cicadas are everywhere
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
I have never even heard of cicadas before, let alone seen them, but I think they are fascinating little creatures, although they are really disgusting and creepy looking. My parents have about 3 acres of land by the woods, and these things are just taking over everywhere…they are all over the garage, pavilion, shed, and even on the one side of our house, and our porch. There are holes all through our yard from them. The loud noises they make are unbelievable. It sounds as if there are millions in our woods…and there probably are…I don’t think I’ll be goin for a walk in the woods until there gone, for fear that they might fall on top of my head. — lisa, Indiana county, pa
Oh My ! They are everywhere!
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
I am not sure if I like them or not, they freak me out yet I am facinated by them. I have read all the stories from everyone and I dont agree with killing them. I think it would be impossible. they will go away on their own sooner or later. My dog eats them like popcorn and my kids are terrified. This sight will help them to not be so affraid.thanks. — Diana, Hymera, Indiana
Cicadas are here……Yuck!!!!
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
We have been hearing them for the last couple of days….but today they are everywhere. These are huge!!! I hate them! — Vickie, Sewickley, PA on the border of Allegheny and Beaver County
Locust appearance
Date: Friday, May/31/2002
Woke this morning to find the fences covered with our dear friends – locusts. I guess this is the year. Mineral Ridge, Ohio5/31/02 — Dianne, Mineral Ridge, OH
Found some cicadas and their shed layers on a van tire
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Found some cicadas and their shed layers on a van tire – I bagged them for my son to see and take to school to talk about. He wants to start a bug collection.They’re pretty cool… this is the first time I have seen them.I guess they’ve been around a few days or so? — Larry, Shelocta, PA USA 15774
Cicada Brood
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
We have the little guys out in force in areas south, SE & SW of Little Rock. Also in the Forrest City area on Crowleys Ridge.Have been out for a week or so. — Jim Northum, Little Rock, AR
My journal now has pics!!!
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
I’ve finally uploaded some of my photos to my ongoing journal “Angelfire so feel free to check it out. Looks like it’s almost time for me to make the trip to Illinois, so don’t EVEN think the journal is finished yet! — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Haven’t seen a one!
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
Well, Seems my neighbors West and South of me have started to see the critters, but I have yet to see one. I’ll let you all know when I do! — Steve, Northern Allegheny County, PA
Cicadas
Date: Thursday, May/30/2002
We have tons of them here! We live in a little town near Youngstown, OH (between Cleveland and Pittsburgh)Just noticed all the holes in the ground and live and dead cicadas around May 27. — therese, Youngstown, Ohio
They’re here! Brood V in Eastern Ohio
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Finally, they’re starting to emerge in our back yard, but so far there are far fewer of them than there were 17 years ago. We’re seeing birds snatch up more of them than we remember from 1985; is anyone else seeing this? — Gayle, Lisbon, Columbiana County, OH
Cicada clean-up tips?
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
Just my luck – the year we buy a house that sits in the woods, the cicadas emerge. I am horrified – our trees and shrubs are covered by hundreds of these ugly pests. I know there’s not much I can do to get rid of them now, so I’ll suffer inside until July. But what to do then? Does anyone have tips on disposing of their carcasses once they die? If so, or if you have other suggestions on dealing with these pests, please post them on this site. I need help! — Lara, Beaver, PA
Cicadas
Date: Wednesday, May/29/2002
We moved to our new home in Dec. 2001. We love it in the country. We have seen lots of new bugs, and one of them is the cicada. We have seen them in the ground and then have watched the transformation to the adult cicada. Very interesting! We have them in our yard by the thousands. I worry about the damage to my plants and trees. How much will they do? Is there something I can spray to get rid of the ones on the ground or in the trees or to stop the new eggs that will falling to the ground soon? Would really like some more info on these. Thanks, Angelaangelalangley [AT] hotmail.com — Angela, Robinson, IL, USA
Quite a Crop
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Have seen several drying in the sun the past couple of weeks. While mowing the yard yesterday (about 2 acres on what we call Pleasant Oaks), happened to see hundreds of shells clinging to the underside of the oak leaves. I’m not a bug person, so don’t have a positive ID on the critters. The ones I’ve seen are black or dark brown with red eyes. — Frank Barncord, Marissa, IL
I DID SEE THE CICADAS…. AND THEY WERE REALLY COOL
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
i saw all these cicadas and they f***ing rule!!! tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss tssss they went! YO! — Bob, England, London
I sort of like them
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Call me weird but I really like the cicadas. We experienced the cicadas three years ago and I thought the loud sound was hilarious. I would call my mom up (she lives in Westmoreland County) and put the phone outside so she could here them.What is even better is that we are moving up to Greensburg this month so I won’t have wait another 14 years to hear their music.I was lucky though in that they never pelted me like they did other people!!! — Audrey, Morgantown, West Virginia
I sort of like them
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
Call me weird but I really like the cicadas. We experienced the cicadas two years ago and I thought the loud sound was hilarious. I would call my mom up (she lives in Westmoreland County) and put the phone outside so she could here them.What is even better is that we are moving up to Greensburg this month so I won’t have wait another 15 years to hear their music.I was lucky though in that they never pelted me like they did other people!!! — Audrey, Morgantown, West Virginia
Indiana emergence
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
I have received reports from observers in Sullivan and Posey counnties in SW Indiana that their emergence has begun. I would appreciate information from readers in Indiana and Ohio on when and where they observe cicadas. I have put Indiana and Ohio emergence maps online at www.msj.edu/cicada for those wondering if they should be on the look out. Thanks. — Gene Kritsky, Cincinnati, OH
cicada consciousness
Date: Tuesday, May/28/2002
The cicadas emerged here about a week ago. I was expecting the intermittent june bug chirp but am fascinated with their pervasive hum. The first morning I heard it I thought someone was using an electric saw on an infintely long board. I’m torn between the eeriness of the sound, the fascination with it and the fear of the individual insect which is extraordinarily sci-fi-ish. I will say I am avoiding my flower garden as they have taken up residence in the shade garden and I have a natural averision to any insect that large. (I read all those 50’s comics about giant bugs). I feel like I need to do something about them but don’t know what. I also think about whether I’ll still be living when their larvae next emerge. I finally decided to deal with them in a zen like way, just experiencing this phenomena and not worrying about what they are really up to out there. Oddly, I’m old enough to have experienced them at least twice before but can’t recall anything this extraordinary. — C. Keeley, Paducah, Kentucky
Cicadas bite
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
In 1985 I got bit, pinched, whatever you call it, by a Cicada. Gouged a 2-inch long piece of flesh from inside of my arm. Drew blood. They’re here, and I’m NOT happy. — Julie, Rochester, PA
PA brood’s here
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
We just got our brood this weekend. I live in the country and have them everywhere! I’m thrilled to see them and love hearing them. I’m in the minority here. Everyone else seems to hate them and wants them gone. I loved them when I was a kid and still do. I just wish they’d come out sooner than 17 years!!!! — Jan, Armstrong Co., PA
Holy Guacamole
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
we are covered up here! the ground looks like swiss cheese and the air is filled with the sounds of them! at least a few of them sleep late in the mornings so it’s not too bad until 9 or so….. — Edward, Arlington, Tennessee
cicada’s are everywhere
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Just took a walk, the trees and ground are covered, holes in the ground. Have not seen this many in years. Will be glad when they are gone. — jane, Cobden, Il, Union County
Cicada’s EVERYWHERE
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Oh the joy that filled my heart when we heard the beautiful song of the magicicada! We live in the country and are blessed with woods all around us. There must be thousands of them. My parents live in MS about 50 miles south of Memphis in a town called Sardis. They have as many as we do here. If you’re looking for them, come to our neck of the woods. 🙂 — Traci Stevens, Lexington, TN
Not many in MO
Date: Monday, May/27/2002
Found some cicadas in SE Missouri Sat/Sun but the numbers were far from overwhelming. Midday Saturday at Hawn State Park heard several individual Decim who sounded like they had just hatched. Late afternoon driving east on a county road in Perry County, suddenly about a mile east of I-55 my ears were hit by waves of Cassini even with the car windows down. Camped at a state forest along the Mississippi; saw one skeleton. The Mississippi was flooded and had been even higher. Lots of toads (especially Fowlers) who sound a lot like Decim. Hiked the higher-altitude area of the forest Sunday morning and saw a couple more skeletons and heard a few individual Decim. By far the best place I found was Trail of Tears State Park along the Mississippi north of Cape Girardeau. This was the only place I saw any up close. A couple dozen on plants along the hiking trail, decent numbers of skeletons, and good numbers of Decim singing around 10 AM. The rest of the trip was nearly fruitless as I headed farther south; much of the Bootheel was underwater and the region has few trees. I had high hopes for Big Oak Tree State Park, but it was mostly underwater. Heard a few cicada distress calls in the trees. If the majority of MO cicadas haven’t hatched yet, the delay is beneficial because the river needs to recede more. Am going to try several forested parks near the river south of St. Louis next week, but would be pleasantly surprised to hear/see any, having not encountered any in the STL region in 1989. — Eric, Missouri
cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
We live about half an hour from Arkansas. There are a lot of them. Started seeing them the second week of May. Then the noise started, hard to listen to every day, very aggrivating. I thought the paper mill was doing someting than someone said it was those bugs. Be glad when they are gone. — Elaine, Bastrop, La.
Cicadas in AR?
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
A friend of a friend mentioned the Cicadas were common at Pickthorne Lake- Northwest Lonoke Co, near Jacksonville. We hiked in the woods adjacent to the lake and could hear chorus of cicadas, but found only 3 live adults within reach,and a couple dozen cast skins. Anyone know where I can collect 100-200 adults for museums here and elsewhere?Let me know at bbbbugs [AT] earthlink.comThanks,Brian Baldwin 501-821-2934 — Brian, Little Rock, AR
Cicada sightings
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
While leading a tour into Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument this past Thursday, The cicadas were singing on the hillsides. I caught a male and identified it as Cacama valvata. I turned this one loose, but later caught another on Saturady Afternoon. — Wes Phillips, Fritch, Texas
duration?
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
can anyone tell me how long i must endure this auditory interruption…they are sooooo loud here it is uncomfortable to be outside…sorta like an x-files…thank you…mail me at relaxornot [AT] yahoo.com — laslo tolff, oxford, ms
re: singing
Date: Sunday, May/26/2002
they have been singing for about a week..this is a first for us on our 15 acres and hope we are here when they return.. — john & sandy, Alexander, AR
Millions of Cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Millions of Cicadas have emerged in Corinth, Ms. There are holes all over the ground where they emerged. The trees are full of them. They sing very loudly. Seems as if they never stop singing. I have found shells all over and have seen many of the live ones. If I sit under the trees droplets like rain fall on me. They have been in the area for about two weeks. This is May 25, 2002 — Sue, Corinth, Ms
Albino cicada
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Maria wasn’t kidding… the cicadas came out en masse today. I’ve got 3/4 acre and every tree has them, as well as the fence. There was a gorgeous albino cicada on the fence. Well, okay, not gorgeous, but pretty for a cicada. Enjoying the quiet today… it’ll be a madhouse by Monday. — Mary Lynn, Greensburg, PA
Cicada’s
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
Okay, okay, this has been going on for several weeks. I can hear them on my deck and inside my house with the windows closed! Does anyone know when this will stop??? I love nature but this can be rather maddening after a month. What can I expect???Thanks!email–crdodd [AT] bellsouth.com — Glada Dodd, Murray, Ky.
spotted
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
They have appeared in Greesburg, PA. They are everywhere. The noise hasn’t started yet, but it will start soon. — Maria, Greensburg, PA
Got Cicadas here
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
We have tons of cicadas emerging from nymphal stage here – they are all over the lawn, and thousands up flying and singing! — Katie Weatherford, Calvert City, KY
fascinating
Date: Saturday, May/25/2002
I first heard the ‘flying saucer’ sound last friday, may 17. It’s been going on since then varying in loudness. We live on a flight path to the airport, and after one particularly noisy jet went over, the cicadas all shut up! and didn’t start over in full force until the next day. I heard someone out in the woods shooting a barrage of shots, but it didn’t even slow down their singing. — lesley, memphis, tennessee
May 24, 2002
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
We live on 8 acres. The Cicadas are thick here, I bet we have 5,000 or more in our trees now. They came out last night & climbed the trees ( which we have lots of) This morning they were hatching out of their shells. It was cool watching them. My dogs keep eating them, hope it doesn’t make them sick!! By tomorrow they will be out of site as they go to the TOPS of the trees. That is why you usually don’t see them but HEARD them. They live about 5 wks. — Debi, Richland, IN
Invasion in eastern Prarie and western Monroe County, AR
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
The cicadas seem to be near full force along U.S. 70 between Hazen and Brinkley. That includes DeValls Bluff, Biscoe, and Brasfield. The tredecassini are beginning their synchronized chorus and some trees are so covered that the cicadas almost appear to be part of the bark. Several teneral (newly-emerged) adults are still present, though, so the chorus will only grow louder in the days to come… — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
They’re everywhere!
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
They really started emerging in full force last night. Can’t seem to get my dogs to go out now, they’re terrified! — Tony, Freedom, PA
Summary of Central Mississippi Brood XXIII Emergence
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
The chorusing is down to a fairly low level now and should be gone in a few days. Earlier I reported that 92% of the local population represented M. tredecim. By gathering the dying cicadas from nature trails in Clinton and Jackson I estimate 5.9 % of the population represented M. tredecula and 2.1 % represented M. tredecassini. Emergence hole density for several sites in the Clinton area was 58 per square meter. Emergence began on the evening of April 27 and continued through the evening of May 11 but 47 % of the population emerged on the evening of May 1 and May 2. I gave a presentation on the emergence at Clinton Community Nature Center on the afternoon of May 11 to a mixed audience of children, young adults and senior citizens and was surprised how few could remember experiencing such an event before. Most of the people present were living in the Clinton area for the 1989 emergence and several could have experienced the 1976 and 1963 cycles. Strangely, most people seem to forget about these events and have to go through rediscovery. That seems to be reflected in the traffic on this message board, as well. Oh well, it has been fun and maybe, if we’re lucky, we can see it again in 2015. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi,USA
no cicadas yet???
Date: Friday, May/24/2002
I live in Austin, TX and haven’t heard acicada yet….I think they should be out”chirping” by now. Does anyone know if they have a domant cycle??? — jimbob, austin TX
Addressing Alexa
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Sorry Alexa, they’re in your backyard. — Kelly, New Brighton PA USA specifically
They’re here!
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Well, after a short trip outside with my Golden Retriever it’s confirmed that the cicadas have arrived in Western PA! — Kelly, Pittsburgh, PA USA region
I am dreading this
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
I have never seen one of these bugs before, because I come from a very Urban area in the North. I am scared of big buzzing bugs that fly. In fact, I freak out with almost every bug. I do not dig the thought of a mini invasion. How long does this last? I am seriously thinking of taking time off from work, so I dont have to have bugs land on me (just the thought gives me the shivers). Help!! I need answers. EMail them to me please: yankred [AT] aol.com. — Andrea, Maryland
cicadas!!!! you want some???
Date: Thursday, May/23/2002
Well it seems we have a bumper crop of bugs….Its been cool…but its seems to not have hampered the cicadas. They are singing right along none the worse for wear….If anyone would like some cicadas for their yard..I would be happy to send them to you…. — Jean Sherrill, Huntingdon tn carroll co
EEWWW!!
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
I hate those damn bugs! I can’t believe they are coming back. Does anyone know how long they will be here this time? I am about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Any info can be forwared to bre97 [AT] hotmail.com. Thanks! — Bre, Wheeling, WV
oh no
Date: Wednesday, May/22/2002
we have been hitting record temp lows here in pittsburgh – – – i hope the cicadas brought their scarfs 🙁 i read that extreme weather changes can prevent them from coming out…. lucky southerners!!! 🙂 — sinn, pittsburgh, PA
Brood VIII is here!
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
They arrived last Wednesday, May 15. They are everywhere! They even got into my office. Does anyone know how they might have gotten in & how to prevent that in future years? Thanks! — Jen Melton, Benton, KY, USA
“Singing” cicadas
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
As noted in my ongoing cicada journal (Angelfire) three of my cassini cicadas have been alive since I collected them on May 10. This — 12 days — will be the longest I’ve ever kept captive cicadas alive. Four of my tredecim cicadas are only one or two days behind. I give them new branch tips to suck on every day (an interesting pruning method if I do say so myself), and they still sing in the daylight or when my bedroom light is on. What’s funny is they get more vocally active when I listen to my CDs. Must have something to do with the sound frequency of the song chords or something. Right now their favorite seems to be Linkin Park by far, although they have “sung along” with Skillet, Metallica, SonicFlood, and Staind as well. =) — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Periodical Cicada Nymphs
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
We’re inthe field studying periodical cicadas, and your messages to this board are extremely helpful. We check it often. With regards to the gentleman from MS, with the lawn sprinkler problem, I must object to his plan to eradicate nymphs: First of all, periodical cicadas do not have chewing mouthparts, so it is impossible for them to chew wiring or piping, or anything else. Cicadas have sucking mouthparts and feed on plant juices. It is unlikely, even if a nymph tried to do so, that it could penetrate the materials used in underground wiring or piping. With regards to finding a nymph near a wiring fault, since there are cicada nymphs everywhere underground, if you dug up anything– wiring or anything else– you would undoubtedly find nymphs in close proximity to it. That does not mean that the nymphs could or did cause any of your problems.Second, the amounts of toxic chemicals required to remove the cicadas are so great that they may result in other, unintended damage. — John Cooley, On the road
Info on broodVIII
Date: Tuesday, May/21/2002
I have been expecting to hear some information on emergence of brood VIII in western PA and eastern Ohio.So far there are no reports of any large numbers being seen, probably due to the unseasonably cold weather for nearly the entire month of May.If anyone has information on the status of brood VIII please post or forward to Danak320 [AT] aol.com. Thanks, Dan — Dan Kendle, North Canton (Stark Co.) Ohio
Locusts are LOUD!!!
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Wow! They are back and louder than ever! I thought they made an appearance every 7 years, but I just read that it’s every 17 years! lindasmith79 [AT] yahoo.com — Linda , Alva, Mississippi
“Flying” cicadas
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
I wouldn’t recommend that kite trick with the periodicals — for the cicada’s sake I wouldn’t have you do it with any species!! — but the Magicicada aren’t as strong of flyers as the annual Tibicen cicadas. Odds are with a periodical you’ll just wear the poor thing out after a few rather clumsy attempts it makes to fly around. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Freezing weather!!!
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
OK, so maybe not quite freezing, but it’s still way too cold for mid May. I’m sure the cicadas don’t like it either. Hopefully the majority of them will wait until the weather finally breaks to emerge and start chorusing, so they can do it undisturbed. They are showing up at Lake Poinsett State Park in Harrisburg, AR with all 3 species present. I may go back out there today even though it’s not very warm. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Nature’s croutons
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Faye, I grew up in Carrollton and spent many a summer day hunting cicadas. I would listen for the wi-wi-wi sound and trace it to the tree (mostly young, small trees). If I could reach the branch it was on, I would pull it down very slowly and with my other hand, very quickly grab the cicida. Most of the ones I caught were the green and black ones (Dogday Harvestfly). I don’t think that Texas has the periodal cicadas.I live in New Albany, Mississippi now and there are these periodical cicidas everywhere. Even on the ground. My 3 inside cats wait at the door when I go outside in hope that I will bring them some “treats”. I’ve caught at least 50-60 of them. They are smaller than the green ones and the Grand Western cicadas.Has anyone tried to fly one? Kids love it. You tie a piece of thread around the eye section and then throw the cicada in the air. Kinda like a kite. — Amy, New Albany, MS
Natures croutons
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
Faye, I grew up in Carrollton and spent many a summer day hunting cicadas. I would listen for the wi-wi-wi sound and trace it to the tree (mostly young, small trees). If I could reach the branch it was on, I would pull it down very slowly and with my other hand, very quickly grab the cicida. Most of the ones I caught were the green and black ones (Dogday Harvestfly). I don’t think that Texas has the periodal cicadas.I live in New Albany, Mississippi now and there are these periodical cicidas everywhere. Even on the ground. My 3 inside cats wait at the door when I go outside in hope that I will bring them some “treats”. I’ve caught at least 50-60 of them. They are smaller than the green ones and the Grand Western cicadas.Has anyone tried to fly one? Kids love it. You tie a piece of thread around the eye section and then throw the cicada in the air. Kinda like a kite. — Amy, New Albany, MS
school project
Date: Monday, May/20/2002
It is Sunday night, May 19. My son has 24 hours to come up with a cicada for his insect display in his science class. I live near dfw airport. Does anyone know how we can get our hands on a nice dead cicada? email to mikefaye [AT] airmail.com. Thanks. — faye smith, coppell, tx, usa
cicada crazy
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
thousands of the little buggers are emerging! my 2 labs are enjoying the seemingly tasty snacks! can’t wait for the incessant howling. now where are my earplugs? !!!!!!!!! — jt blandford, lake of egypt williamson county il
We have Cicadas!
Date: Sunday, May/19/2002
About a week ago I noticed all these huge looking ‘flies’ all over our back porch. And then saw them all around our neighborhood. Some have called them Locusts and others Katydids.My husband had me look up ‘Cicada’ and I found this site really informative.And I will pass on the info. I found to my friends.Thanks! — Jennifer, Lavinia,TN, USA
National Public Radio story
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
I found your site after listening to an interesting story on NPR’s Weekend Edition (Saturday) related to eating emerging cicadas. While it did not stimulate my intestinal appetite, I made my way to this site which is facinating. Thought you might like to know. — Joe Gross, Land O’ Lakes, FL
13 yr cicada
Date: Saturday, May/18/2002
I have found 2 (two) 13 year cicadas so far- one male on the 13th of May, and a female on the 17th of May.No calls heard yet.Brian Baldwin — Brian Baldwin, Little Rock, AR
YES cicadas are great for fishing .
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
here in hernando ms we have tons of them here they are EVERY WHERE and on everything .but let me tell yea you really can get some big FISH useing these BEEN there done that . — tammy lowes, hernando ,ms
They are here too.
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
I live about 1/4 of a mile from the Holland Bottoms W.M.A., and we have really started seeing numerous cicada’s around here. They are thick outside, and very noisy as well. And Nick, they really are gross! :o) — Ann, Jacksonville, AR, USA, Lonoke County
Cicadas found guilty as costly destructive pests!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Ok! Folks here’s the whole truth on these “do little damage” buggers. During the emergince of the XXIII brood my 2 year old $6000 sprinkler system began having problems. Our lawn care professional blamed the problem on the Cicadas?? I was, let us say “unconvinced” until they dug up portions of the wiring in my system that were obviously damaged by chewing. I was still dubious on the subject until they found a dead Cicada nymph still attached to a wire. The nymph was aparently zapped by the current flowing thru the wire while he was snacking on the insulation. I say “Guilty as Charged”! (HA! charged… get it?) The lawn care guys have described to me a plague of sprinkler system damage in our area all related to chewed up wiring. The total cost of repair, if all of the wiring in my system has to be replaced, will be about $1800. Can you imagine the overall cost to everyone having the same problem? I was like most people three weeks ago, Cicadas didn’t bother me one little bit, in fact I kinda liked the sounds they make, but now I am looking for a way to kill as many of them as I can. The Cicada information sites on the web recomend nothing in the way of nymph control. But I intend to attack them as they hatch from the tree branches with a barrage of insecticides unknown to my home in the 27 years I have lived here. I’m MAD, I’m BAD, and I have a “can do” pest control service preparing to do battle. DIE! you costly little pests. — Pat P., Rankin County MS
Their here!!!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Found about 6 so far in my back yard.Its starting! — Bill Calhoon, Pittsburgh PA
The Bugs
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
We have the cicadas everywhere!!! — Carol Greene, Atoka, Tn.
Pictures
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
I have pics. E mailusammy [AT] bellsouth.com.These Cicadas are absolutely all over my yard,fence,shrubs,ground,the dog house(poor dog).In the fish pond………Lawn furniture.Walls of the house. Getting a little gross for me. — Lisa, Henry county TN
Cicada EVERYWHERE!
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
HI:I have been invaded. They are everywhere. Even worse than last night. I thought that wasnt possible. Barely making noise they are tonight. The Yorkshire pups are eating them.The cats also.All over my porch. Evrywhere you step, Cicada!!!!!!Henry county is just south of Calloway co.KY.Lisa — Lisa, Henry co.TN West TN
Cicadas are here
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Cicadas emerged all over the area here in Gilbertsville,Ky (Marshall County) on Saturday evening,May 11th, 2002.They haven’t started their song yet, so I guess that will start soon…they arenot welcome inside my house, which hashappened a couple of times, but guess that is one of God’s creations, and we must deal with it. My friends dog lovesthem and goes crazy crunching them whenoutside. — Dorothy Blackwell, Gilbertsvile,Ky (MarshallCounty)
Cicadas are here
Date: Friday, May/17/2002
Cicadas emerged all over the area here in Gilbertsville,Ky (Marshall County) on Saturday evening,May 11th, 2002.They haven’t started their song yet, so — Dorothy Blackwell, Gilbertsvile,Ky (MarshallCounty)
Brood XXIII Explosion in West KY
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Tonight, May 16 there are thousands of cicada nymphs emerging in my yard alone! Over the past few days I’ve seen them emerging a few at a time but tonight the grass is literally crawling with them! It’s an awesome sight! Of course when they start singing I may sing a different tune myself. — Mark Smiddy, Benton, Kentucky USA
Brood XXIII in eastern Arkansas
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Decim and cassini cicadas are showing up in eastern Arkansas. Along Hwy. 38 and 306 east of Cotton Plant (Cache Bayou to Colt) and along parts of Hwy. 286 and Hwy. 1 near Wynne are showing activity. Some singing and chirping is audible, but not the deafening whining of cassini or roaring of decim that I would expect within the next couple of weeks. Nothing in Jonesboro though. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Yes, they are here too
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
We just set out some new apple trees this year – If I had known they lay their eggs in young trees, I might have waited til next year to set out new trees. They are interesting even though they are odd looking and make a deafening noise while courting. — Melissa, Brandon, MS (Reservoir)
What’s that noise?!!!
Date: Thursday, May/16/2002
Yesterday morning while doing some yard work in my yard I noticed this really loud annoying noise. I read below that some guy thought it was a piece of machinery. I have to agree w/ him. I at first thought it was some sort of alarm that would not shut up. All day long I kept asking my 4 yr. old daughter, “Do you hear that noise?” Finally a friend of mine came over yesterday afternoon and I asked her about it. And I got my answer. Now I find the noise fascinating. Also, yesterday my daughter called me over to look at this “weird” bug. She said, “It keeps running into the fence.” When I got there and saw that huge thing w/ bulging orange/red eyes I backed us away b/c I had no idea what it was. Then this morning my neighbor told me she saw the same thing in her yard and I found out then it was the Cicada. I had no idea about any of this until yesterday. And it is pretty amazing. But how long will they be around? — Michelle, Oxford, MS
They are everywhere
Date: Wednesday, May/15/2002
Bugs are so loud it’s amazing! — C. Hailey, West Monroe, Louisiana
Thousands, but not much noise—– yet
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
There are thousands all over my yard and trees, but I haven’t heard the noise that is usually asscosiated with there emergence. My wife would rather they just go away. Is there a time limit for their being here? — Oakley Swart, Murray, Ky Calloway County
our fish love them!
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
This is about the most fascinating thing I’ve ever experienced (or heard!). We have a small nature pond in our backyard that is full of goldfish. They are absolutely fighting over the cicadas when they happen to drop in the water. I have a question. When all these wonderful bugs start dying, will it be raining cicadas? — Judy Stegall, Jackson, MS
Brood XXIII Emerges in Kentucky
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
Well, it’s official. I’ve had at least 25 calls on 13 Year Periodicals in the past three days, and have had several samples brought in – all positively IDed. They’re extremely prolific in the eastern part of McCracken County, but not so heavily in the western sector, where the majority of the trees are – may take a few extra days to warm up these forested areas. Look for information on them and samples at the Spring Sampler May 18th at Dolly McNutt Plaza, Paducah. I’ll have the insects and information downtown for everyone to see. Contact me at kkeeney [AT] uky.edu — Kathy Keeney, Paducah, KY
They’re here
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
For about a week now we’ve been hearing the roar of the cicadas and have holes all over our property. Today the roar is so loud it is deafening. The deal about the W on the wings is an Indian tale and was told to us the other night by someone who is part Indian. He said his great great grandmother told him that a W on the wings means 7 years of war and a P on the wings means peace. — Marsha, Tishomingo, MS
i have i ?
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
some one said that the “w” on the wing means war . i have never heared if it i would like to know if it is so i have asked everyone if they knew but they said that they dont know but would like to find out. — meme, new albany ms
Cicada Hum
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
The Grove at the University of Mississippi is loud with the hum of brood XXIII — Pat, Oxford, MS
OH THE NOISE!
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
THEY MUST BE HERE BY THE MILLIONS! HOW LONG WILL THIS NOISE LAST? DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THE CICADA EVENT FROM 13 YEARS AGO? I SURELY DON’T! — DW, Choudrant, LA
wow
Date: Tuesday, May/14/2002
We have lived here 7 years, and the past two nights have been VERY interesting. The cicadas have crawled out of the ground and attached themselves to our house, shrubs, garage door, everything. It’s been fascinating watching them crawl out and fumble around. We learned all we needed to know from your website. Thanks for sharing this amazing 13 year event. — Ann, Nesbit. MS
SHOULD WE BE THREATENED BY THESE BUGS?
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Should we be threatened. I have been planting young trees. Will they kill them. I had no idea what all the noise was last week. As I was planting my magnolia tree, I glanced up and a Cicada was staring at me. It was very creepy. I hate bugs.. Especially these big things. It is fascinating how they only come every 13 yrs. How long will this last? — JENNIFER, HOULKA, MS
Update from central Arkansas
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Today at Holland Bottoms W.M.A. I found about 150 adults in the low vegetation along the path. No singing though. There were several hundred holes in the path and along the edge of the water and around 200 skins clinging to trees and other plants. I took some pictures of the gathering adults, which I plan to post in my journal in a couple of weeks. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Periodical Cicadas
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Moving here from Phila. 8 years ago I have never seen the red bulging eyes of the cicada until yesterday, how cool! How fascinating that these creatures come around every 13-17 years. — Loretta Stronski, DeSoto County, Mississippi
So that’s what that noise is!
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
I’d been hearing the noise for several days now, and I thought I was crazy. My grandmother told me it was cicadas. Then she took me to her back yard. It was spooky! You couldn’t take two steps without stepping on them! Papaw had picked about 60 off the house. Little holes in the ground everywhere. Now that I’ve come to this website and learned more about the little rascals, it’s not so spooky. — Heather Miles, West Monroe, LA (Ouachita Parish)
Cicadas at commencement
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
Commencement at Ole Miss was well attended by students and their families.Also attending were The Grove`s family of cicadas. At points throughout the festivities there were the all too familiar cicada dance being performed by those humans who were surprised by cicadas on their legs,heads,ect. It brought welcome comic relief to a long,warm occaision — Ken , Booneville,MS
they are here!!
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
My 11 yr old son informed me on Mother’s Day that our front porch was covered in some type of “bug”. Being from the country I knew exactly what had transpired overnight. The cicada are everywhere. I watched a few emerge from their shell. Amazing! Beautiful colors. — Kim, Cordova TN
What’s that strange sound?
Date: Monday, May/13/2002
For the last 3 or so days I had been hearing a loud permeating sound that I had thought was some kind of machine. (I live in the city but near a wooded area) Finally I decided that I was going to find whoever was running that darned machine and let him know that I was going to file a complaint for “disturbing the peace”. So, I jumped in my car and rode towards what I imagined was the source of the sound. After a few minutes of this I was no closer to finding anything, so I gave it up. The next day I was visiting a friend and was then informed of the true source of the sound. Everything then made perfect sense, as I had noticed some of the molts left on trees and has also seen a lot of small holes in the ground that had not been there before. I felt a bit dumb, but at least I know what it is now. — Tim, Jackson, MS
Creature Feature
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Last night we arrived to find our drive way with many of the bugs. To our horror this morning the ground, trees, and shrubs were covered with Cicadas. Tonight because their are so many you can hear them rustling in the bushes and on the trees, and the noise when they hit the ground. When you look in the trees you can already see some of the white balls, I guees this will be their larva. I noticed not as many birds out today. We have been in our home for eight years and this is the first time we have seen this. — Marda, Jackson TN Madison County
Cicadas everywhere!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
My front porch is covered with shells and dying cicadas. They are all over the grass and plants in the yard. There are thousands of little holes in the ground and even in the gravel driveway. I am concerned because a large majority of the bugs appear to be dying immediately after emerging from their shell. Does anyone know what could possibly be causing this? — Donna Wood, Jackson, TN
An Abundance of Cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I have never seen so many Cicadas in all my life! They have been here for several days now and their eerie hum fills the woods behind my house. Their little “shells” are clinging to everything in the yard. — Pam Martin, Silver Creek, MS
They are here.
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I am visiting my parents. When I drove up I heard a buzzing humming noise. The trees are full of the skeletons and I found a living one also. I plan to send these to my kids school so they can see. — cerise barrett, Holcomb, Ms. Carroll county
Cicada Music in Booneville!!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Sunday May 12, 2002, Emergence at it’s peak in Booneville. — Max Phillips, Booneville, MS
They are everywhere
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
A few days ago I started noticing little holes all over my yard. This morning I went out & noticed at least a dozen “shells” on the back of my house. I looked up into the trees & there were hundreds.(I live in an area with many large old trees.) Then I looked around some more & discovered the insects were everywhere! They are in all my trees, bushes, & other plants. I hope they don’t eat too much!!!!!! My yard is NWF certified as a widlife habitat. I guess I have one more critter to add to my list — Marcia, Memphis, TN
Bugs divided
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
We live in McNary County and Cicadas are covered from here to Pickwick Dam about 30 miles, but on the other side of the line to Hardaman County they are only a very few why is this? We live on Hwy 57 which comes from Memphis to Pickwick and they are jumping counties this is so wired. At our home there are so many our hummingbirds even left. — Becca, McNeary County, TN.
Cicada Emergence
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
Children came running into the house this morning very excited about a whole lot of white and black bugs everywhere. After my investigation,the cicadas are here. — jermaine butler, Memphis TN.
“A” Cicada?
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
“A” Cicada, meaning one? They are covering my house! What should I do? — Kim Sharp, Savannah, TN
They are here!
Date: Sunday, May/12/2002
I’ve seen Cicadas around here all my life, but tonight I got a surprise. I started seeing these beetle-looking bugs crawling around in my utility room. This room has a door to the backyard, and it was open. Soon I noticed several more of them in there, crawling around, but unlike a beetle, they seemed to be having a lot of trouble! I asked my husband what they were but he didn’t know, and then I remembered seeing the discarded ‘shell’ of a Cicada, (which everyone calls locusts around here). So I asked my husband if they might be locusts coming out of their shells. He said no, but I kept on inspecting them, and I could see the wings through the shell, so I was pretty sure that’s what they were. Anyhow, the population in my utility room was growing, and frankly, that many huge bugs in one place totally gave me the creeps! I went around to the back yard, and my WHOLE ENTIRE back yard is covered with them! They’re hanging from my hostas like x-mas decorations! I’d seen thousands of holes in the ground, but since we’ve had a lot of rain here, I thought they were where birds had dug up worms. NOT! Anyway, most of them in the utility room have emerged now. They’re ‘drying off’ I guess. They are still that whitish color. I haven’t seen any in the neighbors’ yards, so I guess we got the whole family tree in our backyard. I’ve seen them all my life, used to see how many shells I could find as a kid, but I have never seen one while it was emerging before.I know you all have probably seen this a bunch of times, so it might not be a very interesting story to you! Sorry it’s so long as well. Enjoy your Cicadas this summer!Jenn in KY — Jenn, West KY
Cicada Date 5- 10- 2002
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
We have so many their dried shells are sticking almost every where and they are making their noise in the wood’s now, A solid roar. I wonder what purpose they serve some say they come every 7 years to Prune rhe Forest Dell. — D. Helton, U.S.A .Iuka ,MS.38852
Feeding the cicadas…
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
The cicadas feed by inserting their mouthparts into small branches and extracting the fluids from them. To stay alive for two or three weeks, as they can in the wild, they really need living vegetation, i.e. rooted into the ground. But if you want to keep some captive, and who wouldn’t, the next best thing is to keep them provided with fresh branch tips. Replace them at least once a day, if not twice. I found putting the cuttings in water seems to help. But again this is not a perfect substitute for the real thing. Have fun=) — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Cicada Sightings
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
My yard is covered with cicadas and thelittle holes that they emerged from are everywhere. They sound like one wouldexpect flying saucers from outer spaceto sound like. This is the largest “batch” of them in many years. — Vernon, Savannah, TN
We got Cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
They are all over my door step. I found one that was a few seconds from completly emerging so I was able to watch this cool creature. I collected a couple of them to take to school and I will let them go afterward. I came to this site to find out what to feed them. They make great music too. — Sidney Clayton, Potts Camp, MS
Finally got my hands on some
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I found light emergence beginning in western Lonoke County at Holland Bottoms Wildlife Management Area near Jacksonville, AR Friday, May 10. Only a small area, about 25 square yards, is showing activity at the moment. I found about 30 emergence holes, 20-30 skins, and 6 adults — 4 cassini, 1 decula, and 1 tredecim. Some of the holes had nymphs staring out at me. The population there will be very dense, though; I saw it in 1989. I’ll be journalizing all of my cicada adventures over the next few weeks. Anyone interested in following along can find it at “Angelfire“. I’ll be updating regularly. — Nick, Cicadas of Arkansas
Cicadas as bait
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I would not recommend using Cicadas as bait. In the Missouri Ozarks we had periodicals in 1985 and 1998. In 1985 they were fish magnets; usually a Cicada that fell in the water wouldn’t last long before being consumed by a fish. With the sunfish distracted feasting on Cicadas, I caught more big bottom feeders on worms. Saw a kid catch some sunfish on Cicadas.In 1998 I used a couple nymphs as bait and caught Bluegill, and had no success using adults. I tried using a black buzzbait with red eyes, thinking it would simulate the natural cicadas, and had no success whatsoever! The fish could obviously distinguish from the real thing. Witnessed many fish gobble cicadas who had fallen into the water. The noisy males beating their wings in circles got the most attention from fish.It is possible to catch Bass and big Bluegill on them, but there are several problems. They’re fragile and don’t stay on the hook well. A hooked Cicada doesn’t struggle as much as a natural one that fell in the water, so fish are less likely to notice it. I would only use them as an emergency after running out of bait.Am planning to fish on my trip to see/hear XXIII, but won’t try using any as bait.Annual cicadas are probably too big and too difficult to catch to be a feasible bait. — Eric , Missouri
I seen one !!
Date: Saturday, May/11/2002
I woke up this mornin and when I skid back the covers there was one of them cicada locustes grabbed on to my peter ! — Maury Hicks, Benton, TN, Polk co
Cicada’s used for fishing bait?
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Does anyone know if Cicada’s are a good bait for fishing? Seems like other bugs that only hatch out in the springtime are good bait (ie Mayflies). — john, Lexington, TN
Have they arrived?
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Have there been any sightings in Ohio or Penn.yet?Thanx — Colin Green, Toronto Ontario Canada
13-year Cicadas in Central Arkansas
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
13-year Cicadas are emerging in small numbers at Lorance Creek Natural Area in southern Pulaski County, Arkansas. — Michael D. Warriner, Little Rock, Arkansas
Final Posting on Brood XXIII in Clinton
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
The husk count this morning (May 10) has dropped to 27 (all M. tredecim). The choruses continue to be strong and egg laying is conspicuous on young black cherry and oak in my yard. I did another survey of emergence holes in my yard and found an average of 58 per square meter. — Bill P.Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Cicada
Date: Friday, May/10/2002
Oh I have Cicada!!just planted 50 Lilac starter plants and the next thing I know ,Cicada are all over them! my house and yard has them everywhere….how long do these things stay around? what a mess! sherryost [AT] hotmail.com — Sherry, Paris, TN
More on Brood XXIII in Clinton
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
The husk count through this morning (May 9) from my porch for the 12 day emergence period starting 28 April now stands at 2184 with 92.6% representing M. tredecim. Several mating pairs were observed yesterday afternoon including one pair of “doomed cicadas” with deformed wings. I am also beginning to find dead or lethargic males on the ground. Emergence in Clinton continued through May 21 during for the 1989 group and chorusing continued through the first week of June at various sites in Hinds County. It seems unlikely that this action will persist that long in 2002. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Thankz For Everything
Date: Thursday, May/9/2002
For Some Reason My Teachers Think This Site Isnt Cretible And They No Longer Will Let Me Come On A “Regular” Basis But I Will Keep In Touch ! I Love You Guys ! See Ya Around And Thankz For Everything !!!!! — Warren Edwards, French Camp, Mississippi
What do they look like before they’re nymphs?
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Hi from CT. My son and I dug up some large redish brown bug cases today when we were putting in a flower bed. Could these be cicadas? We put them in a jar and covered them with dirt in hopes of seeing whatever they are hatch. I hope they’re cicadas, but I’m thinking they probably are some other insect. — Jody, Ansonia, CT
Hundreds emerging!
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I have been finding hundreds of medium size cicada arriving out to the ground for the past 4 nights. I’m talking hundreds EACH of these nights. It’s almost like a plague here and I’m wondering if any one else has experienced this kind of activity. It’s something I’ve never seen before and I’ve lived here all my life. — Sondra, central Louisiana
more emerging
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
This afternoon I counted 277 new emergence holes in my front yard!I put matches in the ones I counted before! Man, talk about prolific! The husk count is tremendous! — karen butler, Meadville,MS,Homochitto National Forest
Warren
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
Brood XXII emerged in parts of southwestern Mississippi last year (2001), but that’s the only other brood I know of that inhabits the area. Sorry to say, most likely it will be 2014 or 2015 before you see any more after these. — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
All In Full Swing !
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I Am Begging To Here Faint Chatter From The Woods But Nothing Loud, Me And Scott Are Studying This Phenominea Together. But Let Me Ask This…. This Brood Will Be Back In 13/17 Years Will Another Brood Emerge Next Year (from 13/17 years ago) I Hope So ! I Want To Keep Seeing Them ! Well…Keep Up THe Good Work Everyone ! Ill Check Back Here To See What You All Say ! Thankz For The Answers To My Other Questions…BYE ! — Warren E., French Camp Ms.
Clinton update on Brood XXIII
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
I’m playing catchup on the husk counts for the past few days. Through the morning of May 6, a total of 1824 husks were found on my porch. 92% of these represent one species, M. tredecim, and the two smaller species together make up the other 8%. As of this morning (May 8) the number emerging continues to decline at this site in Clinton, but chorusing continues to be strong. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
BUT WAIT>>>>>>>>>>>THERE’S MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: Wednesday, May/8/2002
meanwhile back here in the forest brood XXIII is going strong! The shells are everwhere and I even had the oppertunity to watch one emerge! The trees here look as though they are alive with all the movement and the chorus behind my house is deafening! This is truly a great experience! Shame on you Mr. Waters fron Jackson! We’ve had a flea infestation in our area and believe me…………. the cicadas are much more pleasant company! Leave them alone, they’ll be gone soon enough or maybe you’d rather have love bugs!!!!!! — Karen butler, Meadville,MS,Homochitto National Forest
Cicadas in North Central Louisiana
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Large Cicada brood (XXIII?) have been emerging since March 3, 2002 in North Central Louisiana. Location is about 40 miles south of Monroe, La. — Duane Cruse, Grayson, Louisiana
Cicada Invasion
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
Cicadas everywhere!!!! When you go outside you can’t step without stepping on one. They are so loud it sounds like some kind of big machine is running on the next block. — Susan Price, Brandon, MS USA
Cicada Population
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
This has got to be a record population of Cicadas. Has weather conditions played any part in this or is it truly a 13 year cycle? — Deb, Water Valley, Mississippi
how many eggs do they lay
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
how many eggs do cicadas lay — jimmy, mcpherson k.s. u.s.
cicadas
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
how many eggs do they lay — jimmy, mcpherson.K.S.
what is the purpose
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
why are these little things here in the first place what purpose do they serve?[another question]do they have some wierd Greek mytholigical meaning or story to them? — scott leeper, french camp,mississippi
french cicada
Date: Tuesday, May/7/2002
anybody know the info about thetype of cicada living in southern france. My wife is french and we go there often to visit her family. These cicadas are always there, every year. Just wondering about their lifecycle. In france they are called”Cigale” lot of local art and souvenirsrelating to les cigales.thanksHH — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS
We got them buggers here now.
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I couldn’t figure out what they were. No wings yet, just funny looking bugs under my two sitting stumps in the front yard. I guess they just dug their way up. — Michael, Leach, TN
To Lisa and Warren
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
The cicadas in Florida and Alabama were most likely Brood XIX, which I generally observed to be less impressive altogether than this brood, XXIII. Also north FL and south AL are on the very fringe of the Brood XIX’s range, whereas Brandon, MS is smack in the middle of Brood XXIII’s range, which may or may not be the reason for the difference.As for Warren over in French Camp, this will last about 3 to 4 weeks and it only happens once every 13 years. Enjoy it while you can. I know I will if they ever show up in Arkansas… — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
Still waiting
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
You guys in Mississippi are having all the fun! You guys STINK!! — not really 😉 — I’m still anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Homopterous oddities here in NE Arkansas. And, um, about that cicada-killing guy down there… I bet we could all take him if we work together. 😉 Anyway, you guys have fun down there while it lasts! — Nick, Jonesboro, AR
CICADAS
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We are located in Western Pennsylvania, very close to the West Virginia state line. Yesterday, (5/5/02)we found the first sign of the 17 year Cicadas. We were transplanting some periennials, and there they were just about to emerge from the soil. I’m sure we will be hearing their songs very soon! — KF, hOOKSTOWN, PA
I found the mother lode…
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Got home this evening and heard twice the volume than yesterday. looking up in a bradford pear tree, it lookedlike the bark was alive. got my binoculars out to get a close look andthey are just covering the tree. One about every square inch. HH — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS -Cicada Central
Message for Warren
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Warren: Try following the links on this site to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology page on Periodical Cicadas. I think most of your questions can be answered there. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
CICADAS ARE OUR FRIENDS !
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Dont Kill Another Cicada YOU SICK FREAK ! YOU GIVE YOUR KIDS KNIVES TO KILL THEM?! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE ?! They Are Our Friends…I Love To Study These Creatures. Its So Fasnating I Wish They Would Keep Comming For Months…YEAR ROUND ! Here At The Academy Its Quite Intresting. Myself And 3 Others Are Doing A Extensive Study On Them. I Wish Someone Would Respond To My Previous Messages Though…Anyways STOP THE KILLING WERIDO ! — LONG LIVE THE CICADAS — Warren E., French Camp Mississippi
They’re Here!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We have hundreds of them here in central Miss. The noise is deafening. Can’t wait to get home from work to listen tonight. — Audie, Crystal Springs Mississippi
DIE ! KILL ! EXTERMINATE !
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I Have Killed Hundreds Of These Buggers And They Just Keep Comming I Have My Kids Slice Them Semetricaly With Scapules From my Office. I Diecide To Get 20 Spray Cans Of Raid And Some Flea Bombs And Put THem Around Trees ! The Death Toll Is Huge…Maybe This Will Put A Dent In Their Population ! — Bobby Waters, Jackson Ms.
Saw emerging cicada
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
On May 2, I saw a cicada in the grass near the base of my pine tree. I guess it had just emerged and was drying it’s wings. Strange looking creature. Red eyes, green iridecent body – lacy wings. Facinating! Before I saw it I thought one of my neighbors had been running a motor for several days. Then I realized it’s the cicadas. They’re loud little buggers! — Angela, Jackson, Mississippi
Kindergarten Kids Love These
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Just in time! We’ve been learning about insects and now our playground is covered with Cicadas! The children love to get them on sticks to look at closely. They can see the legs and other body parts great! Hands on learning! — Spann Elementary Kindergarten, Jackson, MS
They Keep On Commin’
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
I See Them Everywhere But I Never GOt An Answer To My Previous Message….How Long Will This Last And Does This Happen Every Year Here?….PLease Someone….There Swarming Our Campus And One Kid Had Over 300 “HEADS” In A Clossed Testude…. (really werid)…. I Find Them Most Fasinating Things Around… I Catch The Nymphs And Put Them On My Wall In The Dorm And They Molt…etc…etc …. Anyways Im HAving Fun I Want TO Know How Long They Will Keep This Up….. (P.S. My Friend Says There Good In Cholate Pudding) — Warren E., French Camp Mississippi
Cicadas are here!!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We are in Brandon and have been watching the emergence of the Cicadas for over a week now.It’s an amazing event! They are everywhere and in every stage of emergence. There are holes everywhere. We didn’t know what the holes were at first, then we figured it out. There has also been this whirring sound for about 4 or 5 days but not right in the yard. We are guessing it is the cicadas. Hope all the parents out there get a chance to educate their kids about this wonderful bit of nature. After all, it doesn’t come around too often. Happy Cicada viewing! — Lauren, Brandon, Mississippi
My dog loves ’em too!
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
We first saw the husks of the bugs on Weds. last week (May 2nd) and weren’t sure what they were. My dog was eating them and so were the red ants. The next day I spotted one crawling up one of our Oak trees, and the wings weren’t yet apparent – so it looked really strange with its bristly legs and bright red eyes. The next day (Friday) I saw scores of them in the trees, in my flower boxes in the windows, and walking all over my daugher’s swing set. They are now making their courtship sounds loudly in the evening and morning. I remember seeing them as a kid growing up in Florida, and then again as a teen in Mobile. They seem alot louder and larger in number here in Mississippi. — Lisa, Brandon, Mississippi
West Monroe, Louisiana specimen
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
One of my students brought a specimen of Magicicada tredecim from West Monroe, Louisiana that he captured May 5, 2002. Brood XXIII was certainly expected in that area but I haven’t seen any postings to that effect. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
No Bugs Yet
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
It’s Monday May 6th here just 1/2 hour north of Pittsburgh – looking forward to the emergence but haven’t spotted a single cicada yet. Nights are still pretty cool here. I believe that we are most likely out of the freeze threat. Have had plenty of rain here in Western Pa. and this week looks like rain for the majority of days. I have noticed many other flying insects – seems like more than usual – especially honey bees and bumble bees, wasps and hornets. Most likely attributable to very mild winters for the past few years here. Late last summer I noticed several spottings of “palmetto bugs” – look like giant japanese beetles engaged in a circular “dance” about 2 – 5 feet off the ground… Perhaps some kind of courting behavior?Oh well, I’ll post again in a week or so – sooner if I spot any cicadas…JoeP.S. Bob – send me a pic of the ants you spotted – toungetwist [AT] hotmail.com — Joe, Ambridge, Pennsylvania
More on Brood XXIII
Date: Monday, May/6/2002
Although reduced in numbers, the emergence of Magicicada continues in Clinton. On the morning of May 5 there were 135 M. tredecim husks and 7 of the M. tredecula/M. tredecassini type on my back porch. I also did an emergence hole count and found an average of 41 per square meter. Last night the emergence seemed to be higher again but I have not completed the count. All three species can be heard singing throughout the Clinton area. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Hatch full bore here in Jackson, MS
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
The XXIII hatch here in Jackson continues. I’ve got a 60+ year old Oak in the front and the hatch around that oak is very dense. The number of shells at the base of the trees near the oak looks like the aftermath of a multiple person eat of boiled crawfish. Also, one the trunk of one pine have a very small ant with bulbous red butt (that I have never seen before) that is attacking those cicadas that are struggling to exit. Really surprising how high into a tree and how far out on the limbs that these buggers will climb. Post here if you would like me to send a digital pic of the ants I noted above. — Bob, Jackson, MS
dog loves em
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
My little Miniature Pinscher (Greta)is feasting on the little boogers.She has found them in the azalea bushesand gobbles em up. I watched her eata dozen this morning. Cicada on the half shell. hmmm hmmm good.The noise today is deafening. A deep almost siren sounding distant dronewith the sharp chirping of closer ones.Awesome. I would love to know moreabout their lifecycle.email at hh [AT] tsafety.com — Heyward Hodges, Jackson MS
Pissing Cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/5/2002
Read this message that came in through the email:I would like to know why do green cicadas “piss”? There is this one tree i SUkau where there are may be 100’s of green cicadas on it and they seem to be pissing from the tree.PleaseadviseAnyone have a clue? — Dan, Cicada Town
There are here!
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
What a sound! Outdoors you can hardly have a conversation! First noticed them 3 days ago, it gets louder everyday. — jay, West of Brookhaven MS
Brood XXIII is abundant in Homochitto Forest
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
may 4th… I live in the Homochittto Forest in Franklin County,Ms.We are southwest of Mr.Stark from Clinton. Brood XXIII has really come out in great numbers here! As I sit here I can hear their chorusing like surround sound! It sounds like one of those alien flying soucers from the old 50’s and 60’s sci-fi movies.I think they are too cool,especially the big red eyes! To all that have fears of them…….relax!!!! I’ve been close to these wonderful creatures for years and never once got bitten,abducted or molested by one! — karen butler, meadville,ms>>>>homochitto forest
Emergence wanes in Clinton
Date: Saturday, May/4/2002
This morning (May 4) the number of emerging Magicicada is drastically lower than for the past two days. Only 88 M. tredecim husks and 5 M. tredecula/M. tredecassini were found on my porch. A colleague at Ole Miss reports the emergence is underway in Oxford as of Wednesday, May 1. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
WHY ME????
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
THIS S IS SERIOUS!!! I HAVE BEEN INVADED BY CICADAS FOR 5 DAYS. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE, IN MY TREES, ON MY CARS, UNDER MY CAR-PORT, IN MY YARD. I HATE THESE INSECTS. THEY DO NOT COME 1, 20, MAYBE 50. THEY COME 200, 300, 400. I AM SCARED OF THEM BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER SEEN THEM AND I DO NOT KNOW IF THEY CAN HARM ME. THESE INSECTS ARE NEW TO ME AND MY NEIGHBORHOOD. WE ARE CALLING EVERYWHERE FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP, BUT THE PROFESSIONALS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THESE INSECTS. I WISH THEY LEAVE!!!!!!! — Tamra M., JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
ITS SO COOL ! I WANT TO KNOW MORE !
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Nucklear [AT] email.com ! I Want Information On This ! How Long Will They Keep Comming Out? Im Studying Them With All My Might Here At French Camp Academy In Mississippi ! I Want To Contribute To The Site And Help Anyway ! Thankz ! — Warren E., French Camp Acedemy Mississippi
More Brood XXIII counts from the back porch
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
During the 1989 emergence of Brood XXIII I counted almost 9000 exuvia from my backyard during the entire emergence. Now that I’m 13 years older I’m only checking the back porch; this morning (May 3) the count was 462 M. tredecim and 44 M. tredecula/tredecassini. This gives a total of 1210 husks recovered from the porch over the first 6 days of the emergence. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
Freaking Out!!!
Date: Friday, May/3/2002
Our yard looks like it has been aerated. Holes everywhere. At night, cicadas cover our yard and in the mornings there are thousands of shells around our trees. Shells are even stuck all over our house (brick) and window screens. I’ve never seen anything like it! But pretty neat though. — Terrie, Florence, Ms
Brood XXIII Songs are in the air
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
Yesterday afternoon (May 1) a few songs songs could be heard in the woods near my home in Clinton. Today at noon a much more pronounced low hum was audible. The chorus is underway. Emergence last night got the attention of people all over the Jackson metropolitan area and my own back porch looked like a cicada war zone. When it all settled out there were 485 M. tredecim husks and 54 of the M. tredecula/M. tredecassini small type husks. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA
cicada
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
We have cicadas in Florence, MS. My question do they bite humans? I have a two year old and I don’t want her bitten. My trees look like they are moving we have so many in our yard. — Renee, Florence, MS
I have them in my own yard!!
Date: Thursday, May/2/2002
On April 28, 02. I woke up as usual, but nothing was usual when I looked out my door, there were hundreds of Insects on my house and porch. I didnt know what to do, so I just swept it away, and then it happen the next 3 mornings also, I finally called the pest control people, who came out and told me my insects are none other then Cicadas. I have hundreds of them, and there shells, I hate to kill them but what else can I do, my kids are scared to come outside… — Paula, Jackson Mississippi
Brood XXIII emergence in full swing
Date: Wednesday, May/1/2002
Exuvia counts from my porch are: 15, 16, 27 and 107 for the first 4 nights of the emergence (April 28-May 1). 92.7% of these represent M. tredecim. In addition to the Clinton emergences, a few other sites have been noted. These include Hazelhurst, Byram, Raymond and Jackson all in central Mississippi. — Bill P. Stark, Clinton, Mississippi, USA