They are singing!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I spotted my first adult cicada this morning on my balcony. Well, my cat Layla did. Luckily enough the window was closed hehehehe. Laura from Fairfax, I agree with you. If one of those things landed on me, I might die!!! Ewwwww. I’m not going out for the whole cicada season. Anyway, they are clearly visible today here across from W & OD Railroad Trail Regional Park, and they have been singing in the wooded park since this morning. — Lori, Arlington, VA
Where are the cicadas?
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I want to take my kids to see the cicadas but the only sightings in NJ appear to be in the central/northern regions of the state. I am in Cumberland County located in the southern region, has anyone sighted any in this area? Any ideas where to look, wooded areas etc. There seem to be plenty in DE and MD so I may just have to take a day/night trip. — Cindy, Bridgeton,NJ
Cicada Emergence Maps
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I would love to see a map of the US (or the world, if someone is really motivated) on this site that shows the areas affected by Cicada emergence. It would be cool if it were interactive, too, such that one can see maybe states, or moderately accurate colored areas indicating the emergence (and maybe colored to indicate they type of cicada that’s emerging) that one can click on to zoom and see a more accurate detailed layout of the emergence patterns. — Robb, Columbia, SC
There here…..
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Just came in from watching a few thousand emerge & molt in my back yard! There everywhere!
— GlennR, Vienna, VA
The Plague Gathers Strength
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Emergence picking up speed now…not yet to the horror stage (and I’m praying we are spared), but they’re coming out fast and furious. Started on 12 May and increasing by leaps and bounds. (BTW, The Pentagon courtyard was LOADED by 13 May), I am no longer spending any time outside. If one of those things lands on me I may have heart failure. Most bugs, spiders, etc., don’t much bother me, but these things are so big and so mindless (will land on ANYTHING upright!) and so numerous, that I am totally creeped out. Got my husband to clean out the garage so I can park my car inside and dash straight from the house, heehee. Also ordered 1/4inches mesh to put over my small (less than 6 ft.) trees, as there is a chance of injury to these less established plants. My dogs, on the other hand, are having a field day! Every ten minutes they are “bugging” me to go outside so they can gorge themselves. They are having a blast scouring the yard and the small bushes for what they obviously consider a VERY tasty treat. (sorry to you cicada lovers out there–no disrespect intended 🙂 Fortunately, I also have encouraged LOTS of wildlife in my yard, so everyone benefits. I hope I survive this month with my sanity intact–my Mom grew up in Baltimore and remembers the 1953 emergence there and she won’t even let me TALK about cicadas, she gets creeped out so bad…I am hoping my experience won’t be similar! — Laura, Rt. 50 and Nutley St., Fairfax, VA
Pitches
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: They’re definitely out and about in Falls Church. Not a huge number yet in my yard, but enough to be distinctly audible. And from what I can tell, there are primarily M. septendecim in the area. But music geek that I am, I had to figure out the pitch of the call. For the most part, it’s a descending perfect fifth. Yesterday (13 May), the top note of that fifth was E, the bottom A440 (which is the pitch orchestras tune to)–and I found this very interesting. Today, though, I noticed that the top pitch is more like E-flat, and the bottom more A-flat (or some quartertone very nearby). Is there any known reason for shifts of pitch like that?
And has anyone ever studied the pitch/rhythm of cicada song in terms of musical analysis as opposed to biological function of the song? — Mitya, Falls Church, VA
Spewing from the ground
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: There are hundreds beneath the street trees, climbing everywhere. Yesterday nothing. Tomorrow —- oh my! — Rutherford B, Potomac
Cicadas are coming
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I haven’t seen any until tonight. They are all over the sidewalks, and each step goes crunch. I think I’m really to go on a vacation for 6 weeks until they are all gone. — Abby, Pikesville/Upper Park Heights – Baltimore
THEY ARE OUT!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I came home tonight around 11:30 pm and hundreds of the little buggers were crawling all over the pavement and onto trees…i even saw some on the wheels of other cars! Took some great pictures. Oh and my cat loves them! Bring a few in for your kitty. They are a great toy! — Andrew, Fairfax County off Columbia PIke, Falls Church, Virginia
Advice for Cooking and Eating
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: We have now tried a couple of the recipes from the Cicada-licious cook book, and I have some thoughts/advice to share. (1) Don’t to the blanching thing. They turn out really gross that way. Just freeze them and cook them later, dry roast them straight away, or use them fresh. (2) There is wide variation in size, with the very largest being easily 4 times as big as the very tiniest. (3) We have blanched, pan fried, and dry roasted, and no matter how you cook them they turn out basically hollow inside. Some proteinaceous material collects in the very tail end of the abdomen, and some more in in the thorax and head area, but they are at least 80% hollow after cooking. (4) Dry roasting took some experimenting. The cook book says 10-15 minutes, but I found it took a good 40-45 minutes to completely dry out the largest cicadas. When roasting, they smell a lot like baking potatoes. It’s probably a good idea to throw them in the freezer for 10 minutes to “knock them out” before you try to roast them. (5) By the time you get them home and begin cooking with them, they will probably start to turn a little dark. This did not cause us any problems at all with cooking or eating. They were all still alive at least 2 hours after we started collecting. (6) They really do taste like a very mild nut. The “soft shelled” cicadas from the cook book were basically a waste of time–they tasted mostly like the fried breading, with just a very small amount of cicada flavor. The chocolate covered cicadas are very good. They taste a lot like chocolate covered nuts, but have just a very slight chewiness. Have a glass of mild or water on hand, because the chocolate melts away before you are done chewing cicada material, and you might get some stuck in your teeth. Don’t let that last bit scare you away, because the cooked cicada is really only a small amount of actual stuff, and the taste of the chocolate covered cicadas is really very good. Good luck! — Keith2, Bloomington, IN
Amazing Little Miracles
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Went out last night and found about 7 or 8.
Had a good rain here today and this evening, my friends & I drove all over our neighborhoods, sighting hundreds!
http://share-photocenter.bestbuy.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAs3LJu3ctHIw&open=1&sm=0&sl=0
— zappagirl, cincinati (greenhills) ohio
Cicada’s have arrived
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Haven’t seen them at my house but they have invaded my parent’s yard. There are holes about 2 inches apard all over one side of their yard and you can’t take a step without stepping on one. And the noise. It sounded like hundreds of motors running. Amazing. — Sandy, East Tennessee
Cicada Landing
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Yesterday (5/14) at the Howard County High School Tennis Tournament at Wilde Lake Tennis Center an adult Cicada utilized my leg as a landing strip. It was alarming at first but I recovered quickly and inspected the creature. Very docile and in a wierd way, cute.
Most of the High School boys around me reacted with curiosity. Most of the girls ran away screaming.
After seeing NO cicadas around my property I awoke this morning to see about 50 shells and 30 adults clinging to the side of my house. The area birds have yet to notice them. A literal smorgasbord awaits them! — Jeff Grimshaw, Columbia, MD
Our Apartment is crawling, neighbors have very few…
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: We first started seeing them on Tuesday at our apartment. On Wednesday night I could only find 4 to use as fishing bait. Friday night there were hundreds crawling everywhere around our apartment building, but the neighboring buildings have very few. Today, we are seeing them everywere, in all stages of growth. — Jeff the Canadian in MD, Catonsville, MD
The Unearthly Singing
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: You walk outside in the morning and it’s like the ALIENS have landed (so true). No kidding, it’s like the Flying Saucer Invasion sound effect in the movies. To me that’s the most unsettling part initially. You actually don’t even have to go outside, you can hear them indoors too. You cannot escape it. It is here. We spent last night watching hundreds of them coming out of their shells on our front step, and all around the creepy rustling. Everywhere. — John, Arlington, VA
First Large Emergence–and First Sounds too!!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Updated photos at http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/detail?.dir=/3883&.dnm=a1be.jpg&.src=ph
Found a HUGE concentration in some weeds and grass over by a stream, and heard them chirping for the first time while I was over there taking photos. — WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Haven’t Seen a one!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I live in South Bowie and I haven’t seen one cicada. My son said he saw a couple of shells on his way to school yesterday. I am thankful and hope this will continue. I do like those big bugs that fly on you. If I don’t see a one it will be ok with me. — Denise, Bowie, Maryland
Bienvenidos Cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: They are here in Columbia. I watched them emerge last night around 10:30. It was so cool. Today there are many shells on trees and bushes. There are also a few fully developed cicadas on plants and trees. There were two hanging out on the tires of my car!! They are so cute. Tommorrow I expect to see a lot more. — Monica , Columbia MD
Cicadas Everywhere!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: There are everywhere this morning, 5-15-2004 and I don’t think they were here yesterday! They are mostly found in sunny places, I suppose to help with their metamorphosis. I can clearly see them emerging from their old shells, unfolding their wings, warming up and hardening and then moving for vertical structures. — Dave Starcher, Reisterstown, MD
Blackhill Regional Park
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Found a couple of molting nymphs out front of my house. I can hear the drone of cicadas in the distance, across the lake at Blackhill. Was getting worried because I’ve seen tons in Rockville, but none up here. Thought that maybe that these new townhouse developments had plowed all the critters under. — drex snodworth, Germantown, MD
Cicada attack
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I woke up this morning, and went outside. And there were cicadas all over my house! There are probably about 50 of them on my front porch! — Laura, Maryland
cicadas are awesome!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: TOP SERIOUS! — Jon, Owings Mills, MD
Lots now
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Yesterday 7pm, nothing. Yesterday 11pm, maybe a hundred on all the trees. 5/15 at 11:30am, over a thousand shells. More coming, but the stupid dog eats all of them (along with everything else non-metal) — Brad, Timonium, MD
They’re here!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: The cicadas were slow to emerge here, in Reston, but are coming out more and more. Yesterday we had about 10 in the back yard on the house, but today, there were enough for my husband to sweep up and move out of the way. Our dog has already eated one and decided it wasn’t as tasty as it could have been!
No noise yet either…I’m anxious for the noises. This brood year is the first I ever remember seeing.
— Robin, Reston, Va
Theyre here and singining!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: After seeing lots of thier holes in the ground, and lots of thier husks on trees, and LOTS of thier dead bodies on the sidewalk and street, they are not only finally here, but they started to sing today.
At first I didnt think there were going to be that many, but I was wrong. They are literally crawling all over the place. I was kind of surprised even to hear them this morning when I woke, let alone how LOUD they are.
At the gas station this morning while pumping fuel, I felt a strange tickling on my lower leg. I brushed it away not even looking or thinking. Then a minute later I looked down.. and there were 4 fully adult cicadas on the ground near me. I didnt pay much attention to them at first. Then I felt the strange tickling again. I look down and one is on my shoe, and one is on my leg about half way up my calf!
He fell off and fluttered around on his back for a minute then went right back to climbing up my shoe again. So when I finsihed pumping the gas. I picked all 4 of em up, and placed them in the tree at the edge of the station.
I dont see how on earth anyone can be scared of these things. I think they are kinda cute! I even feel kinda sorry for them because they are so clumsy. LOL! So they are here and in BIG numbers in Fairfax VA! — DC UNITED FAN – K.J., Fairfax, VA
There Here!!!!!!! First shells/bugs late Fri evening
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: There Here!!!!!!! First shells/bugs late Fri evening.
We have had intense rain….and Now Cicadas..found 10 in just the lenght of my house on west side of foundation.
Here we go…….
— James Hail, Martinsville Indiana
Need travel advice
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: So, my 82 year old dad mentioned to me that he would like to experience a cicada emergence before he passes on. He’s in great health, don’t worry, but despite his robust nature, chances are he won’t be around for Brood X’s next go ’round.
If I was to organize a trip in the next month to see an emergence, where in your expert opinion might we have the most memorable experience?
Any advice is helpful, as I’m a California native and never seen a cidada, much less an emergence.
Thanks! — Edith , Never Seen a Cicada, CA
Massive
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Each last three nights ten times the night before. Tonight so many they are knocking each other out of the trees for lack of space. — Chris, Potomac, MD
1st sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I haven’t been sure if I was looking forward to this or dreading it, having grown up in the western US, where periodical cicadas don’t live. We saw a couple dozen this evening in south-eastern Ellicott City. Came home (western Ellicott City) and looked outside with a flashlight, and still no sign of mass emergence, but did see one brave little cicada fly past my head and through the beam of my flashlight while I was looking! — Corine, Ellicott City, MD
All over the place!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I live in Annandale, VA and during the morning to early afternoon, they are all over the place. I know they are only bugs but they scare me because of how big they are. Just waiting at the bus stop, I saw them going into the street and beside the bus stop in the dirt. — Mike, Annandale, VA
I never thought an insect could be cute…until now!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I was terrified when I opened my door a few days ago and saw so many huge bugs all over my front porch. Since then, I have learned all about cicadas and am no longer afraid. I love seeing and hearing them all around my yard. — Jo, Cheverly, MD
First cicada
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Saw the first cicada climbing up the brick wall at school this afternoon. — Lynn, Dover DE
Brood X finally spotted in New Jersey
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: There havent been alot of postings from New Jersey. They have finally arrived. I saw hundreds of them today when cutting lawns about 5 miles away in a wooded area in southern Somerset County. Lots of discarded shells….Cicadas resting in bushes and tree leaves. Also saw some deformed cicadas and just leftover wings with no bodies…I guess the birds got to them. I didnt get a chance to see one molt before my eyes or the nymphs climb up from the ground but hopefully in my travels I will. — mark, belle mead, new jersey
The songs have begun
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This afternoon I heared cicada songs for the first time this week. They were faint, only a few cicadas, and they sounded like they were a few houses over from mine. This week has been pretty active with cicadas emerging each evening. — Sean, Kensington, MD
Cicadas are arriving!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Talking with co-workers today, someone who lives in Columbia MD saw them emerging today and watched one moult. Someone who lives in Kensington MD said they began to come out yesterday, today he had what he called “cicada siding” on his house and hosed them off, I’m sure they’re back. I saw one in North Potomac today all by itself (my first sighting). None yet in my yard in Poolesville. The yard looks aerated though with their holes. Daughter has bug cage ready we are waiting. — Barb, Poolesville MD
Deformed Brood X Cicadas
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I can hear the cicadas coming out of the ground. They sound almost like rice crispies. There are cicadas on my porch that need to be swept away, there are cicadas on every leaf of many of the trees here, there are cicadas every morning on my car tires, there are cicadas an inch thick around the base of several of my trees. We have tons of them.
But–the thing that scares me is that about 10% of them are deformed. Yes, hundreds are emerging with dwarfed, curled wings. Some have no wings and some are small and round. Is anyone else experiencing the same?
— Linda, McLean, VA USA
Yes! They’re finially here!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Yesterday, during my daily walk, I found one cicada dead in the road. I never saw any shed shells on the trees, so I though it was possible that it was brought up from DC on someone’s car.
Today on my walk, I found more smushed cicadas in the road where I found the other one. But this time, I found scores and scores of husks in the nearby shurbs.
I’m sure my girlfriend will be less than pleased. — Dale, Harpers Ferry, WV
Where did they go
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning there were plenty with the wobbling noise. By this afternoon all the live ones were gone. There are tons of shells, some trees having hundreds. Maybe the birds havn’t been sated. — Alan, Fairfax
yuck!!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Cicada’s are ugly. I saw a picture of one and I’m gald they have not came here ,yet! — paige, maryland,pasadena
no sign of them yet
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: i live just outside of nashville,tn…so far i have not seen or heard them yet — jon, nashville,tn
Saw our First Cicada
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I work at the Tournament Players Club at Jasna Polana, a golf club in Princeton NJ. One of our workers trapped the first cicada we’ve seen, right by the clubhouse, in a soda cup with a lid. It was his gift to me! — Kristine, princeton, nj
LOTS of Cicadas at Potomac Overlook Park!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: My wife & I went “hunting” for the cicadas last night at Potomac Overlook Park on Marcy Drive in Arlington last night and saw about 100 or so in various stages of the molting process. There were lots of empty shells around, but we only saw 1 adult. I grabbed him and he started vibrating like he was trying to sing.
It was really cool watching them come out of the ground, molting out of their shells, and expanding out their wings. They look beautiful and angelic while they’re still white, before they turn dark. What fun! — Evan, Arlington
Any in Centreville/Manassas?
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Has anyone seen ANY of the 17-year cicadas in the Centreville or Manassas areas?
We have yet to see EVEN ONE of them in that area. — Brad, Centreville
First poor buggers didn’t stand a chance
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: We watched hundreds of the critters emerge last night. This morning, our sons could find nothing but shells and wings–we live next to a bird sanctuary. The birds seemed happier this morning. — Cicadapizza, Cincinnati
They’re coming out in KY
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’ve had few exoskeletons decorate my front porch, and a few more live ones climbing trees nearby. No mating calls yet, but we’re getting ready for the orgy. — Robin Jones, Louisville, KY
Sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: 2 shells found in yard — Karen, Severn, MD
Seen, not heard
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The last couple days I only saw a few cicadas here and there. This morning my yard had lots of little holes in it and my bushes were covered with hundreds of cicadas. Haven’t heard them sing yet, though. — Lynn, Cheverly, MD
Nuttin’ Yet
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I am in northern baltimore county, And I have a 150 year old property with many old trees, I have one seen a few single cicadas around the yard ,but no masses just yet. — Cicada Bob, Hereford , MD
Vast sightings
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The madness has begun. In the neighboorhood of Somerset in Chevy Chase, MD, there are pockets of activity. The most activity is near where some trees were recently cut down (the trunks are still there). I imagine that the loss of tree cover has exposed the ground to more sunlight, causing these areas to become more active than others.
In stretches along sidewalks near these, you can see many nymphs actively walking towards their molting destinations in the evenings and mornings (along with the unfortunate ones that didn’t make it). This morning alone, I got an excellent view of several stages of the molting process on one tree. There were the just emerging, the struggling to get out, the out, but white, and the darkening ones.
And to think that this is only the beginning! I must take pictures. — Maurice, Chevy Chase, MD
search at the right time of day(night)
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I thought we were going to miss out on the show. Not many to be found in my yard.
Peeked out again before I went to bed at 11:30pm and found the yard FULL of hatchlings. Sat on my porch and watched several hatch from right up close. They are so beautiful when they are still white!
I thought I heard it start to rain but shortly realized I was hearing the scuffling of all the cicadas in the leaves and in the grass. Okay – THAT was pretty creepy.
By morning they were again hard to find. Finally located many spent skins from the night before, and discovered that the grown bugs had hidden under leaves or flown high into the trees.
Next came the free Cicada Buffet for all the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood! Saw one last white nymph on a tree trunk but before I could get close enough to see him close a bird swooped in and gobbled him up.
Now its afternoon and the adults are flying and one has finally started singing – WEEEEoooo! WEEEEooo!
Oh this is going to be fun! — Pat, Gaithersburg MD
HEARD ‘EM
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: HAVE NOT SEEN THEM YET, BUT HEARD THEM
OVERHEAD IN CLIFTON — STEVE, FAIRFAX,VA
A-feared from a-far
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I was 8 years old when the 1987 infestation hit metro DC, and am now 25 and living in New England, where no one I’ve talked to has even HEARD of cicadas. My mother, still living in Arlington, VA, has been keeping me posted, and I’ll be traveling that direction tomorrow for a week. I feel that I’m making some sort of pilgrimage. — Ben, Keene, New Hampshire
not much here
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! — joan, west Columbia, MD
5/13 – none – 5/14 – Hundreds
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! — Ed, Glenelg, Maryland
Slowing Starting to Emerg
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. — Mike, Arlington, VA
Heard a Cicada Yesterday , IL
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. — Will, Naperville, IL
There are only a few HUNDRED!!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! — Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD
I hear them now
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. — Jason, Alexandria
Cicada emergence
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. — Boris, Towson, Maryland
Finally!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening — cicadalady, Arlington, VA
Pesticides
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 — DLE, Great Falls, VA
emergence
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. — Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD
First Sightings
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! — Erica, Owings Mills, MD
Cicadas
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! — Coles, Randallstown, MD
cicada siting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. — Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Cicadas Captured In Middletown, Ohio
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. — Pauline, Dayton, OH USA
I Deserve a Day Off!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.
I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
— Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD
albino cicada
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: we found an albino cicada….how common is that? — andrea, annapolis, md
Nothing yet
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: As of today, no action yet even though there are tons of wooded areas near our house in the western part of Price William County, hope they won’t disappoint us, maybe the traffic in this area scared them away. — Andy, Bristow, VA
Sighting in Hunt Valley
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! — Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland
They’rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! — fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA
Where Are They???
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 — Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland
There are all over the place
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. — John, Reston, VA
Right out the door!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… — NIkki, Takoma Park, MD
Rockville, MD sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. — Mark, Rockville, MD
more today
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. — Jane, Ashburn, VA
Cicada Art – CORRECT link
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…
http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle
— Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD
holes
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… — Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough
Cicada pictures and web site
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.
I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas — Mike, Arlington, VA
Sighted at Columbia Landing Apt. on Tamar Drive
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. — Tim, Columbia
Plenty this morning
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. — Robert, Rockville MD
Cicadas at night
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. — Lesley, Centreville, Virginia
Cicadas aren’t a problem
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. — Snow, Fairfax, VA
Sightings
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. — Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland
They are starting to sing.
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. — Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Friday Morning Photos
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos — WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Cicadas should learn!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 — Ray, Alexandria
cicada song!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. — Little Johnny, Oakton
Where are the crowds of cicadas!?!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Based on my cicada experience in 1987, I’ve been excitedly pushing my students to be on the lookout for hordes of cicadas any time in the last week through this one. To my disappointment (and theirs), I have yet to see a single one in my backyard or neighborhood for that matter. Out of pity for me, one of my students brought in a carcass yesterday.
Where are all the cicadas? — Reiko, Reston, VA
They’re HEEEEEERE!!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. — Eric, Bellbrook, OH
Emergence May 13
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Johnson City, TN
Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.
Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. — Dave, Jones
Major emergence starting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! — Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD
Have pics of emerging cicada
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Have a pic of an emerging cicada, it’s yellow with red eyes. Looks so neat. — Nicole, Lanham, MD
Sloooow start……
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: First 2 empty shells last night (5/13) and the neighbor caught 1 live one this a.m. OH NO!!…….Here they come>!>!
Getting out the ear plugs………. — Dave, Glen Burnie, MD
FINALLY!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: They have finally started showing up in Herndon! I saw a few shells in my backyard today, and tonight I saw a few unfortunate critters squished at a parking lot. I did save the one live one I found, though. I picked him up off the road and pointed him toward a tree so he could discard his shell and live on. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! — KJ, Herndon, VA
not much here
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: So far, I’ve only seen about 6 cicada during walks with my dogs on a wide path in some open woodland. No “buzz” yet. Hoping for a little more drama! — joan, west Columbia, MD
5/13 – none – 5/14 – Hundreds
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Saw 2 discarded shells yesterday (5/13) today on the post for the Stop sign at the end of our Sreet there are at LEAST 200 of them, like they were trying to pretend they were strings of Alien Christmas (or should that be Stop sign) lights! — Ed, Glenelg, Maryland
Slowing Starting to Emerg
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’ve seen a few on the sidewalks but not a major amount yet. Live in the Courthouse Area so I’m not sure about what type of population to expect. — Mike, Arlington, VA
Heard a Cicada Yesterday , IL
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Heard the first Cicada yesterday in Naperville, IL where I back up to a golf course…My Girlfriend is from California and was freaked out by the noise. — Will, Naperville, IL
There are only a few HUNDRED!!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Yesterday morning saw a few shells on the driveway. Came home from work and saw the crows having a party in the front yard so I had to see what the party was about. Looked up in the trees and saw hundreds of shells. Then I went in the backyard and along the fence there were at least 250 – 300 more shells. I couldn’t believe it!!! And this is only the beginning…….
I saw a white one (he hadn’t turned black yet) this morning on the driveway and he was kind of cute so I avoided running him over. Mind you I have a serious bugphobia!!! This is going to be very hard for me. I’m even going to quit smoking because of the cicadas I can’t smoke outside anymore!! — Charlene, Aspen Hill, MD
I hear them now
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning, I can hear them singing for the first time. That same sound I haven’t heard since 1987. — Jason, Alexandria
Cicada emergence
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning, May 14th, cicadas emerged and are visible in large numbers, both molting and done. — Boris, Towson, Maryland
Finally!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Had one on the garbage can and a few more on the telephone pole. I live in an older neighborhood across from a wooded park so the noise ought to be deafening — cicadalady, Arlington, VA
Pesticides
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Someone posted a message earlier about the number of deformed cicadas in his yard. I’ve been doing a lot of reading on these fascinating creatures (thanks to all the excellent links on this site!) and more than one has confirmed what I suspected: the use of pesticides in the garden can lead to deformed larvae and nymphs. Something to consider – nothing we do on God’s green earth is not without impact! 🙂 — DLE, Great Falls, VA
emergence
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I posted here a few days ago about an enormous number of nymphs underground on my property. A small section of my property finally had an emergence last night (was in the most sunlit section). A large number (for the small area) of nymphs emerged right at sunset, immediately headed into the forest and started climbing every tree and plant in site. Once locked on in spot, the skin split on the back of their heads, the (very white) cicadas slowly emerged out of their shells, then they grabbed onto the heads of their old skins and hung suspended while their wings filled out and their bodies grew some. This was an amazing thing to watch. What is more amazing to me is that the big show is yet to happen – when they emerge in the wooded part of my property (which is most of it), there will be an amazing number of bugs. It’s going to get loud soon. — Greg Lehmiller, North Baltimore County, MD
First Sightings
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Found several shells & a live one on my porch today! — Erica, Owings Mills, MD
Cicadas
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I have been hearing them for weeks now, but just started seeing them this past Sunday. I am totally freaked out by them and even ran in to work from my car this morning because one was hot on my heals. So far I have seen them in Randallstown and in Arbutus. I heard that they are out in full force in Woodlaawn, MD and have been for 2 days now.
Good Luck East Coast, we’re in for a duzy this time!! — Coles, Randallstown, MD
cicada siting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I saw 5 cicadas in my backyard at 6:00am
Looking for some more today. It might rain today. They were on my dad’S BARN. — Tammy Wallace, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Cicadas Captured In Middletown, Ohio
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Per today’s “Dayton Daily News”, Cicadas have emerged and been captured by 4 and 6 year old siblings, Kyle and Sierra Stanley of Middletown, Ohio. — Pauline, Dayton, OH USA
I Deserve a Day Off!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: This morning when I got off a Metrobus to unlock the door at work, there was a family – like 15 cicadas – between me and the front door.
I was too mad and timid to go in the front, so I walked around the building to the back entrance, which is away from the trees and lawn. I can’t believe these things just TAKE OVER!!
— Maurechal, Hillcrest Heights, MD
albino cicada
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: we found an albino cicada….how common is that? — andrea, annapolis, md
Sighting in Hunt Valley
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Cicada shells on the sidewalk coming into work, and I was surprised considering our building and parking lot are just barely 17 years old. Lots of holes in the ground in some places. Saw no lives ones but the evidence is there! — Greg, Hunt Valley, Maryland
They’rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre herrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: They are definitely out and climbing up the trees! Lots found in the past few days in the soil while doing trailwork. The anticipation is killing me! — fiona harrison, blue ridge center for environmental stewardship, neersville, VA
Where Are They???
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I saw two trees full of empty exoskeleton’s in Towson yesterday and figured when I went home to Parkville, 10 minutes away, I should be able to find plenty in the numerous trees behind my house, to show my children, but we found NONE!!!!! We were sooooo disappointed. 🙁 — Cicada Lover, Parkville, Maryland
There are all over the place
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I have not seen any at my apartments. There are 100s of tghem outside my work place. — John, Reston, VA
Right out the door!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I walked out my apt door this morning only to find two cicadas mating right on my front porch! Talk about a start to the morning… — NIkki, Takoma Park, MD
Rockville, MD sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: All over the place here, all of a sudden, in the area near Twinbrook Metro station, in south Rockville. Sitting on trees, telephone poles, and quite a few dead ones on the ground. — Mark, Rockville, MD
more today
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: First day only a few, yesterday twenty or so, today many more in different areas. Yesterday I only saw one adult. Today I saw dozens and many shells. — Jane, Ashburn, VA
Cicada Art – CORRECT link
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I posted a link to my cicada art photos which I’m told does not work. This should work. So sorry…
http://community.webshots.com/user/crimsicle
— Suzette Crim, Silver Spring, MD
holes
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I was mowing my lawn yester day and i saw alot of holes in my yard. There was even holes in my molch. I havn’t seen them yet but i think they will be here in a couple of days if it is hot… — Ricky , NJ-Hillsborough
Cicada pictures and web site
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: It’s delightful here in Arlington. Nowhere near full emergence, but pockets of truly Old Testament-level hordes.
I’ve put up a web page with some photos and commentary.
http://www.megargee.com/cicadas — Mike, Arlington, VA
Sighted at Columbia Landing Apt. on Tamar Drive
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: As I stepped outside this morning there were at least six cicadas in various stages of molting on the front step. Fortunately or unforunately, depending on your point of view, they were all either dead or dying at the hands (or mandibles) of the ants that covered them. — Tim, Columbia
Plenty this morning
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: A few dozen yesterday, hundreds today. — Robert, Rockville MD
Cicadas at night
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Stood outside in the backyard after dark last night and watched the drama unfold. As fast as you would see one come out you’d spot another and another and another. They worked hard because this morning not a single one on the ground and they had climbed as high into the old trees as they could. Saw some fully grown adults sunning and drying off. Probably doing some mental solfege and vocalise. Okay I did break down my ten year old fear memories by letting one crawl up and down my arm. It just tickled and my son thought I was pretty weird. — Lesley, Centreville, Virginia
Cicadas aren’t a problem
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’ve seen a few cicadas, but they’re hardly a problem compared to the mass infestation of mosquitoes that plagues all of Northern Virgina each Summer. — Snow, Fairfax, VA
Sightings
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The first real emergence started yesterday the 13th and was really underway this morning, Friday. A tremendous population under our large elm tree. At 6:30 in the morning they were in all stages from nympths to fully emerged. — Richard, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland
They are starting to sing.
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I went out my door and was greeted with the beginning of their singing. I live near Sligo Creek on one side and a wooded area on another side. — Shirley Jeffords, Wheaton, MD
Friday Morning Photos
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Got some photos, still only sporadic sightings, guess they will take a few days to fully emerge here. http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/album?.dir=/3883&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sllesq/my_photos — WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
Cicadas should learn!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Wow! There are a lot of cicadas out in Northern Virginia! I’ve seen them in Herndon Reston Oakton Springfield Alexandria Clifton and even in Gaithersburg!! I think we should help them whenever possible. Hey cicada, this is where you should molt. Hey cicada, heres a tree for you to live on. I can’t believe that people are eating them! 🙂 — Ray, Alexandria
cicada song!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I heard the cicadas singing this morning for the first time. They sounded as loud as a rooster! I went out to investigate and saw one laying on the ground so I put him up on the fence. Then the cicada started singing! He must have plenty of sense. — Little Johnny, Oakton
They’re HEEEEEERE!!!
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Found 5 shells and 2 live cicadas this morning. The kids were so funny. My normally bug-phobic son was so excited to be able to take them in for show-and-tell this morning at school. My brave daughter just said “EEWWWWWWW”. Haven’t heard any singing yet. — Eric, Bellbrook, OH
Emergence May 13
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Johnson City, TN
Pretty significant emergence around the apple tree and shrubs in my front yard.
Cute little buggers! I feel like a proud parent. — Dave, Jones
Major emergence starting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: I’d seen only one carcass up until this morning, May 14, in my area of southern Columbia. This morning, I found several carcasses and cicadas on my house and yard (15 upon minimal searching). So the big emergence is starting here in southern Howard County! — Stephen Roth, Columbia, MD
Columbia spotting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! — Jean, Columbia, MD
Clifton sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! — cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio
Big Night in Bloomington
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. — Keith2, Bloomington, IN
The Molt has begun in earnest
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! — Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA
Cicada Hunting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania — Scott, Silver Spring, MD
Few Photos of Cicada Swarm
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada — SIPA, Vienna, VA
Columbia spotting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: There was a cicada carcass on my garage this morning! Yuck! — Jean, Columbia, MD
Clifton sighting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: We have seen them, nymphs, in our backyard for two days now. The kids are alreadly killing, adults, them on the playground. We are excited and freaked out!!!!! — cicadahunter, Cincinnati, Ohio
no action yet
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: No emergence yet in Burnsville, Yancey Co. western North Carolina. Elevation downtown is 2,815 feet; elevation at the house ~2,950 ft. Temperature 63 degrees f at 2am so I gather soil temperature is a little too low.
This is in a borderline area – was not here in 1987 or 1970. I hope they live here and are fixin’ to emerge – want to see this once-every-17-y phenomenon. — Ruth, Burnsville, NC
Big Night in Bloomington
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Took the kids out tonight to gather cicadas on the IU campus. They were all over. In some places the grass was just crawling with the nymphs. We found LOADS of tenerals just ready for the picking on bushes and trees around the Jordan River (more like a middling creek) near the Bryan House. It was an amazing sight to behold. It was literally like picking berries. I recommend rubber gloves and a gallon sized zip-loc style bag. Fifty are now marinating to be breaded and fried for dinner tomorrow, about one hundred fifty more are dry roasting for chocolate covered cicadas. I’ll post again with a verdict on the flavor. — Keith2, Bloomington, IN
The Molt has begun in earnest
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: After seeing only one climb a tree two nights ago, I am seeing quite a few climbing and molting tonight. Just looked at a couple of trees, and saw probably 15-20 climbers, 5 or so actively molting, and a few drying wings off of the molts. And I didn’t even have to leave my deck! — Scott McAfee, Springfield, VA
Cicada Hunting
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: Went cicada hunting today near rock creek park. HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS of cicadas. Many of them were molting. We collected some of them and gonna cook ’em up and eat them. Rumor has it they are quite tasty! Its official, i’ve caught cicadamania — Scott, Silver Spring, MD
Few Photos of Cicada Swarm
Date: Friday, May/14/2004
Message: The 17 year swarm started in our area – if interested you can check few photos I made tonight at http://www.sipankh.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=cicada — SIPA, Vienna, VA
Mud tubes in Hershey
Date: Thursday, May/13/2004
Message: Noticed a couple of mub tubes and exit holes under our large wild cherry tree yesterday morning. Nothing outside yet. — Rhett, Hershey, PA
May 16th – 18th 2004 Cicada Comments
Is this Normal???
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Well our little friends came out in a swarm the other night and I thought it was pretty cool, but now they seem to be following me everywhere I go….oh No why are they coming at me….they are attacking!!!! Call the national guard!!! They are eating my brain and spine!!! Helllppp!!! — Jim S., Woodbridge, NJ
Cicada Sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: We have Cicadas in our yard. They are on our garage door and on our chainlink fence. They seem to have just come our of their shells within the last few days. There are several with deformed wings. — Mickey, Brooklyn Park, MD
There here!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: i thought we were lucking out and escaping the invasion, but then I went out in the backyard and actually started looking. There are absolutely thousands of them! The exoskeltons are all over the trees and now I am seeing red eyed buggers everywhere! — Jenny, West Chester, OH
Sighting!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I saw one last night in Princeton on the Campus of Princeton University, — Carol, Princeton, NJ
They’re here in force!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Found hundreds of shells and newly emerged cicadas yesterday. My irises are covered with them. No noise yet.
— Betty, Malvern, PA
Can hear them, but don’t see them
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: The noise is definitely here. But I haven’t seen a single one yet. They’re probably living it up in the park just behind our community. Hopefully they won’t find their way to my house. — Nathan’s mom, Chantilly, VA
TONS OF CICADAS!!!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Well, we first saw them on the morning of the 16th. There weren’t too many…..until the following morning, we saw TONS coming out of their shells all over our deck. As if that wasn’t enough, there are like 10 times more this morning!!! Iv’e been taking lots of pictures! I had nightmares last night. — Sarah, Fairfax – Cincinnati Ohio
SIGHTINGS
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: SPOTTING A FEW CICADAS ON THE SIDE OF OUR HOUSE BUT NONE ON OUR TREE IN THE BACKYARD AS OF 2 DAYS AGO.
MY SON AND I WATCH A CICADA EMERGING FROM HIS SHELL ON A TREE AT MY SON’S SCHOOL TODAY.
IT IS INTERESTING TO WATCH.
THEY ARE WHITE OR LIGHT COLOR WHEN THEY EMERGE FROM THEIR SHELL. SOMETHING THAT I DIDN’T KNOW.
— MARK, DELHI, CINCINNATI, OHIO
No Sightings Yet
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: An update: Haven’t seen any in our part of Cherry Hill, NJ yet. I can’t say that I remember them coming in 1987 either. We usually start hearing them in late July/early August, and see one or two of their discarded shells in the yard per year. I’ll let everyone know if we see them in Cherry Hill anytime soon! — Maria, Cherry Hill, NJ
more, more ,more,
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: There were even more last night than yesterday. still metamorphazising and my building still looks like a polka dot art project!!!!! more is better. now they are on my window seal, hundreds and hundreds. some are 1.5 inches long, some are very tiny, some are medium. live adults were even on my car hood and stuck to my tires. this is great!!!!! — misscube, cincinnati ohio/norwood/pleasant ridge
I’ve got a bad felling that they are coming!!!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I hav been hearing that they are in princton now. i am seeing more holes near my house and i have big trees in my yard. These things are going to suck.
I was just wondering if they were going to ruin my summer?? — Ricky, Hillsborough, NJ!!!!!!
sighting
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: We’d only seen one shell so far, but this morning they were all over the place — on the honeysuckle, the grass, playground even. — Jade, Broadlands, Ashburn, VA
None yet
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I live in Northern NJ and haven’t seen one yet, I do hope they come out this far North. — Pam, Sussex County, New Jersey
I have yet to see ANY
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I live in Gaithersburg near Great Seneca and Muddy Branch. I have not see any cicada’s yet, not even a shell. I know that the developments in my area may be less than 17-years old but even in talking with friends, no one has seen the “emergence” that was expected. Some of the areas have not been turned by construction but yet none of these vile, red-eyed demon hordes have begun to take over my part of the earth. Any thoughts? — Tom, Gaithersburg, MD
will we see them?
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: is there any chance we might see them in louisians. there were here when we were children. and we loved to hook the shells on our clothes. — helaine moyse, baton rouge, louisiana
Sole singer
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Heard one this morning. I remember last emergence when I was a kid…and they weren’t as interesting then, that’s for sure! It will be nice to teach my kids about these fascinating creatures to pass down the line! — Carla, Amherst, Ohio
cicada emergence
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Empty shells found 5/17 and live cicadas on grass stems 5/18. No noise or flying yet. — Cheryl Smagala, Milford, NJ, USA
Disappointed
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I live in Leesburg, Virginia, which is about 40 miles west of DC and so far I’ve been pretty disappointed with the cicada count in my area. I was really looking forward to the hatch and so far I’ve seen one and heard maybe three. How long do they take to all come out to play? — javajoe220, Leesburg, Virginia
they’re flying
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I first noticed some cicadas on Saturday, but most of them were dead on the sidewalk. There seemed to be many more around yesterday and I saw some flying. As I’m originally from the UK, cicadas are a totally new thing to me and I was a little surprised to see one fly out at me when I opened my mailbox… — Oscar, Princeton, NJ
I pity my neigbors
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: So far I have been lucky not to see or hear the cicadas in my complex. I have been receiving reports from others across Maryland (specifically Baltimore) who have told me the are out in numbers.
Every day I have been peeping out of my door so I won’t be alarmed at a sighting and have made out good. This morning when I was exiting my apartment with my poncho, scarf and gloves in tow, I noticed a single shell. To my dismay on my door sill there was a CICADA!
I was so petrified at 6:45 in the morning that I started yelling “Holy Moly” as I walked all the way to my car. If this is only the beginning, I feel very sorry for my neighbors as I will be yelling, as a coping mechanism, for 6 weeks yet!
I hope it was a stray and isn’t there when I get off this evening. The hair on my arms is still standing up! — scaredy, Silver Spring, MD
PA – a few more; “Big One” yet to come
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: The soil temperature almost certainly plays some part. In edges of forests with a sunny southern exposure, many are out. Elsewhere, they are just under the surface of the soil waiting their cue. Found many under rocks and logs. My guess is “any day now” for the big one. — Mike Frey, Lititz PA
No Cicadas at all
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Hey, There still are no signs of these bugs in this region, maybe the lack of rain? — Chris, Lehigh Valley, PA
Camping in Noblesville
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: I will be camping in the Noblesville/Deer Creek area around the 23rd of June.
Are these things going to be a problem? — Dude, Milwaukee
Cicada webcams?
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Hi, I posted previously about being out in Seattle and missing the Cicadas. I have found one webcam of a few on a fence through the Washington Post but if anyone knows of any other webcams, would you please post them here…esp. ones with audio….I want to see AND hear them. I made a tape of them singing back in 87 but am not sure I still have it…that’s when I was about to leave the east coast so I figured I’d miss them this time around…but they *are* mentioned in the Seattle PI! Gee wonder why they don’t like the Pacific NW….so green, lots of trees and moisture. — Debbie , Seattle, WA
And I thought I Was the ONLY One Who Talked To These Little Critters!
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: Here a cicada, there a cicada… everywhere you look, there’s another cicada! The Northern Shenandoah Valley has it’s share for sure!
What I found really interesting is that they tend to like to spend time with you once they realize they won’t be hurt! Lol! Cute little red eyes they have! So ugly they are cute! But you won’t catch ME eating one!
Happy Cicada Mania To You All! — Lauri Clapper, White Post, VA
take them away!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Marianne from Herndon – I will buy one of your umbrellas! I sit in my car when I get home from work and wait for the coast to be clear before dashing into the house. I count how many there are on my plastic chair out back – usually about 15 on one chair alone – needless to say, I’m not going to be chillin’ on the patio any time soon. The worst part about this is that I have to move to a wooded area in about 2 weeks – and by then I think there will be a lot more of them. I might have a panic attack if one lands on me – someone make them go away!! — Veronica, Arlington, VA
Where Are They?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Elisa, I haven’t seen or heard one yet. Not sure what to expect here. I keep watching the ground but nothing. — hb, Ann Arbor MI
Finally!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I saw one! Yes, just one, so far :o) It was just on my window screen. We were so excited and looking like goofballs examining this thing through the screen! This guy must be an early escapee since there aren’t swarms yet but we’ve had a few heavy rain showers lately and the temperature is right, so any minute now I expect to see zillions. Okay, I’ll be patient… I can wait another day or so. 😉 — Kym, Pottstown, PA
not seen in michigan yet
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: hey, elisa, i havent heard or seen anything yet either. i dont expect them near me, so i plan on heading out somewhere to find them. i hear ann arbor, or in washtenaw cty. but i dont know where exactly. hopefully someone will let it be known if any are seen in michigan. i’m patiently waiting to see it all… — minda, detroit ‘burb, michigan
Something wrong with car engine?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Exactly one week after my thinking the weird noise was from a nearby house alarm, my youngest daughter came home to put oil in her car. About a mile from the house she heard a weird noise which became louder as she entered our driveway. Thinking it was the engine going bad, she left the motor running, jumped out of the car and put the hood up. She was relieved that the noise wasn’t coming from the engine. As soon as she turned off the engine, she told me the noise must be from a house alarm. I laughed and told her it was the cicada mating call, and that I had made the same mistake last week, even calling Public Safety in the gated community where I live. — Joyce, Ellijay, Georgia
Where can I go in Ohio to see them ?
Date: Tuesday, May/18/2004
Message: My husband and I want to take a drive this Sunday to see the cicadas and I was hoping someone could tell me where in Ohio they are emerging. Just give me a good town, and if you can, a good metro park to check out, and we’ll find it !
Thanks !
MJ — Mary Jo, Maple Hts, OH
crazy neighbor
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Yes, I know. There are millions of huge, ugly bugs invading everyone’s yards. Actually I don’t think they’re ugly but pretty interesting and fascinating to observe. But, my crazy neighbor has some kind of vendetta against these creatures. For the last two nights she has been outside on her front walk smashing every cicada she sees with the flat end of a swiffer broom. The ones she can’t get with the swiffer she stomps with her shoe. Oh, did I mention she does this at from about 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM??
I just feel bad for the poor cicadas. They lie in wait 17 years only to emerge and be smashed by the busniess end of a swiffer broom. What a loon. — John, Vienna, VA
Will They Be In New York
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Can anybody please verify if the Cicadas will be heading up to NY. I can’t wait to see this marvelous sight! — Mark Rosen, Rye, New York
Sounds like a burglar alarm going off !
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I’ve seen several cool sites provided by mother nature but this one will be in the top 3 for a long time,at least 17 years.On May 16th my son and I turned onto the gravel road that takes us to our mountain cabin in north GA. We began to hear a noise. First I thought it was engine trouble. Then when I turned the truck off the noise continued. I could hear the “buzz” of a couple close by cicadas but this noise was constant,like it was just 1/4 mile away .Loud but distant. We went uo to the neighbors house to ask if they know who’s house has a burglar alarm possibly going off without attention.They filled us in with the news. That noise is from the cicadas. The closer we inspected the trees, they they were. Just like the pictures on this site. My son and I notice a mist-like squirt coming from them.Thank goodness it was odorless! — Todd, Dahlonega, GA ,USA
Someone Please Answer Cuz I’m Scared
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: My whole backyard is wooded. I have been hearing the cicadas loud and clear all weekend. Will I definetly see a lot of these? Will they definetly be all over my sidewalk and car or will they mainly stay in the woods where the trees are? I have seen 2. Is this really the beginning? I know they are just bugs, but they really creap me out. — Tiffany, Farragut, TN
Where else in New Jersey
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I posted earlier that I saw hundreds at least in Skillman in Southern Somerset County but it seems that other Jersey sightings are very rare…some in Princeton which is not far from Skillman. It looks like the enslaught hasnt yet begun. Is it possible that the ones in Skillman that I saw is the first reported case in NJ — mark, belle mead, NJ
I think there are more coming
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I live in an apartment complex where birds, dogs and cats are having a feast with our cicadas. We get to see a lot of them (of whatever is left of them) around the walkways and trees. They don’t look scary anymore. They are very friendly (although clumsy at times!). I’m not sure we’re ready for the many more to come (or so we hear!). — Alberto Flores, Greenbelt, MD
cicadas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: If I feed my baby ducks cicadas, will it harm them? — Lexus Jarrell, Elkridge MD. USA
Emergence
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I got some pesticide for my two youngest trees today and the nursery told me the cicadas have emerged so far in parts of the Highlands and Crescent Hill neighborhoods. I remember that the news folks said their expected date was May 21, so I bet this is just the tip of the iceberg. A friend of mine said the man across the street from her in the Highlands went out and shook his tree. She said it RAINED cicadas. She’s been picking them off certain bushes, etc.
— Judy, Louisville, KY
Where are they?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: around where i live, there are NO cicadas around me. i think i heard one for a day on the side of my house in a tree by the street, that was like 3-4 days ago. i still have yet to see any skeletons or cicadas themselves. — Andrew Freeman, Cincinnati, OH
May 15th I heard a sole Cicada.
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: They`re here. Last Saturday I heard a sole one singing. Sunday there was several more. Getting ready for the deafening sound. I live just down the HILL from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dave Barthel — David Barthel, Morganton NC
Finally Saw One
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I’ve really been looking forward to the invasion. I finally saw my first one this moring – not in Alexandria, but in Arlington. It was an adult, on the walkway from the bus platform leading to the Metro escalator on the east side of the upper bus platform I hope they will soon be in my Del Ray neighborhood. — Fancy, Alexandria, VA
Cicada Muse
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Cicadas singing in the trees
Can bring a grown man to his knees.
A little insect in a shell
Creates for man a living hell.
The creep emerging from its hole
Shows man that he has no control.
And when it starts to fly around
And to emit its clicking sound,
Those few who can will move away
At least until the bug-free day
When once again he can pretend
To be in charge of fortunes bend,
To look around but not to see —
A fellow who’s a lot like me. — NR Stratton, Baltimore, MD
They’re here!!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: the cicadas are all over my school T.C. Williams High School on the front steps. This weekend when I went to Kings Dominion ther were cicadas on the seats of the roller coasters. — Tim Walker, Alexanria,VA& Kings Dominion Doswell, VA
When will they be gone?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: An absolute mess! They mess up sidewalks,
cars, and are a total menace!
I understand they should be gone by the
end of June, but when should they start dying in numbers? In a week, two weeks, a month?
— Jack K., Arlington, VA
getting impatient
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I’ve been so excited about the emergence…telling all my friends, telling teachers and kids all about cicadas, etc. I haven’t seen one yet! A lady I work with mentioned that her friend up in Carsonville (thumb area) saw one the other day, so hopefully they are on their way. Anyone else here in Michigan who has seen some? — Elisa, Metro Detroit, MI
Save Me
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: THERE BAAAAAHHHHCK!!!!!
The Cicada’s are all over my house, trees, Swings…. They are everywhere.
How much longer do we have to sit in the house in fear of these alien bugs. Every man for themselves is our motto during this emergence. The kids & I (my husband too)make a mad dash for the car everyday, screaming like nuts if the cicadas swoop down near us.
:o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( :o( — Patricia E. P.Craig, Gwynn Oak Maryland
When do they Stop Emerging?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Our backyard and deck resembles an air landing strip. The cicadas line up on the deck railing and thru some silent take off order, individually flit off to the large tree in the yard. Every morning brings a new “fleet” of them. My question is, will the emergence continue for the next several weeks? And when do they stop leaving those creepy shells all over the place? It practically takes a blow torch to remove them from the bushes.
Despite all the news hype about cicadas, they’re really not that bad. And they are pretty fascinating to watch.
— Carole M, Silver Spring, Maryland
Cicadas Cicadas, Cicadas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: They’re everywhere! It was so much fun as a bratty 10 year old – lighting them on fire…chopping off their heads, throwing at my older sister’s friends. I’m all grown up now and quite normal I assure you and I couldn’t think of harming one. I keep picking them off the sidewalk so they don’t squashed. I mean they’ve been sitting in the ground for 17 years waiting to get laid and then some drunk carries about and ends that 17 year dream with one drunken smash of his/her foot! Our band plays a show this Thursday and it’s very tempting to fill the drummer’s bass drum with live Cicadas. The first crack of the kick pedal against the drum head sends them into a paniced frenzy and scores of cicadas pour into the unsuspecting audience! What an opener!
-D
P.S. ~ The mothership has landed. — David, Washington, DC
Tired of Cicada Talk
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I am really tired of hearing Cicada talk.Even teachers at school talk about it.Not only am i sick of the talk.Im sick of it, its self.Every time I open my front door (on my way to the bus stop) i see dozens upon dozens of them.I know alot of people probably feel me.Right — Lane, Laurel,MD
They are here!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: After this weekend’s rain, we had them everywhere…My 2 year old is quite excited, but I am not a bug person and they are creeping me out. I am looking forward to their return to their slumber! — Cruzan, Princeton
major emergence in Winchester VA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Must be millions. I remember this as a child in Fairfax VA but have been living in Shenandoah County in 1987 and didn’t see them there.
I went to vist my sister in Front Royal – she had none – this is hard to believe that they would have none at all and we are dancing with them.
They don’t appear to like bright sun at all. — rox, Winchester VA
Still Waiting
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Haven’t seen them yet. I have nore hope now that I see they are emerging in Columbus and Miamisburg!! — Cathy, Urbana, OH
beginning in Elkton
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Saw first one Saturday AM. Spotted about 5 in my backyard Saturday Pm. Spotted about 50 in neighbor’s tree on Sunday, 5/16. — Bob Gorman, Elkton, MD
Why us?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: We got ’em en masse here in Lockland – though they are not one town over in Reading…Amazing! They must have been eager to get going because we have hundreds of molted shells on high blades of grass in our yard – not even bothering with the trees. — Sarah S., Lockland, OH
Still nothing in Lexington
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I went out to the woods yesterday and still no signs. Were they in Lexington in ’87??? — Ed, Lexington, KY
Brood X has risen
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Lots of cicadas emerging from their exoskeletons all over the neighborhood. Fence posts and trees are covered with them. Lots of empty shells attatched to the underside of my hostas, and other large vegetation. The noise has started. This is great. — Nate Leopold, Fairfax/Cincinnati OH
No Cicadas To Be Found!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Hey everyone, so far we haven’t seen a single one of this buggers. I hope we get to see some soon since the last time they were here I was only 4 years old and don’t remember it. I hope the Northern Bucks County area of PA gets some this time around. — Justin, Allentown, PA
Crackly sound…
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Do the cicadas make a sound as they are digging their way to the top of the ground? When walking in the woods lately I have heard the ground on either side of the trail “crackling”… kind of like rice krispies. I have never heard anything like that before. It seems to be especially in sunnier areas and I know ground temperature helps them know when to come out. Is it related to them? Have not seen any actual cicadas emerge yet. — Julie, York, PA
Hear them finally
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: They are behind ashburn elementary school and the ashburn vol. fire dept. We can hear them finally this afternoon. They started coming out on Saturday am and the birds were really chirping back there! — Jill, Ashburn Village, VA
any sightings near cleveland ohio?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I would like to find a large # of cicadas near cleveland, ohio so my family and I can experience these neat little guys. Any feedback would be appreciated. I know they are around cincinati, columbus etc. but looking for a public place a little closer. Thanks. — lee chance, cleveland, oh
the invasion is underway
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The dog and I found several exoskeletons and one adult bumbling around on the dirt lane next to our home. We haven’t heard them yet, but if this swarm is anything like the one in 1987 they will soon be deafening. I think they are waiting for a good rain to finish emerging-it’s very dry here. It’s intresting, but the little things are too creepy for me. Glad we only do this every 17 years! — kim c, New Creek, WV
Here, too!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The cicadas arrived here on Saturday, May 15. — Brent Badger, Martinsville, Indiana
They’re in Indiana!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I have tons of these little buggers in my yard and trees! My son collected a bowl full of skeletons, he thought it was so cool! — H, Bloomington, Indiana
Dayton Area
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Anyone seen any in the Dayton, Ohio area? I was 8 years old (1973) and then 25 (1990) for Brood XIII outside of Chicago. 1990 was also our wedding, and my fiance/wife was a bit worried. However, wedding was not until July, and all were safe back in the ground by then. I have very fond memories of those two cycles, and am looking forwards to sharing that experience with our two sons (age 7 and 12). Thanks! — Jim, Kettering, OH
Came out in Catonsville on Friday, 14th
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Just an update for those of you tracking their progress. Noticed a few shells Friday afternoon……by Friday night they were all over the place! — Chuck, Catonsville, Maryland
They are singing now!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Today is the first day I noticed that the cidadas were in full song. It sounds like a space ship hovering- kind of cool and freaky at the same time. It’s also a high pitched sound and warbly, but it’s constant.
Another odd observation. I live in a high rise on the 12th floor. Last night a cidada was crawling on my window screen. How did he get up so high? It was definitely a cidada- with the big red eyes and all. I went over to say hello. He hung out for a bit and then started walking up the screen and then he flew away. — Lisa Jane, Falls Church, Va
dense and loud
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: have about 100+ per square yard.
sounds like a space ship or car alarm — ann, potomac md
Cicada keychains
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The last time the cicadas emerged, the keychains appeared well after they had gone. Please post where we can buy them whenever the keychains appear (even up to a year later). Someone is bound to catch on and make a batch. Thanks. — R. Mead, Arlington, VA
Cicada Protection!!!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: My daughter and I are terrified of these awful-looking creatures. I know they are harmless, but unrational fear is unrational fear…17 years ago, while running into my place of employment, ducking and dodging these little creatures, one landed on my collar (I didn’t know). When I finally got to my desk, with a huge sigh of relief, my co-worker pointed out that one was sitting on my collar. I panicked, screamed and practically undressed at my desk.
17 YEARS LATER – I’M PREPARED! I’ve fashioned a cicadia-proof umbrella. My umbrella is covered from top to bottom with netting. My husband says he will not be seen in public with me with my cicadia umbrella! — Marianne, Herndon, Virginia
Deafening
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Our home is nestled in the mountains at the far west corner of North Carolina. The cicadas have emerged in a valley behind our house starting 2-3 days ago. Over the last two days, the noise was so loud that no one wanted to go outside. We thought we’d been invaded by a flying saucer (smile) before we heard about the cicadas. What a racket! — Pam W, Murphy,NC
No Emergence Yet
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I was wondering if the lack of emergence in Pa could be due to the significant late season snowfall we had. I did ground temp readings late last week and found that about 2-4 inches below the surface the temp was 68F after reading that the temp must go above 64F for them to emerge. How deep must the temp penetrate before they emerge? — Dylan Johnson, Kutztown, Pa
Cicadas emerging
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Cicadas began emerging over the May 15-16 weekend in Princeton. — Tom, Princeton, New Jersey
Almost Here
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: No sightings yet, but the chimneys are present. Put netting over my new trees yesterday – we’ll see if it helps more than hurts. — Dave A., Powell, Ohio
Are they here yet?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I live in a wooded area – we’ve heard them for years – the deeper into the woods you go, the more deafening the sound. Have seen the shells on fence posts around the yard for the past couple of years. Am very curious to what the magnitude of what’s to come will be! — Jennifer, Ewing, NJ, USA
Cicadas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Cicadas emerged after Saturday evenings rainfall – Sunday AM hundreds of cicadas were everywhere on our property. We watched as the nymphs came out of there shells in the AM. By Sunday PM the skeletal shells were everywhere. — D. Baird, Upper Black Eddy, PA
Oh, no! First sighting!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I found two cicada chimneys in my yard this morning, then two exoskeletons underneath newly planted trees. The invasion is starting in Indianapolis! Help! I get wigged-out by bugs!!! — Lori, Fishers, IN
Cicada Sightings
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: No one in our subdivision, which was a work in process in 1987 has spotted one yet. We walked into the surrounding wodds with some older trees, but nothing. We did see ONE cicada on a trip into Wyoming yesterday. Looks like it’ll either miss our section of Cincinnati or come later. — garrett , Evendale
I Agree
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I agree with Lori from Va — Sharion, BowlingGreen,Oh
Makin’ some noise
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The ciadas are really starting to make some noise near the Howard County Court House in Ellicott City, Maryland. It’s not “crazy” yet but you can definately tell that they’re here. Interesting tidbit is that they are not everywhere. There might be a lot of noise coming from a bunch of trees and a hundred yeards away- nothing. — Ian, Ellicott City, MD
They are in Princeton, NJ
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Saw numerous nymphs and adults on many trees. There were even telephone poles festooned with them! Interesting to observe the various states of emergence, as they build from white, and darken over time. None seen flying, nor were any heard. Wait… — Tom B., Princeton, NJ
Won’t See Many In Neighboorhoods built since 1987
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: If you happen to live in one of the newer developments in our area, you may not see the Brood X cicadas, or you may only see a couple here and there.
The developers scrape away and tear up most of the soil and trees where the Cicada live and feed on underground roots. So if you are one of these people, count yourself lucky…or maybe not…depending on what you were hoping for.yourself lucky…or maybe not…depending on what you were hopeing for. — Thomas, Oak Hill, VA
two dead, none living…yet
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I saw two squashed cicadas and 1 shell in my parking lot this morning. No holes and none on the trees though.
When does this end? — sj, Calverton, MD
cicada
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I saw one when I fishing at ludlow Hill Park in a tree.
— Oscar Harrell, Lawrencburg IN
question
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: are cicadas poisonous? i few bit my dog and now he is really sick. i really don’t like these guys. — fred scott, arlington, va
albino cicadas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: i have collected 6 albino cicadas since this morning……
we have been overrun by the smelling things !!!
are albino cicadas rare ?? — John, ruxton, maryland
None here yet.
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I have been checking daily and have not seen any cicadas yet. Have not even seen many holes in the ground around the trees in my yard. Maybe they will pass us by. — BG, Springfield Township, PA
Greetings from Cicada Holler
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The Washington Post referenced this message board on their Cicada thread, and I have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts.
Since last Thursday the Cicada have been in abundance in our neighborhood. They appear about first light, the woods gradually swell with their song, by nightfall all is fairly quiet, until the next day. My front porch and surrounding shrubs are full of them. The squirrels and neighborhood cats clean up any they can reach. The deer eat all that they can reach from the leaves of trees and on the grass.
Basically the bugs sleep and eat for 17 years, emerge to reproduce…that all. Nature’s ritual has distracted me from more serious news, not a bad thing. — Parenthia Page, Vienna/Oakton, (Fairfax County, VA
More from Arlington
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Last week, pockets of big emergences. They finally came out in force in our front yard Sat. and Sunday night.
TONS of nymphs crawling around under the maple trees around 10pm. It was physically impossible to step on the grass without killing at least one. I stood on the driveway to videotape the writhing mass of cicadas, and it was generally about 10 seconds before they were crawling up my legs.
Saw our first mating pair (leading to intensive questioning from my 6-year-old) on Saturday.
The dog now has a breakfast buffet along our fence, picking and choosing the most tender looking ones. The hostas seem to be the favored landing pads– each leaf of our 20 or so hostas has at least 3-4 cicadas.
There’s the wonderful UFO hovering sound in the neighborhood, shutting down around 3 in the afternoon. But I’ve only heard one singing up close. — Mike, Arlington, VA
United States
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I am located in southwestern Adams County, PA about ten miles southwest of Gettysburg. Emergence began Saturday, 5/15. Mating chorus building. — Dan, Carroll Valley, PA
FINALLY
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I HAVE A HUGE OAK TREE IN MY FRONT YARD. AND OH MY GOD!!!! MY BUDDIES ARE EVERYWHERE. ALL ON THE FRONT OF MY APARTMENT BUILDING AND THE GRASS IS STEADILY MOVING. THIS IS GREAT! AS I SAT ON THE FRON STEP LAST NIGHT THE WERE METAMORPHASIZING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, I THOUGHT I WAS IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE! SOMETHING TO SEE FOR SURE !!! — MISSCUBE, CINCINNATI OHIO
they’re here
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: The older trees in the neighborhood, including the one in my front yard, are well on the way to be being completely covered with old shells and mature adults. They are all over the ground nearest the base of the tree – as well as the side of the house – you hear them more often now too. Probably about half never make it very far – there are cicada parts on many of the sidewalks. Certainly not an infestation, yet, but getting there. — Sarah, Columbia, MD
Mount Airy Arrival
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: We still have not seen any in Mt. Airy (Frederick County MD). We keep hoping, because I remember what they were like in Silver Spring back in 87. I will keep my fingers crossed. — Jen, Mt. Airy, MD
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Has anyone in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania (Scranton) seen any cicadas yet? I am not sure if we had as big emergence in 1987 or not. But I know for a fact we had “millions” in 1991. So no matter what happens this year, watch out in 2008. — Rick, Scranton, PA
Hear them but don’t see them
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I haven’t seen any near my house in Harford County MD (did see one at our local Target,though)Our development is less than 15 years old, although the developer did leave a considerable amount of older trees behind. BTW, does anyone know which trees they prefer? I would like to know which ones, so I can take pictures. This morning as I was walking my daughter to the bus stop,I could hear them off in the distance. I was 14 in 1987 and lived in an older area of Baltimore County, so I remember how loud it was. This wasn’t that bad though:-) — Grace, Abingdon, MD
Not so bad
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Thousands and thousands of cicadas have emerged from my little lot. Late last night, the newcomers completely covered the ground under my trees, and this morning, their shells were everywhere. I am happy to say that it remained pleasant to sit outside yesterday afternoon and this morning — a bunch of hilarious bugs flying around did not spoil the moment. — Gaston, Silver Spring, MD
where are they???
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: i figured they would be out already?? what are they on vacation????anyone seen any??? — matt, central new jersey
They’re everywhere now
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Well as of Monday morning 17 May, cicadas can be seen everywhere, every tree, weed, signpost, and light pole has 5 or more grouped together and it was hard to avoid stepping on them while I was walking my dog at 5 am. Haven’t heard any really loud noises yet though…thankfully… — WSOsGirl, Wilde Lake, Columbia, MD
AND SO IT BEGINS……………………
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Leaving for work this morning..saw about 30-40 cicadas in all stages on the ground and on the trees. I am very scared of these things but because I have to go out and live my life, I am sure my phobia will decrease as the weeks go by. Pray for me!!!!!!!!! — ANGIE, PLEASANT RIDGE (CINCY, OHIO)
Dittoing the Catonsville sightings
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: It is incredible and amazing….but bordering on skeevy and creepy. They are literally everywhere…like a true Biblical plague. — Karen, Catonsville, MD
The Quiet Roar Has Begun
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: We’ve only seen a few actual cicada in Ellicott City. While in neighboring Columbia this weekend, we saw about 100 but that was it.
Yesterday the gentle roar of the Cicada could be heard, from what seemed far away.
Today the din is slowly becoming a roar. It’s almost like being in a sci-fi movie.
They’re coming…They’re coming…
— BenignVanilla, Ellicott City, MD
CICADA
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: NO SIGN OF CICADA’S 5-17-04
IN HARRISBURG PA REGION — MARK P, HARRISBURG PA
More and more every morning
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: And I thought Friday was bad enough… I can’t even bring myself to leave the house – it is that bad now. We have an old elm tree on the front yard – and it is covered by these stupid ugly things, every inch of it, and every inch of the grass around it – a circle about 40′ in diameter. My husband mowed the grass yesterday – he said he’d never have believed it can be that bad if he didn’t see it himself – they are “boiling” and “bubbling” in the grass. Also they already stink – and it is just the first week!
Odd enough – there are not many in the back yard, although we have dozens of old trees – mostly oaks, at least 45 years old. When we bought the house in middle 90s, the back yard was covered with ivy, which we pulled out during the years almost completely. I wonder if such ground covers as ivy prevents cicadas’ larvae from burying themselves under it.
Best regards,
— Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA
I feel like I’m in a horror movie
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I have them so bad that half of them are rotting away before they can leave there shell and it is leaving a odor in my yard. I feel like I am the hotel for the Cicada’s this year. My parents live next door and they dont have many at all I live on a half acrea and I know I have at least 1000 or more. After a raining night they came out so bad they were getting in my house under a small crack under my front door. — Dori, Clinton, Maryland
Sandy areas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Apparently in sandy areas, it is tougher for the cicada’s to stick around without being effectively washed away over the 17 or so year period. I think this may be the reason as to why they are not around closer to the shoreline areas now, but they could be around when they start to miander/fly into other areas. — Seth, Glen Burnie, MD
WHERE ARE THEY?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I’ve been searching for them for a week now! If anyone has seen them here in Lower Bucks, PA, please post!!! — C, BUCKS CO. PA
First sighting
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Saw first sighting, just one, though! — Jennifer, Evendale, Ohio
paging Dave Marshall, CT
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Follow up to your Cumberland County, NJ post…. see any signs for Gloucester County??? I’m getting married 5/22 and although I didn’t see an chimneys on the site I’m freaking out that they will be emerging!! — Lisa, Gloucester Co, NJ
Helpful hints for cicada sighting
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: To those people who live in the “cicada zones,” who haven’t seen any, yet; if you live in a new housing development, or if there’s been a lot of construction in your area, you may have to go to an older neighborhood or wooded area to see the cicadas. Look on the trees and on the ground; if you see the shells, you’re on the right track! Also, listen – a bit corny, but the cicadas do sound like spaceships; so far, it’s noticeable, but I haven’t heard them as loud as people are saying, e.g., loud enough to drown out a conversation? Too, I’ve noticed that I see LOTS more cicadas early in the day (say, before 9:00 am.), and they seem to be more active; the nymphs are waddling along, shedding the shells, the wings are drying, etc., it’s a sight to see. Good luck in your cicada sightings! — Sue, Riverdale, MD
Gross
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Now we have so many of them it’s just gross. Squished ones all over the sidewalks and streets. Tons in my backyard. So many, I’d say it even smells bad from all the decaying matter. They’re getting pretty noisy too. The background noise sounds like a UFO from an old science fiction movie.
— Bob, Bethesda, Maryland
Nothing yet?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Havent seen a thing….nothing….im quite upset — Autorush, Lansdale,PA
They are at Gram’s!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Well, we still don’t have any cicada’s at our house in Arnold, but my Gram, who lives just 1-3 miles from us, has them EVERYWHERE! My friend Molly who lives in the heart of Annapolis,(4 1/2 miles away) also has them……I wanna know why we don’t have any at our house!
Anyway, we went to Gram’s house on Sat. night, I got some really great photos, and picked them up, let them crawl on my hands, and completely inspected them…..they are so cool! Cute too! I have never experienced anything like this before, I’m so glad I can! — Becky, Anne Arundel Co., MD.
The earth is moving beneath my feet!!!!
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: Heard them for the first time today at 1:30pm, at 9:30pm went to my back yard with flash light lots and lots of crawling critters on my fence and one of the larger tree’s next to our pool. It was very quiet and all I could hear was clicking and cracking from them breaking thru the ground, the earth was moving under my feet literally. Cant wait for tomorrow to get here. — Lisa, Centreville, Va
No cicadas out here :(:(
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I really miss them now that I live out here in Seattle…I remember both the 1970 and 1987 invasions….I was living in Maryland then….I really think they are fascinating….my exboyfriend and I even had Cicada Invasion Summer of 87 tshirts….Called my Mom today in Virginia and asked her to open her window so I could hear them but she wants nothing to do with them….I think they are a wonder of nature and I love their song. So I am enjoying reading all these posts. — Iorhael, Seattle, WA
why do i have cicada’s and my neighbor does not?
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: i am puzzled as to why i have hundreds of cicadas in my backyard, and my neighbor four houses away seems to have none? we both have trees in the backyard, and both have dogs. just curious? btw, my kids are loving the cicadas, and having a glorious time torturing their poor mother! i know, cicadas are harmless, but i am just not a bug kind of girl! 🙂 — gwen, fairfield, ohio
cicadas
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: where are they? haven’t seen one yet! i’m not looking forward to it i am terrified. i do remember them from 1987 and it was awful! i know they can’t hurt you, but they are gross and scary! are they gonna be here soon? has any body close to here seen one yet? — kerry, lyons IL
Explosion Today in Silver Spring
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: In our yard, we saw maybe a couple of dozen yesterday (Saturday). But there were HUNDREDS today — emerging, transforming, crawling, and starting to fly. — Jan, Silver Spring, Maryland
So far, so good
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I have not seen one in the Annapolis area either – thank goodness! I’m hoping we’ll be spared. I heard that they are less likely to be in places close to the water. Any chance they won’t come to Annapolis or are they just not here yet? — Mary, Annapolis, MD
Cicada Party
Date: Monday, May/17/2004
Message: I got a call from my family at 9:30 Sunday night about an emergence on the underside of a dogwood. When I arived I found a bunch of people drinking and laughing, holding flashlights and taking pictures of these little red eyed bugs in all stages of metamorphasis, it was cool. So were the cicadas. — Big D, Gambrills MD
mor more more
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: each day since wednesday, i thought there could not be more. each night, there are exponetionally more nimphs emerging. the sound of cicadas walking to a spot to shed is loud enough to notice inside. my yard has to have 25000-30000 right now. during the day their music is louder than anything else except the occaisional helocopter.
my street is lined with oak trees. i wonder if this makes adifference? — timmy, arlington va
saw one today
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Had to go out and get a new weed eater, and while trying to start it by the shed, Saw one coming out of the ground…in MID DAY, with no rain for the past couple days. It was kinda strange. Can’t wait to see if we are gonna have tons of them around here too. My Fiance is gonna FREAK. I told her i saw it…and the importance of the sighting was beyond her. I told her the story about them coming out every 17 years…and I think she KINDA understands…but she don’t MUAHAHAHAHA!!!! — JasonB, Apollo, PA 25m E of PGH
That’s no truck idling outside…
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: …that’s just the cicadas! Holy moley! My heavily wooded old neighborhood is cicada central. I really thought there was a moving van idling outside last night, and then I realized it was the cicadas. Had one fly down the back of my shirt yesterday. The front step of my building has a pile of exoskeletons and live red-eyed wonders waiting for me each morning. Yesterday, I had a cicada ride with me to the local CVS on the windshield. (Well, until I hit 45 mph, and then that tenacious in-need-of-Clear-Eye bugger flew off – probably not by choice.) I find myself uprighting the poor guys who end up flailing around on their backs. Strangely, despite the exoskeleton remains giving me the creeps, I find them pretty endearing, and the cheeeeep cheeeeeep cheeeeep is a marvelous white noise machine – I haven’t heard the guy upstairs for a couple of days! Thank you, Mother Nature!! — Melissa J., Bethesda, Maryland
Were they here in 1987?
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I feel cheated. Never seen a Cicada, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them. Haven’t seen any in Arnold, MD or Annapolis, MD. Were they here back in 1987? Is there a reason why they’d be emerging later than their brothers and sisters in Virginia?
Where can I find a list of the places they were spotted back in 1987?
— Varda, Arnold, MD
They’re here!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: They Started emerging mostly on Thurday the 13th, and in HUGE amounts on Friday , Sat. and Sunday. They must really taste good. Our dogs are simply walking and eating. They never lift their faces from the yard! It looks magical. The nymphs simply emerge from the ground out of nowhere. — Art D., Amberley Village ( Cicinnati) Ohio
found an exoskeleton in DE
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: While weeding my husband found an exoskeleton. — Carolyn, New Castle, Delaware
Lots of Cicadas!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: They’re starting to catch up to speed here; I’ve seen hundreds on certain types of trees, but none on another type right next to those. Funny. They enjoy climbing me and my house wall. Took some pictures, thought they were pretty cool. Find one with blue eyes and bring it to Johns Hopkins for $1000! — Jen, Baltimore/Towson, MD
“They are here by the thousands!”
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We went away to the beach for the weekend only seeing a few on Thursday. We returned today to a yard and trees invaded. It was so neat to watch them emerge from their shells at different stages on Thursday. Now, it’s just gross. There are hundreds of shells, dead and live cicadas around each tree and you can’t walk in our back yard without stepping on them. Is this only the begining? If less than half have emerged, I’m heading back to the beach. For those who want to see them and haven’t, come on over to catonsville. I heard they were ankle deep 17 and 34 years ago. I don’t look forward to that! — Trish, Catonsville, MD
where are they
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Where are the Cicadas in Richmond? Relatives out west want to know what the infestation is like but I can’t tell them. — Steve Dixon, Glen Allen, VA
They’re here, too!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Walked around the neighborhood this afternoon and after yesterday’s rain the cicadas are finally emerging–one tree (Emerson and Gray Ave.) had hundreds of live cicadas and the sidewalk was covered with their skeletons. Waiting for more! — Sallie, Hamilton, Ohio
Chip Curley’s moth
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Chip, that’s a moth. 🙁 — Dan, Cicadamania
Is this a cicada?
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Saw this heading up a tree today when I was cutting grass. Had the beady little red eyes.
http://www.pbase.com/image/29039886
— Chip Curley, Nashville, Tennessee
First sightings
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: First sightings late this afternoon. Only a couple and quite small from my recollection from 1987. One neighbor said she saw some approximately five days ago about one hundred yards down the street. I play golf at Ivy Hills golf course (in Newtown and walked 18 holes this afternoon and saw or heard none although the course was built after the last brood; the surrounding woods was for the most part there. — Dr.John McDonald, Anderson Township, Cincinnati, Ohio
Come out, come out wherever you are
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: The cicadas started coming out en masse early this morning (May 16) just south of the National Park at Gettysburg. I am not a big “bug” fan, but at a distance, I can appreciate the fascination these creatures hold. I’m sure when I return to the National Park over Memorial Day they will be everywhere! — Leslie, Gettysburg, PA
None here.
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Haven’t seen a single one in the inner harbor area. that’s good because yesterday was my daughter’s wedding and it was outside at Pier V.
— Paul, Downtown Baltimore Md.
Saw one
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: OK, I saw my first Cicada today. It was in new Greenbelt. I went to Silver Spring the other day, and oddly enough, I didn’t see any. But I’m glad that I finally saw one. I think I’m gonna have a heart attack when there are thousands of them flying around! — Hisham, Greenbelt, MD
Cicada Damage
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: They say cicadas don’t cause damage but I beg to differ. They are all over our newly planted rhodies and azaleas. They have already broken the limbs of the new growth and they haven’t even gotten started. Will they eventually go up into the trees or will they stay on the shrubs? I don’t care if they ever come back!
Jane — Jane Branch, Clear Spring, MD USA
Help
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I remember the last invasion! It was awful! I did not leave the house and was scared to death!! I did not realize that this was the year. We have a family vacation planned for June 19th at Kentucky Lake. I am thinking of canceling. Any information about emersions in Marshall County KY or when they will leave will be helpful. Thanks — Sandi, Orland Park, IL
still waiting
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Reily Township is just south of Oxford, Ohio and about 20 miles north of Cincinnati Ohio.
We are still waiting for them to show up.
I thought with the rain we had over the weekend that they would come out.
Maybe soon
Teddy P — Teddy P, Reily Township, Ohio
Waiting for sighting
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Living in Southeastern PA just west of Philadelphia. Would love to hear about a sighting in this area to take the kids. — David, Bala Cynwyd, PA
cicada sighting
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I had my first sighting of cicadas as I was mowing the lawn today, Sunday May 16th. They were sitting on a mum plant in my front yard. — Bruce Wolfe, Hidden Valley Lake Lawrenceburg,Indiana
One Cicada shell reported
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Only one so far — Andy, South Riding, VA
Lots in frontyard, very few in back
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: After wondering what took so long, I now see many of them in the front yard. (They are particularly prominent in a squashed state on the street, but that is another story.)
Curiously, there are very few in the backyard. I have a huge tulip poplar in the back yard. I suspect they do not like that species of tree.
Love the UFO sound they make. Well, I assume the sound is from the cicadas 🙂
— Dennis, Silver Spring, MD
A cicada-free zone
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We are in the mid-shore area of MD’s Eastern Shore. We have seen and heard ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! It’s very strange to read about what’s going on in the rest of MD and the Mid-Atlantic. When I cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tomorrow to go to work, I think I’m in for a rude awakening! My 3 dogs are VERY disappointed. — Kati, Centreville, MD
Arrived Thursday Night
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Thursday night we saw out first cicadas emerging. We are having so much fun watching them. — Dalit, Silver Spring, MD
Will I see any
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I took a nice long walk around my yard and the neighbhorhood and didn’t see any. I am kind of disappointed. Has anyone living in South Jersey seen any?
— Rich Simmers, Burlington Twp. NJ
Thousands in our backyard in Govans
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Friday during the day I found about 25 adults throughout the yard, but it took over an hour of searching. Saturday there were dozens to be had. Now today there are thousands upon thousands of adults clining to just about every bush and tree in the yard. I easily collected over 100 in the course of fifteen minutes. We’re planning to try some of the recepies, however even I will need a little bit of “liquid courage” to take my first bite. — Nate, Baltimore, MD
Angelic Inscects!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Wow.. God is amazing in his creativity! I am not afraid of very many things. But I am not accustomed to picking up inscects either. I can’t help the strange urge to play with these little guys though! I Love the white ones with long translucent wings and dark markings. They look like little angels. I keep looking around to make sure my neighboors aren’t laughing at me! No really I could care less. I am an artist and a nature lover anyway! I have been helping little cicadas find the tree in my backyard and rescuing some of them from the wet ground when there wings get stuck! It’s funny! I deffinately feel a connection and have a respect for a creature that hibernates that long! It’s Amazing! Heard some songs today! Can’t wait til the whole chior wakes up! No plans to eat any! I like em’ too much! Think I am going to draw some fantasy pics using Cicadas! Inspiration!! Remember! Have fun and Respect all creatures! They are our responsibility!
-Justin — Justin “Davinci” Whye, Baltimore, Maryland
tons in the front yard
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I was beginning to think maybe they weren’t coming … but this morning I spotted one on a hosta. I thought that was it, but the more I looked – they were EVERYWHERE! — Sue, Mount Pleasant Washington, DC
ATTN: Eating Cicadas Can Cause Severe Allergic Reaction!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: While N. Kentuckians are still waiting for the Cicadas to appear, Indiana has apparently had a flood of them. According to today’s Cincinnati Enquirer, one unlucky man there decided to saute’ 30 of them with butter, garlic and basil and later found himself in the emergency room. Turns out he was having what the doctors described as a “severe allergic reaction.” It’s important to note that the man already suffered from asthma and allergies to shellfish. Hmmmm. You’d think he would’ve been a bit more careful considering. People … don’t try to be cool man on the block by eating these things. Let them have their sex and die. Believe it or not, they’re not here for our enjoyment, but theirs. If you’re desperate for protein, for Heaven’s sake, eat an egg! — Lisa , N. KY
First one spotted
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Found one cassini male near his empty shell while checking milkweed leaves for monarch eggs on 5/15/04 at Blendon Woods Metro Park. First of many I’m sure! — Sarah Dalton, Columbus, OH
It’s beginning
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We found the first of the skeletons and live cicadas this morning – 30 or so in the back yard mainly on hostas and lillies. This is fascinating – I’d like to see some actually emerging. We’ve noticed the holes in the ground for approximately a week – varying depths of up to 6 inches. — Julie, Western Loudoun County, VA
Cicada Sighting
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: May 13 we spotted several holes in the ground in our yard. That evening we started looking in some of the trees and spotted several shells. The our first cicada. — Vicky, Aurora, Indiana, U.S.A.
where are the cicadas?
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: The cicadas aren’t here yet! We live in oxford,Pennsylvania right near the maryland border line. Do anybody know when they are coming here. I have been waiting for a long time for them!! — Nicholas Rifon, Oxford P.A
Hope Springs Eternal!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Okay, emergence appears to be definitely slowing down. At least I THINK it’s not just my imagination or wishful thinking. I am beginning to have a burgeoning hope that this won’t reach Biblical proportions in my neighborhood. (The noise level in the park across Rt. 50, next to the Sunrise Assisted Living complex, however is deafening) They can go up in the trees and make all the noise they want as long as they leave my person alone! I’m originally from SC (Hi Robb!) and the noise doesn’t faze me as it is everpresent in my home state during the summer.
What I really want to know is, though, when they finally die, will they start dropping out of the trees on my head? What about the new nymphs? How big are they and will THEY drop out of the trees onto my head? As you can see, I am extremely concerned about these things getting tangled up in my hair and me looking like a total idiot thrashing about and screeching, “Get it off me! Get it off me!” I have my dignity to preserve, after all. 🙂
One last thing: what motivates someone to voluntarily eat these bugs? Is it a macho deal? Are there people who don’t have laundry to do or lawns to mow? Or do you just wake up one morning and think, “I’ve got a real hankerin’ for a nice batch of fried cicadas today!” I wonder if there are any women in these households? The greater sociological implications of cicada-eating are worth a government funded study I think. 🙂 — Laura, Rt. 50 and Nutley, Fairfax, VA
I’ve never seen to many….THOUSANDS!!!!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I now know that I DO NOT remember 1987 AT ALL! Sort of fascinating at first, but now a really big nuisance. All over the house, the grounds, the trees, the cars, door and window screens – flying EVERYWHERE including getting inside the house. I’ve actually had to pick some of the live critters up and move them – I really didn’t want to kill them! Haven’t had one land on me yet and really don’t want one landing on me – you can duck out of their way pretty easily – really clumsey fliers. And the noise! You can hear it grow louder by the hour. I can even hear it with all the windows closed! The dogs definitely do not like them at all. They are getting really spooked by their singing. I can’t imagine it getting much worse, but I’m sure it will! — Linda, Catonsville, MD
Sightings and link to pictures
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: A few cicadas in our garden yesterday, lots and lots today (16th May).
Some pictures at
http://www.pbase.com/annedave/birds_etc
Dave — Dave, Princeton, NJ
I found a cicada today!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I found my first cicada. We saw lots of them this morning behind our house. One jumped on my little sisters leg and she screamed. It was really loud. Daddy said that was the loudest time Leah ever screamed before. I like cicadas because they are not really around for much, and that’s why I like them. And they look good. I’m going to bring one to my school. We can hear lots of them in the woods but my bug dictionary says they will be as loud as jet engine later. Bye. That’s all I want to say about cicadas. — Madeline Peloff (age 5), Olney, MD
This is horrible
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: the loud mating calls of the cicadas sound like some alien machine…its neverending even with the air on blast…i dont know if i’ll to make it for another six weeks…they are covering my entire porch..one flew up and landed on my foot and i screamed…i grew up in ny and i remember 1987 and how they were all over the place..but no where near the extent of this…dc area is horrible — Jessica C, Bethesda, MD
Brood X Emerging
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Brood X emerged in our area [AT] Burnett Woods yesterday afternoon during the most recent rain. I witnessed several still crawling in their shells, a bunch of empty shells, and two drying themselves on blades of grass after sheading their skins. — Neil, Cincinnati, Ohio.USA
Finally out in Centreville
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I saw one flying around the backyard this morning and can hear them singing in the wooded area in the distance. Our neighborhood is barely 17 years old, which explains why there have been so few near the house. — Susan, Centreville/Chantilly, VA
Sight and Sound in Ashburn
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Went for a ride on the W&OD trail from Ashburn Village to Leesburg and saw them on the trail as well as heard them in the woodland. Amazing! — S Kenney, Ashburn
PA and NJ emergence
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: ANYBODY in southeastern PA or NJ seeing LARGE numbers of nymphs, chimney holes.
Or found large numbers of nymphs under boards, logs, etc. I would like to travel to an area in PA or NJ where there will be a large emergence. PLEASE POST if anyone in those areas sees evidence of a large emergence.
THANKS! — Jeff, Lancaster, PA
Sunday – May 16, 2004 – First Emergence Noticed
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: They are walking all over the rails of my deck and the floor of my deck has about 50-100 dead ones. I do not hear any “singing” nearby, but I do hear it in the distance. Does this mean I’m surrounded by females who will lay eggs? — Peg, Germantown, MD
My new respect for Cicadas
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Bugs, in general, give me an advanced case of the “willies.” Spotting a spider on my wall or a centipede scuttling across my floor can cause my heart to skip a beat. So, naturally, it was with a nameless dread that I anticipated the cicada onslaught. But now they’re here en masse, and I must say that – although I still find them physically repulsive – I have a new respect for the little fellows, and I go out of my way to avoid treading upon them. I find their background song to be rather soothing, and they have a certain dignified majesty about them. The next few weeks are, quite literally, their brief moment in the sun, and the upcoming days will provide us humans with a rare chance to witness a brief stage in the cicadas’ lifecycle (a lifecycle which is truly close to miraculous). So if this is being read by anyone from far away who shares my general distaste for bugs and feels pity for we poor souls who are being subjected to cicadas, you may rest assured that things aren’t altogether bad. In fact, I rather pity you for your inability to witness this rare and curious natural display firsthand. I maintain, however, that if one of these things lands on me I will scream with reckless abandon and run for cover. — Ken Ramsey, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
They’re fantastic!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: While I can understand a fear of spiders, I cannot understand the fear of these amazing creatures. To emerge for a couple of weeks, after 17 years underground, sing a mating tune, do “the thing” and then die, only to have one’s offspring appear in another 17 years – well, I think it’s something worth experiencing. Compared to tent caterpillars, the cicadas are a wonder to behold AND hear.
Mireille, Bethesda, MD — Mireille, Bethesda, MD
Cicadas in southern NJ
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Cindy –
I’m pretty sure that there will be none out in Cumberland Co. NJ this year — the soil is pretty sandy there. Still, there are some old records from the region so you could get lucky (in which case I would like to hear about it). The closest populations will be in northern Salem County. In two weeks or so, once the cicada are all out, you can call around to people in that area to see if they have heard of any populations out. — Dave Marshall, CT
One spotted near Mount Vernon
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We spotted one on our doorstep last night. When we awoke, his shell was attached to our brick house and the adult was still on the doorstep. Here they come! — Susanne, Alexandria (Mount Vernon), VA
Cicada shell
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I was out putting wood on a burn pile this morning when I noticed a strange insect shell. I brought it inside and started searching the web to identify it. I have come to the conclusion that it is a cicada exoskeleton thingy. How cool! I havent seen any of the adults or heard any of them sing either. Hope I see some soon. Do they work well as bait for fishing? I’m an avid fisher”girl” and would like to use them if I ever find any. — Ashley, Mercersburg PA
Old Lutherville is LOADED with them!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Went to church in Old Lutherville this morning. Cicadas everywhere! Lots of them on trees but also on outdoor railing, telephone pole and the handicap parking sign.
Saw 1 with a deformed wing. — Lea, Lutherville, Md
emergence-Suburban DC
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: continuing to accelerate in Bethesda/Chevy
Chase MD area. Still areas with huge numbers waiting to emerge mostly in wooded park areas. Deformed wings are mostly caused by being disturbed during emergence IMO. This happens when they fall, get trampled by another cicada or touched by a human. — David, Bethesda
I hear them!!!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: This morning for the first time, I can hear the cicadas but the sound appears to be in the distance. Have not seen any flying around as yet, but like Lori in Va. I plan to stay indoors….I would have cardiac arrest if one landed on me! Eeewwwww is right! — Ellen, Baltimore, Md
5/15/04
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: first sighting 5/15 evening — jeff, Anderson, Cincinnati, OH 45244
Not here yet
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I thought the rain we got last night might encourage them to come out, but my AM yard check shows nothing yet. South Jersey seems to be behind, but I’ll report back as soon as we have them! — Lori, Mullica Hill, NJ
Emergence in Gaithersburg, MD
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We started to experience the first wave of emergence this week in the Washington Grove area of Gaithersburg. Yesterday (Saturday, 5/15) we started to hear the first low buzz of the cicadas. It was still at the level of background, much like traffic noise, but you could already hear the modulation. — John Bradfield, Gaithersburg, MD
tree bark
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: The last 2 nights so many have appeared
at dark that the tree bark looks like it’s sliding up the tree. We have had thousands out since thursday the 13th. These poor guys only seem to make it to about noon the next day with wings, and body parts found all around. The birds and squirrel are just waiting each morning for thier next meal.Just as the singing and flying start, it’s over that quick. Any one else seeing the same? — Thomas S., Fallston- Maryland
The bugs are arriving
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Saw two empty nymph shells and one adult cicada today. I have been checking everyday for a week and a half looking for signs of them coming out and finally saw the first one. I’m sure the rest will be following shortly. — Cindy, Pr. William Pkwy, Virginia
where best to record cicada song within radius of Asheville?
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Hello! A colleague and I are organizing an expedition to record the song of Brood X using wide-format analog tape and good microphones… where is the best emergence zone within a few hours of Asheville North Carolina? Would we do best to head north, to the NC/TN border, or farther east towards Virginia? Thanks for any replies.
-Amos
North American Institute for Psychoacoustic Research — Amos, Asheville NC
They’re here…!
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: Apparently, I jumped the gun the other day in declaring that the recent development in the area had prevented any emergence of Brood X.
Walking… er, stumbling home tonight, there are at least 200-300 nymphs and some white adults on the trees, bushes and street signs in front of my apartment building – Potomac at River House. (And here I am posting about it at 3am, how dorky.)
I feel a little less masculine saying so, but these bugs are creepy — I was up at a friend of mine’s house in Silver Spring today and his yard was literally teeming with them. And apparently, they seemed to think that my shoes were a good resting spot, even while I was standing in them (they’re tenacious little buggers and wouldn’t let go). — Dan, Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia
They have started emerging
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: I noticed a few on Friday, maybe 10-15. Today (Sat.) there were hundreds in all stages all over the yard. My dog had a field day. Needless to say she didn’t touch her food in her dog bowl. I’ve been telling my kids about the Brood X envasion for a few months now. They were totally freaking out today thinking this was it….I told them “IT’S ONLY JUST BEGUN…JUST WAIT” they can’t believe there will be more….I’m sure the sound will be WAY more than they expected too. It’s quite cool tonight so it will be interesting to see if many more emerge tongiht. The temp is below 65. — Jan, French Lick , Indiana
First nighttime sightings
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: We had thunderstorms roll through the area tonight, and I decided to go out after the storm (12:30 am) and see if I could find any Cicadas. I’m excited to report that I saw three white nymphs on the lower bare branches of some oak trees. I’m excited! Neighborhood (Loveton Farms) is just barely 17 years old, at higher elevation. We’re late, I guess!
Greg
— Greg, Sparks, Maryland
Haven’t seen one yet….
Date: Sunday, May/16/2004
Message: My neighborhood is relatively young. To put it in perspective, my house is only 17 years old. We’ve had an enoromous amount of new construction right behind our communicty, so I’m thinking…maybe we won’t get hit that hard. I’m not ruling it out though. I’m bracing myself. I’M TERRIFIED OF BUGS!! I’ve been conditioning myself for a face to face confortation with one of these things by looking at every picture possible posted on the web. Co-workers that live in Beltsville and near College Park have seen hundreds of them. Is it possible to such concentrated pockets of activity only a few miles away? — Ayanna, Laurel, MD
no cicadas yet…
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I have not seen a single cicada at my house yet. I live on a 1 acre lot that is 1/2 wooded, so this area would have been all woods 17 years ago. Somebody said they don’t like sandy soil? Could I miss out on all the excitement? — john, pasadena, md
Sightings in Odenton, MD
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Have seen many cicadas in the lawns of Odenton, but none in Crofton, MD. — Eileen, Crofton, MD
Cicada sightings
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I saw the first one Thurs.5/13 and tonight,5/15, when I got home from work there were hundreds of them in the trees,on my house and anything else they could climb on. I think they are fasinating! — Mike O., McCoole,Maryland
Maybe they’re staying in MD and VA??
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Haven’t seen one critter yet..maybe the thunderstorms are keeping them away.. fine by me ! — Kay, Enola, PA
more emerging
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I thought they would come in one big swoop, but everyday as I walk I see new emergence sites. Tip for those looking, look low. I thought they would be up higher on the trees, but they are low in the bushes and tall grass. I pointed them out to many people who were walking by and never even noticed them. I hate bugs, but these guys have me morbidly fascinated — Jane, Ashburn
They are here!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I’m really hoping they come to York. My mom only remembers a few here. We are 30 miles for the PA/MD border and it seems PA has nothing and MD has everything. I went to my grandma’s house in Timonium and brought some back to satisfy myself by placing them in our yard! Now we have cicadas! Yay!!! — Ed, York PA
They’re coming!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: AM chilly and rainy. While walking the dogs I saw dozens of nymph shells. Also several nymphs walking around, sluggish. Emergence is spotty. For example, our neighbor’s yard next door had a bunch of nymphs on grass, with cicadas molting, but I see none in our yard. I took one cicada home and took pictures. When you put them somewhere, they go ‘up’. Probably a lot of cicadas high in the trees. PM. Rain stopped. Saw numerous cicadas in the back yard. There were also more emergence holes in the ground. We gave the dogs their second walk. Some trees and telephone poles had 20 shells/nymphs on them, others no signs. — Tom Cpp[er, Miamisburg, OH
Cicada are here!!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Woke up this morning and there must be 1 million of those things all over my house, car, yard, trees and that nosie is annoying
Great pics — Sean, Springfield VA
found one cocoon
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I found one cocoon under a rock this morning, put in jar. Anyone in northern morris county having an emergence? — rikikitty, succasunna nj
Seems to be starting
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I was starting to get worried…no sign of cicadas in Leesburg, but I found my first exoskeleton yesterday. Found 10 more in one tree in my front yard today. I can hear a few singing off in the distance. I guess we are about to get it.
It’s raining right now, so I expect a serious emergence tomorrow.
— Gary, Leesburg, VA
Importing Wheaton Cicadas to Flower Hill
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: My kids and I live in Gaithersburg and have been disappointed with our lack of cicadas. My husbands house in Wheaton is submerged in cicadas. We packed up a bowl of them and imported them to our apt. here. We taken tons of photos. So far the cicadas have been on the toy train and remote control car rides and lots of cicada races. Oh yes, the cicadas also hung out with my daughter’s Barbie’s on the little beds and tables and fridge. Our cat has snacked on three which rather upset my son. We’ll play with them a bit more then release them tomorrow or tonight. We put a boy and a girl on our plant on the balcony and wished them luck. Yes, we’re nuts, but they are rather cute with their red eyes and their little growls. We liked reading all about them on the nicey-nice’s. Thanks for the info! — Amy Israel, Gaithersburg, MD
Poor Bloomington Guy
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I hope this isn’t the “Keith” that’s been posting from Bloomington;
None seen yet in the northern suburbs of Indianapolis, IN. — Joe, Noblesville, IN
Emerged cicadas here on May 12…
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: We are in the middle of a 500 acre forest near the Tennessee border west of Murphy, NC.
We really don’t seem to have that many and no sound yet except off in the distance to the east of us for some odd reason we hear cicadas singing loudly during the day.
We have bird feeders and usually feed hundreds of birds but they have been gone the last few days…very wierd.
Pictures here:
Cicadas
Cicada skins
Very exciting!
Hope — Hope, Murphy, NC
First cicada sighted
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Found one this afternoon while checking milkweed plants for monarch eggs – newly emerged, still next to its shell — a cassini male. — Sarah Dalton, NE Columbus, OH
OH MY GOD the cicadas are here
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: When I woke up this morning and I stepped outside, I took a deep breath, and I said “oh my”. Things were looking, a little peculiar. So I saw cicadas, OH MY GOD did I see cicadas, I SEE THEM ALL THE TIME! IT’S A REVOLUTION!!! So I said, “Hey hey hey hey, hey hey hey” I said, “hey, what’s going on?” — Ryan J, Oakton
Any NJ sightings yet???
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Are there any confimed NJ sightings yet? I did read that one person saw some in Somerset Cty, but would especially like to know if cicadas have emerged any further south in the state. I read that Salem County was a likely emergence area, and am dying to know if any there have been seen or heard. I CAN’T WAIT!!! — Debbi, southwestern NJ
cooking cicadas
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: My Mexican neighbors visited my yard late last night to collect several hundred newly-hatched cicadas for cooking. They say they soak them in water and remove the shells & legs, fry them, and wrap them in tortillas. They will bring me some tonight & I may try eating one of these tortillas, or at least see how they look. I was afraid there would not be any cicadas left but there are lots more…Hyattsville Maryland. — mahala, hyattsville maryland
bugs
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: they are everywhere, in the tree’s the pond,and they are nasty can’t wait for them to leave,on the other hand my grandson like’s them and he is only 2 1/2 so we are getting picture of him with them — elizabeth, severn maryland
Crunch crunch crunch.
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: Must be thousands that have emerged in my neighborhood, Parkside Condos near the Grosvenor Metro stop. Went for a walk this morning and they are all over the trees, sidewalks, sign posts, fire hydrants…felt bad about stepping on them but I tried to avoid that as best I could. Not too many are actually flying though. A lot of them seem to have messed up wings, and many seem to have died shortly after emerging. Makes me wonder if something is wrong with my local population. As for the healthy ones, they’re fascinating to watch. See http://www.djflowerz.com/cicada.html — Evan, North Bethesda, MD
If I were just about to graduate from high school…
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I would plan my next 17 years so that I will be able to come up with a working pesticide to kill this X brood before it invades our living space again. Nothing but disgust to the people it brings – everyone I know would prefer never see it. They don’t even “taste just like chicken” – according to those who are curious enough to try. MY DOG IS WEARING A MUZZLE since Monday – because just a though of her eating those things make me sick, thank you very much. I’d rather compensate her need in proteins with beef or lamb.
Best regards,
— Elena, Fairfax Villa, Fairfax VA
They are singing!
Date: Saturday, May/15/2004
Message: I spotted my first adult cicada this morning on my balcony. Well, my cat Layla did. Luckily enough the window was closed hehehehe. Laura from Fairfax, I agree with you. If one of those things landed on me, I might die!!! Ewwwww. I’m not going out for the whole cicada season. Anyway, they are clearly visible today here across from W & OD Railroad Trail Regional Park, and they have been singing in the wooded park since this morning. — Lori, Arlington, VA