Was planning to mulch…
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
Cicadas are finally here!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I spotted 2 this morning in Lanham. I’ve waited a long time for this day!
Their cute little red eyes! Jinxy, Lanham, MD
They’re heeeeeeeeeere!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I wanted to let you know they are here in New Carrollton and the Beltsville Agricultural Center as well. Here’s a real kicker: I’m entomophobic! But I’m actually caught up in Brood Xitement (hey, that’s good…I should use that…) Anyhoo. Right now, there is a squirrel in my front lawn. I think he’s poaching! It’s the same one that was in the street sitting in one spot and I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. But now I understand it. He’s looking for the cicadas! I can actually hear them outside some. Despite my entomophobia, I’m a little excited to hear them at high roar as I was 7 the last time they were around. Now, time to go look at the cool shop…I may have to get one of those nifty shirts… Jennifer W., New Carrollton, MD
Not in Central KY
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
No Roberta. I have been to the arboretum and raven’s run the last 4 days and haven’t seen any evidence of their coming. Ed, Lexington, KY
Any Kentucky sightings yet?
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I am so bummed — I have seen no signs of cicadas yet! The only thing I have noticed is a lot of bumpy ground in my front lawn, but when I dig I find no nymphs at all. I’ll simply CRY if we don’t get them! I’ve been creating a small exhibit on cicadas at our science museum here and it will be pretty pointless if we don’t get any. Anyone in central Kentucky seen them yet? Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY
How far north do these things make it?
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I remember being a kid about 17 years ago having a massive infestation of bugs in Montreal that covered every available vertical object (trees, telephone poles, walls) for about 2 weeks then disappeared. The kids called the Chad flies. I have always wondered what those were and now I guess they must have been Cicadas.
Seemed like the furthest extent of their range was New York State based on most sites I have seen. Does anyone know if these things make it as far North as Montreal?
If so, I will post any details of the Northern invasion… Robert Cole, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw several in my front yard this morning! Tom, Chantilly, VA
Have seen them for a week now!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Not a whole lot, but there I began seeing shells last week, and beginning Friday, they were flying into our sliding glass door. Friday night has been the loudest….there were probably 5 or 6, and it sounded as though there were 500. I haven’t heard them since, but they are still trying to fly into the glass door! Anthony, Waldorf, MD
If you’re still waiting, here’s a tip!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
If you haven’t been blessed with the sight of any cicadas yet, here is a tip on how to find some. If you know the location of a piece of slate, a large rock or a wood pile that can be easily moved, look under it! They burrow up under said items and you can make out the tunnels they’ve dug too. Matt, Bethesda, MD
No cicadas as yet BUTTTTT
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I haven’t seen any cicadas yet. But I have had an emergence of those nasty earwigs this weekend. I’ve never seen so many at one time. Maybe they arepredators to the cicadas.And they DO have a good pinch! I’ll take the cicada ANY time over the earwig! Pam Mortimer, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Hordes of Cidadas
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Our 60 year old house and the surrounding yard are now covered with them. It was quite amusing watching my wife (who has never experienced the cidadas before)sprint to her car with an umbrella over her head! David, Silver Spring, MD
Spotted Two This Morning
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I spotted two cicadas this morning, that apparently emerged not too long ago… They won’t last long, they came out on the ground beneath my bird feeder…. okay, make that one cicada, and one bird with a full belly. Bill Blum, Springfield, OH
Little Freaked Out!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m sorry, I just can’t wait for them to all die and go away for another 17 years. I wish I could be enthusiastic and appreciate them but I have been stressing out for weeks now, I don’t want them bumping into me, blocking my front door and I don’t want to step on them either! I was 9 when they came last and my sister got one stuck in her hair! Yuk, I’m desperately thinking of ways to cover myself and avoid them all together!!! Shelley, Annapolis, MD
They’re heeeere
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw a couple hundred this morning on my way to work – on trees, telephone poles, car tires, shrubs, grasses, mail boxes. All in different stages of emergence. And the birds are having feast. Very, very cool. Dan Bannon, Takoma Park
they’re heeeeere !
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my boss found her first one this morning, clinging to her garage. tess, edgewood, md
Recipes
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Does anyone have any good recipes for these tasty creatures. It is tradition that I eat a couple every time Brood X makes an appearance, that being said this will be my second time. What is the frying technique, are the wings pulled of first. I am thinking about a nice garlic buttered cicada on the grill. David, Falls Church, VA
First sightings
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I have a cicada shell sitting on my desk this morning, compliments of a co-worker who lives in Sulphur Springs, TN. (Northeast TN – just outside Johnson City). He has spotted holes in the ground on his property, and found this shell on the ground. They’re not on the trees yet. It’s just a matter of time now. Eeeewwww!!! I’m freaking out! PL, Sulphur Springs, TN
squirrels
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
If dogs can die from eating the cicadas, does that mean that dead squirrels will be falling out of the trees? Sissy, Burke VA
Holes
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Well, after letting the lawn get to Great Plains proportions, I finally mowed yesterday. And I came across these holes in my yard… I asked what they could be… NOW I get it! Of course. So, I should indeed be expecting the little creatures sometime soon. The earth bears her children, if you will.
This will be cool! A couple of things i am thankful for: 1) my neighbor killed my japanese maple last year (no need to worry about it this year) 2) I have a REALLY old car…no need to worry about dents, and smished creatures 3) The constuction on the house is almost done!
ENJOY! Deb, Takoma Park, MD
Hmmmm
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m originally from New Zealand and we have similar cicada’s but they are green instead of brown but still with the beautiful red eyes. Haven’t seen any yet, but will be keeping my eyes and ears open !!! Julie, Fairfax, VA
INCOMING!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve been dive-bombed twice (not intentionally, just walked out the front door at the wrong time). They are HARMLESS, but it’s still creepy to be hit by one flying by. Their little carcasses are stuck to my walls. I swept away about a dozen off the front porch yesterday. I awoke this morning and one of my large Hosta plants in the back yard is covered (1-2 perched on every leaf). They first appeared last Saturday, 8 May. Angie, North Springfield, Virginia
We’re hearing them now
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Last night we heard our first two very loud cicadas in the wooded area next to our development. We had seen some emerge from the ground on May 1st. Traci, Germantown, MD
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw 3 or 4 last evening around 6 pm on my patio. I could tell something was up, the birds were chirping excessively! Bob, Fall Church, VA
Anxious
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I can recal being in High School when they last came out. I just remember the LOUD noise was everywhere. I am living in a new neighborhood in DC now from when I was in High School, so I am not too sure that it will be that bad in my area. I’ll have to wait and see. I think that the crickets are bad enough, OOF where are my ear plugs.
Jose
NW, DC jose, NW, DC
my dog is digging for them!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 3 cicadas this morning!! But all yesterday evening my pup was going nuts digging everywhere. he was on a serious excavating mission!! they are coming. he is excited but has no idea that his totally unsupervised backyard playtime has ended for a few months!! dp, Potomac, MD
Cicada invasion
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This morning was the first that I really noticed them emerging in large numbers… on the side walk, in the air, the front lawn, and all over the car. Anyone know how long they were around 17 years ago? Chrissy, Cheverly, MD
Cicadas on the porch
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
today, May 10 there were a few cicadas on our porch here in the woods. Many could be heard in the distance george, NE Georgia Mountains Blairsville
they’re here!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my cicadas appeared yesterday – monday 5/10/04. i had about 30, and i have another 30 or so today. they are on a patch of tall weeds (about 2 feet tall) on the east side of the house. when i first saw them, i was excited, interested, yet somewhat repulsed. today, i’m just excited. Pam, Kensington, MD
Shell in my drive way
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
As I was going to work this morning at 7am I noticed a shell in my drive way. They’er here!!! Mike, Arnold, Maryland
Brood X Emergence
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I live in McLean VA in suburban Washington DC. Last evening (Monday) after getting home from work my sons and I counted about 30-40 empty casings on the older trees in our front yard. Last night the big explosion began, however. When I got up this morning there were dozens of empty casing on the trees and we spotted lots and lots of cicadas crawling toward the trees and several more on the trunk and actually in the process of emerging from their casings. One was actually doing so on one of our cars. I also saw the first flying cicada, which my son picked up and carried around on his shoulders after it had landed. The empty casings, by the way, went well up into the trees. I saw some up more than 20 feet. jmgradon, McLean, VA
am observations
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
My kids and I went out on our porch this morning to watch some birds feasting on the cicadas, and to collect some shells.
What a great science lesson! Sean, Takoma Park, MD
They’ve Arrived!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I have seen quite a few in the yard this morning. 5 or 6 of the creatures were attached to my car which is parked under a tree. That isn’t counting the shells in the yard. It hasn’t reached overwhelming proportions yet, which is good because I have a tremendous fear of insects. Nellie, Falls Church VA
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This past weekend, I noticed a few shells around and Monday noticed a few more. Got up this morning and my driveway had about 50 shells and about 10 cicadas (some looked dead, some moving slowly). The tires on my car looked polka dotted with all the shells left on them. I noticed on the street in front of my house probably 100 shells and lots of run over cicadas, however, when I drove down my street, other areas didn’t seem as affected. I must be ground zero for cicada in my neighborhood (Falls Church in Fairfax County, VA, near Annandale and Arlington). We’re moving to Tacoma, Washington today – I’m hoping everything gets loaded into the truck and makes it across country without getting covered in cicadas! Heather , Falls Church, VA
Sqealed with delight
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This morning while out to get the paper, I nearly squished the first one. I brought it inside and showed my wife. She got so excited, she squealed with delight, jumping up and down and clapping her hands with childlike enthusiasm. I thought for a moment that she had been transported back seventeen years to the last emergence. Good times. Brian Williams, Falls Church, VA
A few!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Last night, while walking the dogs, I saw several cicada carcasses… I’m on the lookout in my backyard now. I wasn’t in Maryland the last time and so I’m looking forward to the emergence with both trepidation and excitement…! Michelle, Hyattsville, MD
They’re in our yard!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We spotted a few cicadas in our yard yesterday (5/10), and caught one in a jar. Didn’t see any other western Fairfax County messages, so I thought I’d contribute. Liz, Reston, VA (west of DC)
hundreds and hundreds up
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Hundreds of cicadas up in the neighbor’s sunny, south facing yard yesterday and hundreds more today. They have climbed the stalks of unmown grass at the foot of an old maple and cover some of the small bushes. Then they take flight to nearby trees (and telephone poles.)No noise yet, except for the excited calls of the birds. r, Annandale, VA
First sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw a great big perfectly formed, ugly cicada this morning on the outside of my screen porch. All five eyes were alert and he (she?) was ready to fly out and buzz someone. Beautiful!!!
Peggy Douglas, Washington D.C.
I’m jealous
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve been reading with envy all the accounts of spotted cicada and I have to admit that I’m a little jealous. I haven’t heard one or seen one yet! I’m actually so ready to see one that I mistook a frog in my garage for one of the red-eyed buggers! I was 10 the last time the X brood swarmed the area and if I recall correctly, I used to pick them off my shirt and shake them out of my hair. I’m not saying I am ready to relive such an experience but now that I’m 27 I think, despite the fact that I’m not a fan of bugs, I am ready to appreciate them for their sheer magnitude and perseverance to sustain life in the ground for 17 years. Where are they already?? Jen, Anne Arundel County
netting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I looked at the Reston Home Depot and Sterling Home Depot and Lowes; none of them have any netting. In my neighborhood, it seems like I am the only one concerned with protecting my young japanese maple trees. I think I am going to create a box out of old window screens held together with bungee cords. At least that will give them a fighting chance against egg laying in the woody stems.
Stacey, Reston, VA
Cicada Hole Siting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Have seen lots of large holes in our lawn (under some plant pots we moved), but haven’t yet spotted an actual cicada. I love the way the creatures sound, but I can’t say I love the “crunching” under human feet. Will try to be careful when they’re out in force! Jinny, Bethesda, MD
BUG JUICE
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Okay, first of all, why are people facinated by these aliens?! They are SO gross! I am 17 years old, and the last time these monsters were here I was just a baby. My mom remembers running me into the car as fast as she could so they woulndt feast upon my body no bigger than theirs. And now.. as I approached my car this morning.. I was “delighted” to find 3 on my little black camry. I freaked out and screamed… there were THREE… And there are supposed to be thousands?? I can’t handle this… *cries* Mollye, Rockville, MD
Silver Spring Sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw my first cicada this morning — a full-grown adult in all its black and red glory. It buzzed its way across my front porch before crashing into the side of my house. Soon, they will be crashing into me . . . Gaston, Silver Spring, mD
Wire Mesh
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw no cicadas, yet.
I, too, found Home Depot dropped much of their wire screening line. However, the Lowes at Dulles Town Center has a large selection with various opening sizes and gauges. It was quite effective at large keeping out large rodents. If you want something heavy, try Lowe’s. Peter, Sterling, VA
Faulty eclosion
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Cicadas need somewhere to perch and hang while they shed their skins (undergo ecdysis). If there are no good vertical surfaces (like that case below where the old tree was destroyed last year) many will not get the wingss expanded properly. David Marshall, Raymondsville, TX until Thurs
They are here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 4-5 cicadas starting to come out of my lawn this morning when I was walking to my car. Time to get ready!!! MK, Silver Spring, Maryland
More then a 1000
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Indiana…An easy 1000…just this morning! I have been watching them in all stages under 2 oak trees.. over a 1000 doing the cicada dance. My dog had a added treat…looks like I buy a muzzle today! It is so amazing and thrilling. We have been much warmer here…mid 80’s and looks like it came early. The grass is so heavy under the trees with no signs of hills. Harriet, Nashville, Indiana ( South-Central)
Arrival last night
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
The 11 o’clock news showed the emergence in College Park, MD, so I went outside with a flashlight to look for bugs on our four mature trees. Sure enough, the front yard, with its red maple, were /swarming/ with them. But we couldn’t find /any/ on our ash and two maples in the back yard. A neighbor speculated that because it was so rainy last year, and our back yards are so marshy, the larvae may have drowned. Any thoughts on this? Jason R Tibbetts, Falls Church, VA
Many Emerging
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We started noticing the nymphs emerging Friday morning. This morning our oak tree had hundreds of the red eyes getting ready to sing…. Cicada Watcher, Ellicott City, MD
I miss the cicads!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I was born in DC in the summer of 1970 and my mother recounts what it was like to be pregnant with the cicadas swarming and singing all around her. It breaks my heart that I’m currently living in New England, and will miss the fascinating, hypnotizing, wonderful little creatures. Anyone want to FedEx me one? Ren, Cambridge, Mass.
I won!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve counted at least 8 cicadas in my yard this morning. I moved out from CA less than 10 mos. ago, my wedding (partially outdoors) is planned for next month, and it’s just my freaky good luck that these creatures are timed to emerge now! My fiance left for a week-long business trip yesterday to boot, so it’s just me, our dog, and the cicadas. We made a bet as to when we thought the bugs would come out, and I won! You can be sure I’ll be cashing in on my bet when he comes back. Julie, Washington, DC
No ugly bugs here!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
First, let me start off by stating my own preferred name for cicadas is ‘ugly bug’ because they look like mutant house flies.
We normally get the late summer variety of ugly bugs but I haven’t seen any of this brood X yet.
When I moved into my house 12 years ago, I had a large Elm tree in my back yard that was always full of ugly bugs in late summer, I couldn’t even go out my back door at night without stirring up a bunch of them. In Feb of 1994 a devestating ice storm hit our area and the Elm tree didn’t make it. Each year after that, the siting of ugly bugs in my yard has dwindled to near nothing. If I have/had any brood X ugly bugs in my yard, would they have died when the Elm tree was removed? Or maybe our area doesn’t even have any brood X to begin with? We’ll find out soon enough, I suppose. Jeff, Lynchburg, VA
Saw my first yesterday
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
They aren’t all over the place yet, but I have spotted a few. The first was drying off about 10:30am yesterday on my garden hose. http://www.elb.com/~hjohnson/randompics/cicada.jpg Ruby, Lorton, VA
they’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Out this morning in Arlington and there were about a hundred on one tree alone. The birds were enjoying a hearty breakfast, and the hum has begun in heavily wooded areas. Pixie, Arlington, VA
Holes and Wings
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Have spotted holes in the ground. A few Cicadas in the trees. One on our front porch and one very nearly dropped in my mouth. Goose McKraut, Oakton, Virginia
These poor guys, by the thousands
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Lots of the poor guys wandering around on the sidewalk where a huge tree used to stand before the hurricane took it out last fall.
Why do so many of them–about half of the thousands that have emerged since last Thursday–why are they deformed? Typically, their wings don’t unfurl all the way and wind up drying half formed. They flap them so hard but can’t get off the ground and instead wind up rolling in the dirt. It’s so sad! They have a hard life, these guys.
Alex , Side street in Chevy Chase, MD–Montgomery County
Cicada sighting in DC
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 10 cicadas huddled along a big branch on an old fruit tree out in the lawn next to my house yesterday.
I’d like to screen off my porch. Does anyone know where I can get 1/4inches netting in the DC area (10’x20′)? Home Depot didn’t carry it. Ben, Washington, DC
sstillll waiting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
were are they i think there being sneaky this year owell ryan demoss, tn nashville
Nothing yet….
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
But still awaiting ! I don’t remmeber the last “attack” so now that I’m 37, I should appreciate this summer event enev more ! Frank, Harrisonburg, VA
Saw first one yesterday
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Yesterday I saw our first cicada. No singing yet. I wasn’t sure they would hit our area since it looks like we’re on the fringe of the map. Jerri, Ellijay, GA USA
I think this will be the week!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Well, we are expecting rain in the afternoons this week, and temps in the 80-90’s…….I have unearthed one nymph, ( I put him back) and my husband found one also, I keep checking for chimmneys, but havn’t found any….What gives? I grew up in Florida, and have only experienced ugh….Palmetto bugs. I am so excited to experience this natural phenom.! My friends are even having a cicada party!!!!! Complete with Sweet Cicada Pie! (It will just be Sweet potatoes, but maybe some nuts to make it crunchy! MMMMMM! I’ll let you know how it goes! Becky, Annapolis, Maryland
Bring ’em on!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I was 10 in ’87, but now I’m 27 and ready to appreciate the coming invasion. Let’s see how many of these bad boys can make it out in 2004! Jason Baumgartner, Bel Air, MD
Spotted in Arlington, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Probably about 30 or so on the sidewalks in the area near Wilson Blvd and George Mason Drive in Arlington, VA — at around 1:30 am 5/11/2004. Andrew Nuckols, Arlington, VA
Green Cicadas???
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I grew up in Southwestern Oklahoma and they do have many many cicadas there during the summer months. I have never seen a black cicada before or even heard of one until now, when i was reading about the brood x happenings on www.msnbc.com
The cicadas I alway saw in oklahoma were green, not black, I dont see any pictures of green ones on this site. Have any of you seen green cicadas as well? Scott, Salt Lake City Utah
a spotting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw about 10-15 cicadas crawling around and shedding their skin tonight. Evan, Princeton, NJ
They are here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Counted 10 to 15 this morning in the yard. Yippie!! kamie, Alexandria, VA
Cicada Sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We saw and heard cicadas tonight at Delhi Park in Cincinnati. Not to many, but they are finally emerging! Looking forward to the next couple of days. Bill, Western Hills; Cincinnati, OH
None yet…..
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
No cicadas have emerged here yet. They are fascinating to me, but only from a DISTANCE!! Last time they were out, there was one standing on my patio near the back door. I was too afraid to go out the door, thought it would jump up onto me or something. It just stood there all day. Finally a friend who came over went out to chase it away, and it turned out to be nothing but an empty cicada-shell! Maryann, Central NJ
Aftermath of Hurricane Isabel
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Last night we noticed dozens of cicada nymphs on the sidewalk in front of our home, near where a tree came down during Hurricane Isabel last year. We think that they were living on the tree’s roots and are now not sure where to go. The wandering nymphs are fascinating, but I can’t wait to see them after they’ve shed! MMM, Washington, DC
At Last!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
The Cicadas emerged today at my house today, only about 100 of them but I can’t wate to see what tommarow brings. Ian, Morristown TN. ~Hamblen County~
Cicada
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Something very unusual happened this evening (May 10th) while sitting on my front porch.
There was sawdust on various portions of the floor of my porch. After looking around, I noticed small holes above me in the cedar ceiling of my porch. It was then I also heard unusual sounds. I flushed out the holes and lo and behold, three cicadas dropped out from the holes. NOTE: My house was built 17 years ago.
Lynn G., Jamison, PA
YIKES!!!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
It’s good to see that other people are freaking out like myself. I thought I was the only one who was afraid. Bugs are not “cool”, and anyone who thinks they are I envy. I started panicing weeks ago and trying to think of ways to cover myself. Today on rainshop.com I bought one of the “bubble umbrellas” of the 70s. Other scared people should buy them too, and we can start a cool new fashion statement! Simone , Silver Spring, MD
AHH
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I do not want these cicadas to come out! im deathly afraid of bugs..and this isnt going to help! everyone is telling me that they wont hurt you…but i dont care…it still flies, and its still a bug! grr..anywho..enough of my complaining! hope everyone has a fun time dealing with these things;).
Kim* kim, Westminster,MD
Cicadas on the porch
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
today, May 10 there were a few cicadas on our porch here in the woods. Many could be heard in the distance george, NE Georgia Mountains Blairsville
A real odditie…
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
There is a hole, a borrow hole about the size of a golfball along side of the railroad tie which boxes off my parking pad. Last nite we saw something unusual at least to us anyway. Instead of Cicads coming out of the hole a thing that looked similar to a midget lobster popped his head and claws out just far enough for me to see it’s 1 inch crab like claws and it had 2 feelers or antenni on it’s head. It wouldn’t come out any further. I know we don’t have scorpions here in central Maryland or at least there is not supposed to be.
Is there such a thing as a cicada Killer?? It really has me puzzeled..
Well I was just informed by a 15 year old boy that these are crawfish.. Now I never know crawfish to live in a residential neighborhood… Thansk
Harry
Harry Chavez Sr, Edgewood, Maryland
The Cicada have finally emerged in the nations Capitol
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
It’s Monday May 10, 2004 and I observed my first Black-bodied, Red-eyed Cicada today! These are the first I’ve seen in DC this year. I captured it in a cup, showed it off to everyone I could, then named it Ralph and brought it home to Manassas, VA for the family and pets to see! And play with! Jeff, US Naval Observatory, Washington DC
adult cicadas
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
this morning I woke up to find several dozen cicada nymphs covering the bush in my front yard…many were still coming out of there shells. There were also several cicadas that had already emerged. Janell, Fairfax, VA
Emerging in Rockville, MD
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
The cicadas started coming out Friday morning, May 7th in an area where we get lots of sun. Today (the 10th), I’ve been watching them emerge all day long. They are crawling all over my hostas, daylillies and shrubs as well as up the brick facing of my townhouse all around the door which is a little freaky. I’m both horrified and fascinated! Rose, Rockville, MD
Two in my backyard right now
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I have two cicadas in my yard right now. One is still drying one wing, and the other just flew off. Last night after my angst at not seeing any holes, I found one adult in the front yard. Yes, I am happy. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
First sighting
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I just saw my first cicada while walking the dogs this morning. My daughter is getting married in two weeks and we are completely calm about this natural phenomenon. The ceremony is outdoors (reception indoors) and I just hope one of them doesn’t fall into her hair as she walks down the path but otherwise, we’re looking on their arrival and presence as a sign of good luck. Trying to be very “meditative” about the whole thing since there’s not a lot we can do at this point. Mireille, Bethesda, MD
Adult cicadas
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
This morning one of my students brought in an adult cicada. With my 4th grade classes, we took a walk around the school. We found another adult on a tree. They are predicting that Wed. as the mass time. We are in Silver Spring in the Four Corners area.
Shirley Jeffords Shirley Jeffords , Silver Spring, MD
Saw one this morning
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
A freshly-hatched one too. It looked like a jewel carved out of ivory with carnelian beads for eyes. It was laying in the gutter with its nymph shell nearby and I helped it onto a tree to dry out. What a great way to begin a trilling week! Christa, Alexandria, VA
They are here!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Last night at 10:17 pm we witnessed the first mass emergence near the College Park Campus of the University of Maryland. This was the “hundred cicada per tree” kind of event spoken of by folks like John Cooley. Cicadamaniac Paula Shrewsbury said “It was that kind of special, magic night entomologists dream of but rarely get a chance to experience”. Needless to say the rest of the Cicadamaniacs are nearly orgasmic over the arrival of Brood X. MIke Raupp, College Park, MD
Good snakes
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I don’t get it – why you all folks so happy about this horrible event, which is going to spoil half of the summer?
Well, anyway – we are not seeing these celebrated ugly things here in Fairfax yet. HUNDREDS of holes, though. But we are seeing SNAKES. I live in Fairfax almost 10 years – and I haven’t seen anything but GARDEN snakes here before. Now – there are something entirely different, something that looks dangerous. So – here we go, predators are coming for a generous meal! Be excited – if you can. Elena, Farfax
They are out in full force here
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
The last few days, we have seen hundreds of cicadas around our house. I have had to sweep them off the back porch before stepping out. They are still emerging and if they keep coming out – it will be truely amazing. So far they have been quiet…not sure when they are suppose to start “singing”. Bennie, Knoxville, TN
Nymph sightings
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I posted earlier with my sighting of a fully emerged adult male. After finishing my yard work for the day I can say I think they will begin to emerge in full force this week in suburban Maryland. I have seen several nymph holes in my yard by moving stones and pieces of wood. I don’t even have a big tree in my yard but my neighbor does right by the fence. With temps in the high eighties and the chance of late day thunder storms to soften the ground even more, I think this is the week to see a mass emergence! I am taking photos with my digital camera and may post them on the web.
Later! Sean, Kensington, MD (Suburban Wash. DC)
Saw my first brood x cicada
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
UGH! I saw the one (and only one) at Blue Lick State Park in northern KY today, Mother’s Day.
Jill, Kentucky
No longer waiting in Bethesda
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
Me again.
After I sent the last, sad message, that I had no evidence of cicadas on my property, I started planting some flowers in a vine covered shade garden and saw a cicada nymph. Then I noticed some holes nearby and my children overturned some flagstones to uncover dozens of holes and nearly emerging nymphs. Whew. I thought I would be left out. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
First sighting (for me anyway)
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I was pruning shrubs and trees in my back yard this morning and I was startled by a large buzzing insect which flew into my head and landed on my shirt. I was overjoyed to see that it was a small male cicada recently emerged, it’s wings and other body parts were just rigid enough for it to attempt flight. I carried him up to my deck to finish drying. Later I went up to check on him and he flew off as I came close. Brood X is not far away Washington! Get ready and bring your ear plugs! Sean Coleman, Kensington, MD (Wash. DC suburb)
Waiting in Bethesda
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I am disappointed that there are no signs of cicadas in my yard. The local school has lots of cicada holes around a huge old tree, but my yard has nothing. Our trees are old and I don’t think there was a lot of construction done in the past 17 years, so where are my cicadas? (Although I believe this 1940’s house was added onto *in* 1987. Perhaps the construction made the insects uncomfortable and they all went into neighbors’ yards.
I am so excited about this emgergence. I was fascinated with the 1987 cicadas. I was teaching in Arlington, Virginia at the time and it was thick with the little critters there. Alexandria, where I lived at the time, had few…at least in my neighborhood.
Sorry about your message boards. I was looking for my old post and saw that you needed to change formats. Some people are just plain mean. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
Waiting and dreading
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
They are not officially here, but I see the holes around the trees and other places. It has been 80 degrees for 3 days and the ground should be warm enough soon. Having lived through at least 3 sieges of cicadas (one may have been the 13 yr variety), I am terrified, they fly right into a person. Blindly driven by that mating call. I have bought 4 ponchos, the dollar variety, hoping to cover myself with a non stick surface on route to and from car. I HAVE to work or I would stay in house for a month. At night, the last time they came the ground would ripple under the trees where they were erupting. YUCK. Thanks for this board, I love reading the other experiences. Micki, Nashville TN
awaiting emergence
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I have not yet seen an adult, but have encountered an enormous number of nymphs just below the surface on my property. From doing some careful digging, overturning logs, etc., I think that I have an underground cicada nymph density of about 30-50 per square yard – this is not a surprising number given that almost all of the ten acres I own is old, virgin forest. It is going to get crazy here shortly.
I am expecting emergence within the next few days, especially since we are going to be having high temps in the 80s for at least the next week, which will get the ground warm. Am planning on videotaping much of the emergence, and then moving my bed to a windowless basement so that I can sleep through the noise at night. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, Maryland
Not here yet…..
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
But I’ve been watching! Will go to the Furnace Hills today and see if we can find any. Mike Frey, Lancaster PA
Cicada video – emergence from shell!
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
2 years ago I saw (for the first time in my life) a cicada emerging from its shell. I ran & grabbed my 8mm video camera & shot almost all of it. I shot 90 min before my camera broke down. I edited it down to 15 min & put a Tool song behind it. You can watch the movie free on my website here:
http://homepage.mac.com/weedmeat/iMovieTheater3.html
You need a newer version of Quicktime to watch it as it’s in mp4 format. Quicktime is a free download from http://apple.com/quicktime/
Dim the lights, crank the volume, have fun, & let me know what you think. And watch out for the crazy ant ;^) weedmeat, Chicago
How can I preserve cicadas?
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
I teach 4th and 5th science and would like to preserve some of the adult cicada. How can I do it? To preserve the nymphs just let them dry out. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Emergence in Fort Aberdeen
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
Our neighbor was attending an outdoor ceremony in a tent in Fort Aberdeen, MD on May 6 when the Brood X came out in large numbers. We have cicadas one inch down in our soil waiting for the right moment which should be soon. David Olson, Columbia, MD
first sighting in DC?
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
It’s 2:15am and there’s a cicada sticking to the frame of the door of my apartment complex. I am *so* staying indoors this weekend. AG, Washington DC
question
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
how big are adult cicadas? Adolf, baltimore,md
Do these cicada’s come to Massachusetts?
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
I do not remember seeing these things. Are they like locusts? Diane Marshall, Wrentham,Ma
Protective Cicada Gear
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
For anyone who is absolutely terrified of these buggers, you might want to invest in clear bubble umbrella like the ones from the 70’s. They cover the top half of your body. Even though the cicadas can fly up underneath, at least you can prevent them for landing in your hair or splatting in your face.
I look forward to seeing the month of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck everyone!! Angie, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cicadas at night
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
Are cicadas active at night? Are they attracted to lights? Will it help to put yellow bulbs in my porch lights? Gaston, Silver Spring, MD
Run for your life
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
I can’t believe I have to endure these things again! Isn’t anyone else out there frightened to death? Where can I move that’s within an hour or so to DC to escape these little nightmares!?!? Mr Bug, Bethesda, MD
me so scuuurreedd
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
i HATE bugs, but more than that, they scccaaarreee me! eeewwwww – how long are they here for? i’m in the dc area – and where can i go for a month that they won’t be?!?! lisa, dc
First Cicada
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
When dropping my daughter off at daycare this morning I almost stepped on a cicada. It’s wings were not spread yet and it just rolled off the step as I moved by.
I didn’t get a picture but it looked exactly as I remember it from my childhood.
My wife is going to be so unhappy that I saw one first. 😉 Mark, Wheaton, MD (just outside the Capitol Beltway)
Cicada Image from 17 Years ago.
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I took this image in Maryland 17 years ago, during the last periodic appearance of these pests.
http://www.photo.com/photodb/photo.tcl?photo_id=2343185
Bill Angel, Silver Spring, Maryland
Cicada Function
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Try this website for more information about Cicada’s and their purpose for life on earth.
http://www.lander.edu/rsfox/310TibicenLab.html Erin, Columbia, MD
Sighting
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I saw one flying around my window at work around 3:00 pm today. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW yuck, Columbia
Do they sing at night?
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Do they sing all day and all night? Do they ever stop before they die? Sheila, Baltimore,MD
What is the purpose?
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I can’t find anything to document the function or purpose of a cicada? Anyone out there know anything? Kim, Baltimore, MD
Hurry up, cicadas!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I remember the “invasion” in 1987. One of my co-workers was outside having a smoking break and a cicada flew up her skirt and got stuck on her pantyhose. It has been a long 17 years and I need another laugh of that magnitude.
Seriously, my best friend was out looking for spring peepers and found a lot of cicadas underneath rocks, just waiting. My guess is that when we start having warmer nights, they will come up.
Suggestion for fun — have an office cicada pool! Everyone contributes a dollar and the first person who sees a cicada wins the pool!
Have a trilling day!
Christa Christa, Alexandria, VA
RE: DON’T SPRAY
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Roberta Burnes makes an excellent point. I hear about at least one pet dying per year after eating cicadas which were sprayed with pesticides. If you love your pets, or neighbors pets, don’t spray. In addition pesticides meant to kill pests can kill other insects as well. Guess what happens when you kill too many bees: plants don’t get fertilized, they die off and no more food for you and me. Dan Mozgai, Cicada Mania Headquarters
DON’T SPRAY! Spraying cicadas poisons cats and dogs!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I’ve read so many posts from scared people who talk of spraying the cicadas….please people, THINK about where that poison goes once it hits the cicada. These insects are food for many, many other creatures including songbirds, cats, dogs, squirrels, snakes. Poison does not get magically washed away — when you spray insecticide it enters the food chain. One cat or robin gorging themselves on cicadas (which is what they do during emergences) can ingest enough poison to cause paralysis or death. I’ve seen it happen with songbirds when I worked in a wildlife rehab clinic. Please don’t spray the cicadas — it won’t stop them coming into your yard from other areas, and you’ll wond up poisoning many other creatures unintentionally. Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY
just a question
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
ummm well i have been hereing that cicadas can pinch you and leave a scar or something. are they so loud that you can here them when your window is closed? unone, Maryland
Won’t be long now!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
My wife and I were planting a bit in the garden yesterday and found them about an inch down. I imagine DC is ready to break with Baltimore right behind. The soil temperature should be perfect after this weekend as we’ll be in the 80’s (pushing 90). We’re leaving for Ireland tonight and we fully expect them to be out when we get back next week.
As far as your plants, not to worry. The evergreens are also relatively safe. Your young trees, however, will get some attention. We also have a young Japanese Maple. Just don’t prune anything until after they’re gone as they’ll kill some branches. The cheesecloth or some mesh is a good idea as it reduces the probability of them making it to your tree. They’re really dumb, but when there’s a million of them, chances are they’ll make it no matter what!
Have Fun! JS, Baltimore, MD
Harm to Plants
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I would like to know other than the small fruit trees in my backyard that I have covered with cheescloth, will the cicadas harm azaleas, rhodos, japanese maple or red leaf maples that are 4 years old? Will they touch small evergreens – like blue spruce or douglas firs? How about shrubs like holly?
I want to cover everything that might be affected in my landscape in southern Maryland. Can someone give me these answers or point me to a place that I can get these answers?
Thanks in advance! Heidi , Waldorf, MD
turrets
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Breaking off the turrets is not likely to hurt them, although no one really knows for sure what the turrets are for. The cicadas sometimes just seal such openings back up until it is time to come out. David Marshall, Univ. of CT (Land of Basketball Domination)
Mud Chimneys
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I was trimming my hedge in front of the house, and when I was raking up the trimmings, I broke off a bunch of mud chimneys! Sorry little dudes! Will this hurt the nymphs at all? Maybe not because they stay in the ground? Thanks for any info! David Kirk, Brookville, IN
Time of Cicada arrival
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Today I found several all white cicada under logs and brush. They were right at ground level and out of there holes. Can anybody give an approximate date for the emergence in the Washington D.C. area? Richard, Sandy Spring, Maryland
How bad will they be in Dayton?
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I went through this in 1999, when Brood V hit northern WV. Now, I’ve moved to Dayton, and it’s not fair that I’ll have to deal with another round of cidadas only 5 years later.
What I remember from WV was an astonishing plague of biblical proportions. People didn’t want to leave the house. You couldn’t make it 10 feet outside your door without getting hit by 2 or 3 of them.
I’ve heard that Cincinnati will be very hard hit. But does anyone know what they’re like in Dayton (southeast side, specifically)? Do they blacken the skies like I remember Brood V doing?
What, exactly, am I in for? Please tell me something good. Dave, Dayton, OH
Incoming cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Many people have asked about pesticides for these periodical cicadas. I would like to post my opinion: Deal with the temporary inconvenience of the cicada invasion. History shows that humans have been less-than-responsible in our use of pesticides and their long-term negative impact on the global environment. These bugs are basically harmless, although a nuisance, and before you know it, they’ll be gone and we can enjoy another 17 years (!) with no cicadas. Siobhan, PG County, Maryland
Magi-cicada
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
It’s pronounced “magi – cicada”– no “k” sound. I wondered the same thing until I went on my internship with UConn’s cicada team for Brood XXIII two years ago. =) Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
pronounce “magicicada” please
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Is it like “magic” with a “k” and then “cicada” or just “magi” without the “k” sound? Also, is the plural of “cicada” also “cicada” or is it “cicadas”?
Thanks! Terri, Silver Spring, Maryland
Their pinchers
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Now I know they dont bite you but can they pich you? Jean, Lebanon,IN
My first cicada and UM T-shirts
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I saw my first cicada yesterday – I was weeding my flower bed and pick up a rock – there was a large, pale insect with red eyes pushing up out of a newly-dug chimney. It quickly retreated – aaaaggh! The light! The light! I then started looking around my yard and noticed a lot of chimneys, all over the place. I haven’t seen any more cicadas yet, though.
For another topic, does anyone know if you can purchase the University of Maryland Entomology Department T-shirts online? JenB, Alexandria, Virginia
Non-periodic cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I hear loud buzzes on some nights while driving past thick woods in North Florida, and these rise and fall in volume and pitch in exact unison. Is this news to anybody? It seems remarkable to me that the bugs could stay in time tho spread out over a mile or so of woods.
And are these sounds from cicadas at all, or could they be katydids or some such, even though they are very loud and easily audible from a car speeding past the woods.
I’ve heard these synchronized sounds many nights, and am not sure they are caused by PERIODIC cicadas.
Are there nonperiodic cicadas in North Florida that emerge at random times, thus having some in the woods at all times?
Thanks for any helpful info. Paul PAUL, bRADENTON FL USA
Location
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Does anyone know where in Indy I may take my children to enjoy this event.. I have heard that they may emerge around the Fort Ben area. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Kim, Indianapolis, IN
Question
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
How long do Cicada’s stay for? Nathan, Lebanon, IN, Boone Country
Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Tehe last time the Cicadas were here one flew into my hair and I have been scared to death of them ever since. If the market has spray to kill other insects, why doesn’t someone come up with something to get rid of these horrible things? True they can’t hurt you but there so many of them that it seems something could be done. Linda M., Cincinnati, Ohio
Oh my, could it be?
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I’m no expert, but I think I saw a new adult while removing sheets I had put over my roses. At first I thought it was a strange grasshopper! Michael, Maysville, KY
cicada sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/4/2004
Saw cincada for first time today. Was moving mulch off flowers emerging from ground. When I moved the mulch maybe a 1inch under was two cincada still white in form . Polly Weber, Elkton, Md , Cecil county
The Message Board is back up
Date: Tuesday, May/4/2004
Due to fact that we were getting too much spam and family-unfriendly messages, the board is now moderated. Send in your message, we’ll review it and post it. Dan Mozgai, New Jersey
May 1st – 11th 2004 Cicada Comments
Was planning to mulch…
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
Cicadas are finally here!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I spotted 2 this morning in Lanham. I’ve waited a long time for this day!
Their cute little red eyes! Jinxy, Lanham, MD
They’re heeeeeeeeeere!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I wanted to let you know they are here in New Carrollton and the Beltsville Agricultural Center as well. Here’s a real kicker: I’m entomophobic! But I’m actually caught up in Brood Xitement (hey, that’s good…I should use that…) Anyhoo. Right now, there is a squirrel in my front lawn. I think he’s poaching! It’s the same one that was in the street sitting in one spot and I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. But now I understand it. He’s looking for the cicadas! I can actually hear them outside some. Despite my entomophobia, I’m a little excited to hear them at high roar as I was 7 the last time they were around. Now, time to go look at the cool shop…I may have to get one of those nifty shirts… Jennifer W., New Carrollton, MD
Not in Central KY
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
No Roberta. I have been to the arboretum and raven’s run the last 4 days and haven’t seen any evidence of their coming. Ed, Lexington, KY
Any Kentucky sightings yet?
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I am so bummed — I have seen no signs of cicadas yet! The only thing I have noticed is a lot of bumpy ground in my front lawn, but when I dig I find no nymphs at all. I’ll simply CRY if we don’t get them! I’ve been creating a small exhibit on cicadas at our science museum here and it will be pretty pointless if we don’t get any. Anyone in central Kentucky seen them yet? Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY
How far north do these things make it?
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I remember being a kid about 17 years ago having a massive infestation of bugs in Montreal that covered every available vertical object (trees, telephone poles, walls) for about 2 weeks then disappeared. The kids called the Chad flies. I have always wondered what those were and now I guess they must have been Cicadas.
Seemed like the furthest extent of their range was New York State based on most sites I have seen. Does anyone know if these things make it as far North as Montreal?
If so, I will post any details of the Northern invasion… Robert Cole, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw several in my front yard this morning! Tom, Chantilly, VA
Have seen them for a week now!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Not a whole lot, but there I began seeing shells last week, and beginning Friday, they were flying into our sliding glass door. Friday night has been the loudest….there were probably 5 or 6, and it sounded as though there were 500. I haven’t heard them since, but they are still trying to fly into the glass door! Anthony, Waldorf, MD
If you’re still waiting, here’s a tip!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
If you haven’t been blessed with the sight of any cicadas yet, here is a tip on how to find some. If you know the location of a piece of slate, a large rock or a wood pile that can be easily moved, look under it! They burrow up under said items and you can make out the tunnels they’ve dug too. Matt, Bethesda, MD
No cicadas as yet BUTTTTT
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I haven’t seen any cicadas yet. But I have had an emergence of those nasty earwigs this weekend. I’ve never seen so many at one time. Maybe they arepredators to the cicadas.And they DO have a good pinch! I’ll take the cicada ANY time over the earwig! Pam Mortimer, Glen Burnie, Maryland
Hordes of Cidadas
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Our 60 year old house and the surrounding yard are now covered with them. It was quite amusing watching my wife (who has never experienced the cidadas before)sprint to her car with an umbrella over her head! David, Silver Spring, MD
Spotted Two This Morning
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I spotted two cicadas this morning, that apparently emerged not too long ago… They won’t last long, they came out on the ground beneath my bird feeder…. okay, make that one cicada, and one bird with a full belly. Bill Blum, Springfield, OH
Little Freaked Out!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m sorry, I just can’t wait for them to all die and go away for another 17 years. I wish I could be enthusiastic and appreciate them but I have been stressing out for weeks now, I don’t want them bumping into me, blocking my front door and I don’t want to step on them either! I was 9 when they came last and my sister got one stuck in her hair! Yuk, I’m desperately thinking of ways to cover myself and avoid them all together!!! Shelley, Annapolis, MD
They’re heeeere
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw a couple hundred this morning on my way to work – on trees, telephone poles, car tires, shrubs, grasses, mail boxes. All in different stages of emergence. And the birds are having feast. Very, very cool. Dan Bannon, Takoma Park
they’re heeeeere !
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my boss found her first one this morning, clinging to her garage. tess, edgewood, md
Recipes
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Does anyone have any good recipes for these tasty creatures. It is tradition that I eat a couple every time Brood X makes an appearance, that being said this will be my second time. What is the frying technique, are the wings pulled of first. I am thinking about a nice garlic buttered cicada on the grill. David, Falls Church, VA
First sightings
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I have a cicada shell sitting on my desk this morning, compliments of a co-worker who lives in Sulphur Springs, TN. (Northeast TN – just outside Johnson City). He has spotted holes in the ground on his property, and found this shell on the ground. They’re not on the trees yet. It’s just a matter of time now. Eeeewwww!!! I’m freaking out! PL, Sulphur Springs, TN
squirrels
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
If dogs can die from eating the cicadas, does that mean that dead squirrels will be falling out of the trees? Sissy, Burke VA
Holes
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Well, after letting the lawn get to Great Plains proportions, I finally mowed yesterday. And I came across these holes in my yard… I asked what they could be… NOW I get it! Of course. So, I should indeed be expecting the little creatures sometime soon. The earth bears her children, if you will.
This will be cool! A couple of things i am thankful for: 1) my neighbor killed my japanese maple last year (no need to worry about it this year) 2) I have a REALLY old car…no need to worry about dents, and smished creatures 3) The constuction on the house is almost done!
ENJOY! Deb, Takoma Park, MD
Hmmmm
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’m originally from New Zealand and we have similar cicada’s but they are green instead of brown but still with the beautiful red eyes. Haven’t seen any yet, but will be keeping my eyes and ears open !!! Julie, Fairfax, VA
INCOMING!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve been dive-bombed twice (not intentionally, just walked out the front door at the wrong time). They are HARMLESS, but it’s still creepy to be hit by one flying by. Their little carcasses are stuck to my walls. I swept away about a dozen off the front porch yesterday. I awoke this morning and one of my large Hosta plants in the back yard is covered (1-2 perched on every leaf). They first appeared last Saturday, 8 May. Angie, North Springfield, Virginia
We’re hearing them now
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Last night we heard our first two very loud cicadas in the wooded area next to our development. We had seen some emerge from the ground on May 1st. Traci, Germantown, MD
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw 3 or 4 last evening around 6 pm on my patio. I could tell something was up, the birds were chirping excessively! Bob, Fall Church, VA
Anxious
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I can recal being in High School when they last came out. I just remember the LOUD noise was everywhere. I am living in a new neighborhood in DC now from when I was in High School, so I am not too sure that it will be that bad in my area. I’ll have to wait and see. I think that the crickets are bad enough, OOF where are my ear plugs.
Jose
NW, DC jose, NW, DC
my dog is digging for them!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 3 cicadas this morning!! But all yesterday evening my pup was going nuts digging everywhere. he was on a serious excavating mission!! they are coming. he is excited but has no idea that his totally unsupervised backyard playtime has ended for a few months!! dp, Potomac, MD
Cicada invasion
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This morning was the first that I really noticed them emerging in large numbers… on the side walk, in the air, the front lawn, and all over the car. Anyone know how long they were around 17 years ago? Chrissy, Cheverly, MD
Cicadas on the porch
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
today, May 10 there were a few cicadas on our porch here in the woods. Many could be heard in the distance george, NE Georgia Mountains Blairsville
they’re here!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
my cicadas appeared yesterday – monday 5/10/04. i had about 30, and i have another 30 or so today. they are on a patch of tall weeds (about 2 feet tall) on the east side of the house. when i first saw them, i was excited, interested, yet somewhat repulsed. today, i’m just excited. Pam, Kensington, MD
Shell in my drive way
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
As I was going to work this morning at 7am I noticed a shell in my drive way. They’er here!!! Mike, Arnold, Maryland
Brood X Emergence
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I live in McLean VA in suburban Washington DC. Last evening (Monday) after getting home from work my sons and I counted about 30-40 empty casings on the older trees in our front yard. Last night the big explosion began, however. When I got up this morning there were dozens of empty casing on the trees and we spotted lots and lots of cicadas crawling toward the trees and several more on the trunk and actually in the process of emerging from their casings. One was actually doing so on one of our cars. I also saw the first flying cicada, which my son picked up and carried around on his shoulders after it had landed. The empty casings, by the way, went well up into the trees. I saw some up more than 20 feet. jmgradon, McLean, VA
am observations
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
My kids and I went out on our porch this morning to watch some birds feasting on the cicadas, and to collect some shells.
What a great science lesson! Sean, Takoma Park, MD
They’ve Arrived!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I have seen quite a few in the yard this morning. 5 or 6 of the creatures were attached to my car which is parked under a tree. That isn’t counting the shells in the yard. It hasn’t reached overwhelming proportions yet, which is good because I have a tremendous fear of insects. Nellie, Falls Church VA
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This past weekend, I noticed a few shells around and Monday noticed a few more. Got up this morning and my driveway had about 50 shells and about 10 cicadas (some looked dead, some moving slowly). The tires on my car looked polka dotted with all the shells left on them. I noticed on the street in front of my house probably 100 shells and lots of run over cicadas, however, when I drove down my street, other areas didn’t seem as affected. I must be ground zero for cicada in my neighborhood (Falls Church in Fairfax County, VA, near Annandale and Arlington). We’re moving to Tacoma, Washington today – I’m hoping everything gets loaded into the truck and makes it across country without getting covered in cicadas! Heather , Falls Church, VA
Sqealed with delight
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
This morning while out to get the paper, I nearly squished the first one. I brought it inside and showed my wife. She got so excited, she squealed with delight, jumping up and down and clapping her hands with childlike enthusiasm. I thought for a moment that she had been transported back seventeen years to the last emergence. Good times. Brian Williams, Falls Church, VA
A few!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Last night, while walking the dogs, I saw several cicada carcasses… I’m on the lookout in my backyard now. I wasn’t in Maryland the last time and so I’m looking forward to the emergence with both trepidation and excitement…! Michelle, Hyattsville, MD
They’re in our yard!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We spotted a few cicadas in our yard yesterday (5/10), and caught one in a jar. Didn’t see any other western Fairfax County messages, so I thought I’d contribute. Liz, Reston, VA (west of DC)
hundreds and hundreds up
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Hundreds of cicadas up in the neighbor’s sunny, south facing yard yesterday and hundreds more today. They have climbed the stalks of unmown grass at the foot of an old maple and cover some of the small bushes. Then they take flight to nearby trees (and telephone poles.)No noise yet, except for the excited calls of the birds. r, Annandale, VA
First sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw a great big perfectly formed, ugly cicada this morning on the outside of my screen porch. All five eyes were alert and he (she?) was ready to fly out and buzz someone. Beautiful!!!
Peggy Douglas, Washington D.C.
I’m jealous
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve been reading with envy all the accounts of spotted cicada and I have to admit that I’m a little jealous. I haven’t heard one or seen one yet! I’m actually so ready to see one that I mistook a frog in my garage for one of the red-eyed buggers! I was 10 the last time the X brood swarmed the area and if I recall correctly, I used to pick them off my shirt and shake them out of my hair. I’m not saying I am ready to relive such an experience but now that I’m 27 I think, despite the fact that I’m not a fan of bugs, I am ready to appreciate them for their sheer magnitude and perseverance to sustain life in the ground for 17 years. Where are they already?? Jen, Anne Arundel County
netting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I looked at the Reston Home Depot and Sterling Home Depot and Lowes; none of them have any netting. In my neighborhood, it seems like I am the only one concerned with protecting my young japanese maple trees. I think I am going to create a box out of old window screens held together with bungee cords. At least that will give them a fighting chance against egg laying in the woody stems.
Stacey, Reston, VA
Cicada Hole Siting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Have seen lots of large holes in our lawn (under some plant pots we moved), but haven’t yet spotted an actual cicada. I love the way the creatures sound, but I can’t say I love the “crunching” under human feet. Will try to be careful when they’re out in force! Jinny, Bethesda, MD
BUG JUICE
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Okay, first of all, why are people facinated by these aliens?! They are SO gross! I am 17 years old, and the last time these monsters were here I was just a baby. My mom remembers running me into the car as fast as she could so they woulndt feast upon my body no bigger than theirs. And now.. as I approached my car this morning.. I was “delighted” to find 3 on my little black camry. I freaked out and screamed… there were THREE… And there are supposed to be thousands?? I can’t handle this… *cries* Mollye, Rockville, MD
Silver Spring Sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw my first cicada this morning — a full-grown adult in all its black and red glory. It buzzed its way across my front porch before crashing into the side of my house. Soon, they will be crashing into me . . . Gaston, Silver Spring, mD
Wire Mesh
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw no cicadas, yet.
I, too, found Home Depot dropped much of their wire screening line. However, the Lowes at Dulles Town Center has a large selection with various opening sizes and gauges. It was quite effective at large keeping out large rodents. If you want something heavy, try Lowe’s. Peter, Sterling, VA
Faulty eclosion
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Cicadas need somewhere to perch and hang while they shed their skins (undergo ecdysis). If there are no good vertical surfaces (like that case below where the old tree was destroyed last year) many will not get the wingss expanded properly. David Marshall, Raymondsville, TX until Thurs
They are here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 4-5 cicadas starting to come out of my lawn this morning when I was walking to my car. Time to get ready!!! MK, Silver Spring, Maryland
More then a 1000
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Indiana…An easy 1000…just this morning! I have been watching them in all stages under 2 oak trees.. over a 1000 doing the cicada dance. My dog had a added treat…looks like I buy a muzzle today! It is so amazing and thrilling. We have been much warmer here…mid 80’s and looks like it came early. The grass is so heavy under the trees with no signs of hills. Harriet, Nashville, Indiana ( South-Central)
Arrival last night
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
The 11 o’clock news showed the emergence in College Park, MD, so I went outside with a flashlight to look for bugs on our four mature trees. Sure enough, the front yard, with its red maple, were /swarming/ with them. But we couldn’t find /any/ on our ash and two maples in the back yard. A neighbor speculated that because it was so rainy last year, and our back yards are so marshy, the larvae may have drowned. Any thoughts on this? Jason R Tibbetts, Falls Church, VA
Many Emerging
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We started noticing the nymphs emerging Friday morning. This morning our oak tree had hundreds of the red eyes getting ready to sing…. Cicada Watcher, Ellicott City, MD
I miss the cicads!!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I was born in DC in the summer of 1970 and my mother recounts what it was like to be pregnant with the cicadas swarming and singing all around her. It breaks my heart that I’m currently living in New England, and will miss the fascinating, hypnotizing, wonderful little creatures. Anyone want to FedEx me one? Ren, Cambridge, Mass.
I won!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I’ve counted at least 8 cicadas in my yard this morning. I moved out from CA less than 10 mos. ago, my wedding (partially outdoors) is planned for next month, and it’s just my freaky good luck that these creatures are timed to emerge now! My fiance left for a week-long business trip yesterday to boot, so it’s just me, our dog, and the cicadas. We made a bet as to when we thought the bugs would come out, and I won! You can be sure I’ll be cashing in on my bet when he comes back. Julie, Washington, DC
No ugly bugs here!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
First, let me start off by stating my own preferred name for cicadas is ‘ugly bug’ because they look like mutant house flies.
We normally get the late summer variety of ugly bugs but I haven’t seen any of this brood X yet.
When I moved into my house 12 years ago, I had a large Elm tree in my back yard that was always full of ugly bugs in late summer, I couldn’t even go out my back door at night without stirring up a bunch of them. In Feb of 1994 a devestating ice storm hit our area and the Elm tree didn’t make it. Each year after that, the siting of ugly bugs in my yard has dwindled to near nothing. If I have/had any brood X ugly bugs in my yard, would they have died when the Elm tree was removed? Or maybe our area doesn’t even have any brood X to begin with? We’ll find out soon enough, I suppose. Jeff, Lynchburg, VA
Saw my first yesterday
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
They aren’t all over the place yet, but I have spotted a few. The first was drying off about 10:30am yesterday on my garden hose. http://www.elb.com/~hjohnson/randompics/cicada.jpg Ruby, Lorton, VA
they’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Out this morning in Arlington and there were about a hundred on one tree alone. The birds were enjoying a hearty breakfast, and the hum has begun in heavily wooded areas. Pixie, Arlington, VA
Holes and Wings
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Have spotted holes in the ground. A few Cicadas in the trees. One on our front porch and one very nearly dropped in my mouth. Goose McKraut, Oakton, Virginia
These poor guys, by the thousands
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Lots of the poor guys wandering around on the sidewalk where a huge tree used to stand before the hurricane took it out last fall.
Why do so many of them–about half of the thousands that have emerged since last Thursday–why are they deformed? Typically, their wings don’t unfurl all the way and wind up drying half formed. They flap them so hard but can’t get off the ground and instead wind up rolling in the dirt. It’s so sad! They have a hard life, these guys.
Alex , Side street in Chevy Chase, MD–Montgomery County
Cicada sighting in DC
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I saw about 10 cicadas huddled along a big branch on an old fruit tree out in the lawn next to my house yesterday.
I’d like to screen off my porch. Does anyone know where I can get 1/4inches netting in the DC area (10’x20′)? Home Depot didn’t carry it. Ben, Washington, DC
sstillll waiting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
were are they i think there being sneaky this year owell ryan demoss, tn nashville
Nothing yet….
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
But still awaiting ! I don’t remmeber the last “attack” so now that I’m 37, I should appreciate this summer event enev more ! Frank, Harrisonburg, VA
Saw first one yesterday
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Yesterday I saw our first cicada. No singing yet. I wasn’t sure they would hit our area since it looks like we’re on the fringe of the map. Jerri, Ellijay, GA USA
I think this will be the week!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Well, we are expecting rain in the afternoons this week, and temps in the 80-90’s…….I have unearthed one nymph, ( I put him back) and my husband found one also, I keep checking for chimmneys, but havn’t found any….What gives? I grew up in Florida, and have only experienced ugh….Palmetto bugs. I am so excited to experience this natural phenom.! My friends are even having a cicada party!!!!! Complete with Sweet Cicada Pie! (It will just be Sweet potatoes, but maybe some nuts to make it crunchy! MMMMMM! I’ll let you know how it goes! Becky, Annapolis, Maryland
Bring ’em on!
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I was 10 in ’87, but now I’m 27 and ready to appreciate the coming invasion. Let’s see how many of these bad boys can make it out in 2004! Jason Baumgartner, Bel Air, MD
Spotted in Arlington, VA
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Probably about 30 or so on the sidewalks in the area near Wilson Blvd and George Mason Drive in Arlington, VA — at around 1:30 am 5/11/2004. Andrew Nuckols, Arlington, VA
Green Cicadas???
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
I grew up in Southwestern Oklahoma and they do have many many cicadas there during the summer months. I have never seen a black cicada before or even heard of one until now, when i was reading about the brood x happenings on www.msnbc.com
The cicadas I alway saw in oklahoma were green, not black, I dont see any pictures of green ones on this site. Have any of you seen green cicadas as well? Scott, Salt Lake City Utah
a spotting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Saw about 10-15 cicadas crawling around and shedding their skin tonight. Evan, Princeton, NJ
They are here
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
Counted 10 to 15 this morning in the yard. Yippie!! kamie, Alexandria, VA
Cicada Sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/11/2004
We saw and heard cicadas tonight at Delhi Park in Cincinnati. Not to many, but they are finally emerging! Looking forward to the next couple of days. Bill, Western Hills; Cincinnati, OH
None yet…..
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
No cicadas have emerged here yet. They are fascinating to me, but only from a DISTANCE!! Last time they were out, there was one standing on my patio near the back door. I was too afraid to go out the door, thought it would jump up onto me or something. It just stood there all day. Finally a friend who came over went out to chase it away, and it turned out to be nothing but an empty cicada-shell! Maryann, Central NJ
Aftermath of Hurricane Isabel
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Last night we noticed dozens of cicada nymphs on the sidewalk in front of our home, near where a tree came down during Hurricane Isabel last year. We think that they were living on the tree’s roots and are now not sure where to go. The wandering nymphs are fascinating, but I can’t wait to see them after they’ve shed! MMM, Washington, DC
At Last!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
The Cicadas emerged today at my house today, only about 100 of them but I can’t wate to see what tommarow brings. Ian, Morristown TN. ~Hamblen County~
Cicada
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Something very unusual happened this evening (May 10th) while sitting on my front porch.
There was sawdust on various portions of the floor of my porch. After looking around, I noticed small holes above me in the cedar ceiling of my porch. It was then I also heard unusual sounds. I flushed out the holes and lo and behold, three cicadas dropped out from the holes. NOTE: My house was built 17 years ago.
Lynn G., Jamison, PA
YIKES!!!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
It’s good to see that other people are freaking out like myself. I thought I was the only one who was afraid. Bugs are not “cool”, and anyone who thinks they are I envy. I started panicing weeks ago and trying to think of ways to cover myself. Today on rainshop.com I bought one of the “bubble umbrellas” of the 70s. Other scared people should buy them too, and we can start a cool new fashion statement! Simone , Silver Spring, MD
AHH
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I do not want these cicadas to come out! im deathly afraid of bugs..and this isnt going to help! everyone is telling me that they wont hurt you…but i dont care…it still flies, and its still a bug! grr..anywho..enough of my complaining! hope everyone has a fun time dealing with these things;).
Kim* kim, Westminster,MD
Cicadas on the porch
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
today, May 10 there were a few cicadas on our porch here in the woods. Many could be heard in the distance george, NE Georgia Mountains Blairsville
A real odditie…
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
There is a hole, a borrow hole about the size of a golfball along side of the railroad tie which boxes off my parking pad. Last nite we saw something unusual at least to us anyway. Instead of Cicads coming out of the hole a thing that looked similar to a midget lobster popped his head and claws out just far enough for me to see it’s 1 inch crab like claws and it had 2 feelers or antenni on it’s head. It wouldn’t come out any further. I know we don’t have scorpions here in central Maryland or at least there is not supposed to be.
Is there such a thing as a cicada Killer?? It really has me puzzeled..
Well I was just informed by a 15 year old boy that these are crawfish.. Now I never know crawfish to live in a residential neighborhood… Thansk
Harry
Harry Chavez Sr, Edgewood, Maryland
The Cicada have finally emerged in the nations Capitol
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
It’s Monday May 10, 2004 and I observed my first Black-bodied, Red-eyed Cicada today! These are the first I’ve seen in DC this year. I captured it in a cup, showed it off to everyone I could, then named it Ralph and brought it home to Manassas, VA for the family and pets to see! And play with! Jeff, US Naval Observatory, Washington DC
adult cicadas
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
this morning I woke up to find several dozen cicada nymphs covering the bush in my front yard…many were still coming out of there shells. There were also several cicadas that had already emerged. Janell, Fairfax, VA
Emerging in Rockville, MD
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
The cicadas started coming out Friday morning, May 7th in an area where we get lots of sun. Today (the 10th), I’ve been watching them emerge all day long. They are crawling all over my hostas, daylillies and shrubs as well as up the brick facing of my townhouse all around the door which is a little freaky. I’m both horrified and fascinated! Rose, Rockville, MD
Two in my backyard right now
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I have two cicadas in my yard right now. One is still drying one wing, and the other just flew off. Last night after my angst at not seeing any holes, I found one adult in the front yard. Yes, I am happy. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
First sighting
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I just saw my first cicada while walking the dogs this morning. My daughter is getting married in two weeks and we are completely calm about this natural phenomenon. The ceremony is outdoors (reception indoors) and I just hope one of them doesn’t fall into her hair as she walks down the path but otherwise, we’re looking on their arrival and presence as a sign of good luck. Trying to be very “meditative” about the whole thing since there’s not a lot we can do at this point. Mireille, Bethesda, MD
Adult cicadas
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
This morning one of my students brought in an adult cicada. With my 4th grade classes, we took a walk around the school. We found another adult on a tree. They are predicting that Wed. as the mass time. We are in Silver Spring in the Four Corners area.
Shirley Jeffords Shirley Jeffords , Silver Spring, MD
Saw one this morning
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
A freshly-hatched one too. It looked like a jewel carved out of ivory with carnelian beads for eyes. It was laying in the gutter with its nymph shell nearby and I helped it onto a tree to dry out. What a great way to begin a trilling week! Christa, Alexandria, VA
They are here!
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
Last night at 10:17 pm we witnessed the first mass emergence near the College Park Campus of the University of Maryland. This was the “hundred cicada per tree” kind of event spoken of by folks like John Cooley. Cicadamaniac Paula Shrewsbury said “It was that kind of special, magic night entomologists dream of but rarely get a chance to experience”. Needless to say the rest of the Cicadamaniacs are nearly orgasmic over the arrival of Brood X. MIke Raupp, College Park, MD
Good snakes
Date: Monday, May/10/2004
I don’t get it – why you all folks so happy about this horrible event, which is going to spoil half of the summer?
Well, anyway – we are not seeing these celebrated ugly things here in Fairfax yet. HUNDREDS of holes, though. But we are seeing SNAKES. I live in Fairfax almost 10 years – and I haven’t seen anything but GARDEN snakes here before. Now – there are something entirely different, something that looks dangerous. So – here we go, predators are coming for a generous meal! Be excited – if you can. Elena, Farfax
They are out in full force here
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
The last few days, we have seen hundreds of cicadas around our house. I have had to sweep them off the back porch before stepping out. They are still emerging and if they keep coming out – it will be truely amazing. So far they have been quiet…not sure when they are suppose to start “singing”. Bennie, Knoxville, TN
Nymph sightings
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I posted earlier with my sighting of a fully emerged adult male. After finishing my yard work for the day I can say I think they will begin to emerge in full force this week in suburban Maryland. I have seen several nymph holes in my yard by moving stones and pieces of wood. I don’t even have a big tree in my yard but my neighbor does right by the fence. With temps in the high eighties and the chance of late day thunder storms to soften the ground even more, I think this is the week to see a mass emergence! I am taking photos with my digital camera and may post them on the web.
Later! Sean, Kensington, MD (Suburban Wash. DC)
Saw my first brood x cicada
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
UGH! I saw the one (and only one) at Blue Lick State Park in northern KY today, Mother’s Day.
Jill, Kentucky
No longer waiting in Bethesda
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
Me again.
After I sent the last, sad message, that I had no evidence of cicadas on my property, I started planting some flowers in a vine covered shade garden and saw a cicada nymph. Then I noticed some holes nearby and my children overturned some flagstones to uncover dozens of holes and nearly emerging nymphs. Whew. I thought I would be left out. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
First sighting (for me anyway)
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I was pruning shrubs and trees in my back yard this morning and I was startled by a large buzzing insect which flew into my head and landed on my shirt. I was overjoyed to see that it was a small male cicada recently emerged, it’s wings and other body parts were just rigid enough for it to attempt flight. I carried him up to my deck to finish drying. Later I went up to check on him and he flew off as I came close. Brood X is not far away Washington! Get ready and bring your ear plugs! Sean Coleman, Kensington, MD (Wash. DC suburb)
Waiting in Bethesda
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I am disappointed that there are no signs of cicadas in my yard. The local school has lots of cicada holes around a huge old tree, but my yard has nothing. Our trees are old and I don’t think there was a lot of construction done in the past 17 years, so where are my cicadas? (Although I believe this 1940’s house was added onto *in* 1987. Perhaps the construction made the insects uncomfortable and they all went into neighbors’ yards.
I am so excited about this emgergence. I was fascinated with the 1987 cicadas. I was teaching in Arlington, Virginia at the time and it was thick with the little critters there. Alexandria, where I lived at the time, had few…at least in my neighborhood.
Sorry about your message boards. I was looking for my old post and saw that you needed to change formats. Some people are just plain mean. Dona, Bethesda, MD, USA
Waiting and dreading
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
They are not officially here, but I see the holes around the trees and other places. It has been 80 degrees for 3 days and the ground should be warm enough soon. Having lived through at least 3 sieges of cicadas (one may have been the 13 yr variety), I am terrified, they fly right into a person. Blindly driven by that mating call. I have bought 4 ponchos, the dollar variety, hoping to cover myself with a non stick surface on route to and from car. I HAVE to work or I would stay in house for a month. At night, the last time they came the ground would ripple under the trees where they were erupting. YUCK. Thanks for this board, I love reading the other experiences. Micki, Nashville TN
awaiting emergence
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
I have not yet seen an adult, but have encountered an enormous number of nymphs just below the surface on my property. From doing some careful digging, overturning logs, etc., I think that I have an underground cicada nymph density of about 30-50 per square yard – this is not a surprising number given that almost all of the ten acres I own is old, virgin forest. It is going to get crazy here shortly.
I am expecting emergence within the next few days, especially since we are going to be having high temps in the 80s for at least the next week, which will get the ground warm. Am planning on videotaping much of the emergence, and then moving my bed to a windowless basement so that I can sleep through the noise at night. Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, Maryland
Not here yet…..
Date: Sunday, May/9/2004
But I’ve been watching! Will go to the Furnace Hills today and see if we can find any. Mike Frey, Lancaster PA
Cicada video – emergence from shell!
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
2 years ago I saw (for the first time in my life) a cicada emerging from its shell. I ran & grabbed my 8mm video camera & shot almost all of it. I shot 90 min before my camera broke down. I edited it down to 15 min & put a Tool song behind it. You can watch the movie free on my website here:
http://homepage.mac.com/weedmeat/iMovieTheater3.html
You need a newer version of Quicktime to watch it as it’s in mp4 format. Quicktime is a free download from http://apple.com/quicktime/
Dim the lights, crank the volume, have fun, & let me know what you think. And watch out for the crazy ant ;^) weedmeat, Chicago
How can I preserve cicadas?
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
I teach 4th and 5th science and would like to preserve some of the adult cicada. How can I do it? To preserve the nymphs just let them dry out. Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Emergence in Fort Aberdeen
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
Our neighbor was attending an outdoor ceremony in a tent in Fort Aberdeen, MD on May 6 when the Brood X came out in large numbers. We have cicadas one inch down in our soil waiting for the right moment which should be soon. David Olson, Columbia, MD
first sighting in DC?
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
It’s 2:15am and there’s a cicada sticking to the frame of the door of my apartment complex. I am *so* staying indoors this weekend. AG, Washington DC
question
Date: Saturday, May/8/2004
how big are adult cicadas? Adolf, baltimore,md
Do these cicada’s come to Massachusetts?
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
I do not remember seeing these things. Are they like locusts? Diane Marshall, Wrentham,Ma
Protective Cicada Gear
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
For anyone who is absolutely terrified of these buggers, you might want to invest in clear bubble umbrella like the ones from the 70’s. They cover the top half of your body. Even though the cicadas can fly up underneath, at least you can prevent them for landing in your hair or splatting in your face.
I look forward to seeing the month of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck everyone!! Angie, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cicadas at night
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
Are cicadas active at night? Are they attracted to lights? Will it help to put yellow bulbs in my porch lights? Gaston, Silver Spring, MD
Run for your life
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
I can’t believe I have to endure these things again! Isn’t anyone else out there frightened to death? Where can I move that’s within an hour or so to DC to escape these little nightmares!?!? Mr Bug, Bethesda, MD
me so scuuurreedd
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
i HATE bugs, but more than that, they scccaaarreee me! eeewwwww – how long are they here for? i’m in the dc area – and where can i go for a month that they won’t be?!?! lisa, dc
First Cicada
Date: Friday, May/7/2004
When dropping my daughter off at daycare this morning I almost stepped on a cicada. It’s wings were not spread yet and it just rolled off the step as I moved by.
I didn’t get a picture but it looked exactly as I remember it from my childhood.
My wife is going to be so unhappy that I saw one first. 😉 Mark, Wheaton, MD (just outside the Capitol Beltway)
Cicada Image from 17 Years ago.
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I took this image in Maryland 17 years ago, during the last periodic appearance of these pests.
http://www.photo.com/photodb/photo.tcl?photo_id=2343185
Bill Angel, Silver Spring, Maryland
Cicada Function
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Try this website for more information about Cicada’s and their purpose for life on earth.
http://www.lander.edu/rsfox/310TibicenLab.html Erin, Columbia, MD
Sighting
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I saw one flying around my window at work around 3:00 pm today. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW yuck, Columbia
Do they sing at night?
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Do they sing all day and all night? Do they ever stop before they die? Sheila, Baltimore,MD
What is the purpose?
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I can’t find anything to document the function or purpose of a cicada? Anyone out there know anything? Kim, Baltimore, MD
Hurry up, cicadas!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I remember the “invasion” in 1987. One of my co-workers was outside having a smoking break and a cicada flew up her skirt and got stuck on her pantyhose. It has been a long 17 years and I need another laugh of that magnitude.
Seriously, my best friend was out looking for spring peepers and found a lot of cicadas underneath rocks, just waiting. My guess is that when we start having warmer nights, they will come up.
Suggestion for fun — have an office cicada pool! Everyone contributes a dollar and the first person who sees a cicada wins the pool!
Have a trilling day!
Christa Christa, Alexandria, VA
RE: DON’T SPRAY
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
Roberta Burnes makes an excellent point. I hear about at least one pet dying per year after eating cicadas which were sprayed with pesticides. If you love your pets, or neighbors pets, don’t spray. In addition pesticides meant to kill pests can kill other insects as well. Guess what happens when you kill too many bees: plants don’t get fertilized, they die off and no more food for you and me. Dan Mozgai, Cicada Mania Headquarters
DON’T SPRAY! Spraying cicadas poisons cats and dogs!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I’ve read so many posts from scared people who talk of spraying the cicadas….please people, THINK about where that poison goes once it hits the cicada. These insects are food for many, many other creatures including songbirds, cats, dogs, squirrels, snakes. Poison does not get magically washed away — when you spray insecticide it enters the food chain. One cat or robin gorging themselves on cicadas (which is what they do during emergences) can ingest enough poison to cause paralysis or death. I’ve seen it happen with songbirds when I worked in a wildlife rehab clinic. Please don’t spray the cicadas — it won’t stop them coming into your yard from other areas, and you’ll wond up poisoning many other creatures unintentionally. Roberta Burnes, Lexington, KY
just a question
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
ummm well i have been hereing that cicadas can pinch you and leave a scar or something. are they so loud that you can here them when your window is closed? unone, Maryland
Won’t be long now!
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
My wife and I were planting a bit in the garden yesterday and found them about an inch down. I imagine DC is ready to break with Baltimore right behind. The soil temperature should be perfect after this weekend as we’ll be in the 80’s (pushing 90). We’re leaving for Ireland tonight and we fully expect them to be out when we get back next week.
As far as your plants, not to worry. The evergreens are also relatively safe. Your young trees, however, will get some attention. We also have a young Japanese Maple. Just don’t prune anything until after they’re gone as they’ll kill some branches. The cheesecloth or some mesh is a good idea as it reduces the probability of them making it to your tree. They’re really dumb, but when there’s a million of them, chances are they’ll make it no matter what!
Have Fun! JS, Baltimore, MD
Harm to Plants
Date: Thursday, May/6/2004
I would like to know other than the small fruit trees in my backyard that I have covered with cheescloth, will the cicadas harm azaleas, rhodos, japanese maple or red leaf maples that are 4 years old? Will they touch small evergreens – like blue spruce or douglas firs? How about shrubs like holly?
I want to cover everything that might be affected in my landscape in southern Maryland. Can someone give me these answers or point me to a place that I can get these answers?
Thanks in advance! Heidi , Waldorf, MD
turrets
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Breaking off the turrets is not likely to hurt them, although no one really knows for sure what the turrets are for. The cicadas sometimes just seal such openings back up until it is time to come out. David Marshall, Univ. of CT (Land of Basketball Domination)
Mud Chimneys
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I was trimming my hedge in front of the house, and when I was raking up the trimmings, I broke off a bunch of mud chimneys! Sorry little dudes! Will this hurt the nymphs at all? Maybe not because they stay in the ground? Thanks for any info! David Kirk, Brookville, IN
Time of Cicada arrival
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Today I found several all white cicada under logs and brush. They were right at ground level and out of there holes. Can anybody give an approximate date for the emergence in the Washington D.C. area? Richard, Sandy Spring, Maryland
How bad will they be in Dayton?
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I went through this in 1999, when Brood V hit northern WV. Now, I’ve moved to Dayton, and it’s not fair that I’ll have to deal with another round of cidadas only 5 years later.
What I remember from WV was an astonishing plague of biblical proportions. People didn’t want to leave the house. You couldn’t make it 10 feet outside your door without getting hit by 2 or 3 of them.
I’ve heard that Cincinnati will be very hard hit. But does anyone know what they’re like in Dayton (southeast side, specifically)? Do they blacken the skies like I remember Brood V doing?
What, exactly, am I in for? Please tell me something good. Dave, Dayton, OH
Incoming cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Many people have asked about pesticides for these periodical cicadas. I would like to post my opinion: Deal with the temporary inconvenience of the cicada invasion. History shows that humans have been less-than-responsible in our use of pesticides and their long-term negative impact on the global environment. These bugs are basically harmless, although a nuisance, and before you know it, they’ll be gone and we can enjoy another 17 years (!) with no cicadas. Siobhan, PG County, Maryland
Magi-cicada
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
It’s pronounced “magi – cicada”– no “k” sound. I wondered the same thing until I went on my internship with UConn’s cicada team for Brood XXIII two years ago. =) Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
pronounce “magicicada” please
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Is it like “magic” with a “k” and then “cicada” or just “magi” without the “k” sound? Also, is the plural of “cicada” also “cicada” or is it “cicadas”?
Thanks! Terri, Silver Spring, Maryland
Their pinchers
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Now I know they dont bite you but can they pich you? Jean, Lebanon,IN
My first cicada and UM T-shirts
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I saw my first cicada yesterday – I was weeding my flower bed and pick up a rock – there was a large, pale insect with red eyes pushing up out of a newly-dug chimney. It quickly retreated – aaaaggh! The light! The light! I then started looking around my yard and noticed a lot of chimneys, all over the place. I haven’t seen any more cicadas yet, though.
For another topic, does anyone know if you can purchase the University of Maryland Entomology Department T-shirts online? JenB, Alexandria, Virginia
Non-periodic cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I hear loud buzzes on some nights while driving past thick woods in North Florida, and these rise and fall in volume and pitch in exact unison. Is this news to anybody? It seems remarkable to me that the bugs could stay in time tho spread out over a mile or so of woods.
And are these sounds from cicadas at all, or could they be katydids or some such, even though they are very loud and easily audible from a car speeding past the woods.
I’ve heard these synchronized sounds many nights, and am not sure they are caused by PERIODIC cicadas.
Are there nonperiodic cicadas in North Florida that emerge at random times, thus having some in the woods at all times?
Thanks for any helpful info. Paul PAUL, bRADENTON FL USA
Location
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Does anyone know where in Indy I may take my children to enjoy this event.. I have heard that they may emerge around the Fort Ben area. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Kim, Indianapolis, IN
Question
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
How long do Cicada’s stay for? Nathan, Lebanon, IN, Boone Country
Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
Tehe last time the Cicadas were here one flew into my hair and I have been scared to death of them ever since. If the market has spray to kill other insects, why doesn’t someone come up with something to get rid of these horrible things? True they can’t hurt you but there so many of them that it seems something could be done. Linda M., Cincinnati, Ohio
Oh my, could it be?
Date: Wednesday, May/5/2004
I’m no expert, but I think I saw a new adult while removing sheets I had put over my roses. At first I thought it was a strange grasshopper! Michael, Maysville, KY
cicada sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/4/2004
Saw cincada for first time today. Was moving mulch off flowers emerging from ground. When I moved the mulch maybe a 1inch under was two cincada still white in form . Polly Weber, Elkton, Md , Cecil county
The Message Board is back up
Date: Tuesday, May/4/2004
Due to fact that we were getting too much spam and family-unfriendly messages, the board is now moderated. Send in your message, we’ll review it and post it. Dan Mozgai, New Jersey