Billions of cicadas to emerge in 13 states this spring, Ky. and Tenn. to see most

• Brood XIV cicadas will emerge in 13 states, including Georgia, Maryland and North Carolina, starting in April. Kentucky and Tennessee are expected to see the largest emergence.
• Male cicadas produce distinct sounds using tymbals, while females lay eggs in young tree growth.
• While many believe cicadas to be nothing more than a nuisance, experts say the bugs are edible, high in protein, and beneficial to the local ecosystem.

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As temperatures rise, residents in 13 states will soon witness billions of cicadas emerging from underground. Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, told USA Today that Brood XIV should start appearing in northern Georgia in mid-to-late April. Further north, they are expected to appear in May and remain until the end of June. 

In addition to Georgia, Kritsky said Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia will see this particular brood. Kentucky and Tennessee are expected to experience the heaviest emergence.

A cicada cycle dating back to 1634

Kritsky noted these cicadas emerge every 17 years, with the last appearance in 2008. The oldest record of Brood XIV dates back to 1634. 

The nymphs first emerge from the ground, then crawl up a tree or other upright surface, where they lock their claws onto the surface. 

According to Cicada Safari’s website, only male cicadas sing, using sound-producing structures called tymbals on either side of their abdomen. They do not sting or bite humans and are not disease carriers. 

Their primary threat is young trees, as females lay their eggs in the new growth. 

Experts say cicadas are beneficial to the local ecosystem and are also edible. They are best eaten while still white and have a taste similar to cold canned asparagus. Like all insects, cicadas are a good source of vitamins, low in fat, and particularly high in protein, especially the females.