!!
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
They are here by literally the billions!! This small quiet town literally sounds like a big city now! Just one tree in my yards has 1000’s of them!! WOW! Scott, Marshall, IL
Cicadas a no show
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Cicadas have not shown up in the Englishtown/ Manalapan area. If anyone sees them please let me know which community. Thanks. Lauren, Englishtown, New Jersey
Another blue-eyed cicada
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
Just read that a blue-eyed cicada turned up in McLean (where I’m from)….there’s an article on the WTOP web site about it. Mom still lives there…I’ll have to tell her to keep an eye out for blue-eyed cicadas… Debbie, Seattle
“The Eyes”
Date: Wednesday, May/26/2004
I am on a message board of folks that ‘appreciate’ (to say the least) Frodo from Lord of the Rings and we are especially always talking about ‘The Eyes’….those deep blue, wide eyes that enhanced Elijah Wood’s character throughout the movie trilogy.
Well, I pulled a meanie last night and posted a pic on that board from the PA station Priscilla mentioned that shows a cicada quite up close and personal with the bulging red eyes 😉 and called it ‘The Eyes’……had a mixed reaction on that one….LOL!!!!!
My Mom is in McLean, VA so from the sounds of what’s being posted here, it sounds like she’s inundated. Dad is in Baltimore….I asked Mom to open the weekend so I can hear them singing a couple of weeks ago (Mother’s Day) but she doesn’t even want to think about them. It must be much worse now….after the post I saw about hitting 40 or 50 of them going down the beltway.
It sounds like they are even more of them than 1970 and 87. Back then my boyfriend and I had tshirts that said ‘Cicada Invasion Summer 1987 with a bunch of cicadas all the the red eyes…if anyone sees a shirt like that can someone let me know.
Is there a news article anywhere on the woman who hit the fire hydrant? Debbie, Seattle
how far upstate will they come?
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
are they coming to upstate ny. at all? i took my kids out to look for them, found a shell of one in a knothole in my pine tree, it was very old. covered in spider webs and sap. bill, modena, ny.
attracted to light?
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Are cicadas known to be attracted to outdoor lighting? JLB, Louisville, KY
Still No Cicadas!
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Had them in ’87, but so far I haven’t seen any here in Matthews, NC or 50 miles away at our lake cottage. They were abundant at the lake in ’87, so I’m wondering where they are now!!!
Lisa in Charlotte, NC Lisa, Charlotte, NC
Where are they?
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I drive an 18 wheeler, haven’t seen a live one yet. Maybe thats what the big splat was on the windshield? shorty, Kunkletown, PA USA
Indiana
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Havent seen any either. I saw a lot in Bloomington. Dr. Dre, Indianapolis
PRISCILLA!! I MAY HAVE SEEN TWO! AAHHHH!
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Anyone have any ideas if these things are coming to South Jersey? I think I may have seen 2 babies on my screen door the other day. They were pretty small but had those red eyes and one was making a pretty loud sound! Haven’t seen (or heard)anything since then but I’m still looking. Is it possible to have just a few and not mass quantities? I’m building a tunnel… KIMMY, SMITHVILLE,NJ
Michigan Sightings
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Have there been any reports of sightings in Michigan? sc, MI
Cicadas early arrival
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I think our Cicadas arrived early . In April we had a deafening sound in the woods behind our apartment complex. We couldn’t figure out what it was. It was so loud. It was done by May. And now we have no cicadas around like everyone else does. Our woods out back are quiet and down the road is filled with them. I think they came early. Amy Murberg, Bel Air, Maryland
NONE HERE YET
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Still none here in Ann Arbor MI that I have seen. Helen, Ann Arbor MI
PLEASE Say it isnt so!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I’m in Washington NJ too Danny, and I dont have them at my house yet. I look outside every night and every morning…so far… complete relief! None here! I lived in Colonia (Middlesex County) in 1996 when Brood II was there. That was so incredibly bad I cant even imagine what this year has in store! You could scoop up many MANY handfulls at the base of each tree back then…OMG what am I instore for this year??? I’m sooo freaked out! New Jersey-ites….please keep me posted!!! B.T., Washington NJ (Warren County)
Are any hatching still?
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Does anyone know where any more cicadas may be hatching still in the Cincinnati area, as of 5/26? I would like to try to watch one emerge out of its shell (I missed them in 1987, as I was in Pearl Harbor serving in the Navy). Carol Ann vivedly remembers 1987, and is looking forward to the “peak” time of this “Brood X” emergence.
Thanks.
Thanks for allowing us to share. Larry and Carol Ann, Cincinnati, OH
Just a few – bummer
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
My family has been waiting to experience this invasion, but, alas, we have just had a few emerge under one tree. For the last week we have seen 4-8 new shells each morning. Most of them are being eaten by birds. I can hear an occasional weee-ooohhh, but it’s just one or two at a time. Looks like we are going to have to drive down to southern Indiana to experience the big numbers. Holly, Indianapolis Indiana
Cicadas Everywhere!!
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Oh, if you really want to see some cicadas just come to the DC metro area and you will see more than you need. I am on the campus of my school (Trinity College) and cicadas are even flocking inside the dorms. You can here the cicadas all around you…they actually sound like car alarms. Also, can you believe that one little cicada cause a huge accident in Maryland. A lady was driving to work when a cicada flew in her car and she instinctively went to swat it away and crashed into a fire hydrant knocking out all of the water for the neighborhood. I am totally scared of bugs…if you want the cicadas come to DC and take them all because I have had enough of them. 🙂 Ndara, Washington, DC
Where are They?
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I live in williamson county about 15 min from downtown and haven’t seen them yet I hope they come soon! danny, nashville TN
Giant cicada!
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
Just saw the first cicada in our neighborhood- it’s in an oak tree on our street. It is huge! This is the first one we have seen, even though we live in a rural area about seven miles from Princeton (which is overrun with them). Hopefully, we will see more. Sue, Franklin Twp (Somerset Co) NJ
The Enterprise is here
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
I live in the country and man do they like to make noise it sounds almost like a Spaceship hovering over our house. We have holes around every tree i mowed the lawn and saw about 100 holes Joe, Pennsylvania
The smell of Cicadas
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
We have had cicadas for over two weeks and the smell from the rotting shells and dead bugs was overwhelming in our back yard. We have been shoveling cicadas into trash cans and putting down lime and cedar mulch to deal with the stench….
KP, Gaithersburg, MD
Recipe
Date: Tuesday, May/25/2004
These critters are deeeeeelish! Catch a jar full, freeze them. Next day rinse w/cold h20, pat dry. Toss in flour/salt/pepper/creole season and fry 2-3 min in hot canola oil.
Eat them like popcorn! Great w/beer or Cheerwine… ‘Hoss, Knoxegas, TN