Cicadas in New York: What’s Happening Now?

New York is a place that boldly embraces the changes of the seasons, but the incoming Brood X cicadas may leave the public with a little less acceptance. These insects have bold red eyes and look fairly similar to locusts but fear not! They are simply emerging from a lengthy slumber, even if they are coming in mass swarms.

Should Buffalo Residents Expect Cicadas?

Spectrum News 1 Buffalo took a moment to explain to locals exactly why they see so many cicadas at once. It isn’t a plague or a premonition – it is simply the awakening of Brood X after 17 years of dormancy. Before now, the cicadas were living underground, and it is only the warmth of springtime that allows them to be released into the air around. While they are expected in many southeastern states, the news station doesn’t expect them to be seen around Buffalo.

What does The New Yorker have to say?

The New Yorker has already taken note of quite a few of these sightings as well, even though the public has seen them before. They don’t come out every spring, but Brood X specifically hasn’t been around since 2004. To date, experts believe that their release into the region is going to be the largest hatching since the last time these cicadas came around.

To help residents get a better understanding of the comings and goings of the cicadas, an image from one of their recent tweets shows an illustration by Peter Kuper http://nyer.cm/zDDIKtD that depicts how many people may feel about their arrival.

New York Post Instructs how to Protect Your Trees

Understandably, every person that knows of their impending swarms wants to know what they can do to keep themselves safe. The cicadas aren’t harmful to the public at all, though they can pose a risk to young trees and plants that cannot handle the weight of their eggs. The New York Post recommends preparing these plants with a netting mesh that will protect them from birds and insects alike.

For anyone concerned about the safety of their home, there is a chance that window screens and even patio furniture could be appealing to the cicadas. For individuals that don’t want to risk the possible damage, the Post recommends setting up the same mesh protection in doorways and windows.

If the cicadas manage to put any holes in the screens, the publication even includes an inexpensive tape that can repair almost any window screen without replacing it entirely.

These chunky noisy creatures with bright red heads may emerge and you need to be aware of them. Cicadas are members of the Cicadoidea family and are separated from their cousins by their stout bodies, large heads, and clear wings. You can tell the difference by the loud buzzing noises they are said to make.

New York Daily News shares… Recipes…?

For the people who don’t mind a little change in their diet, the New York Daily News has another recommendation. Use the cicadas as a delicacy! Cicadas can be a delectable snack, and they are completely healthy to enjoy. Anyone willing to catch a few can be prepared with a few ways to prepare them, including recommendations for stir fry recipes, baked goods, and smothering them in chocolate.

Cicada Brood X News & Information

Brood X is currently (spring 2021) emerging on the east coast of the United States. More information and coverage can be found here!

• Cicadas in New York: What’s Happening Now?
• Cicadas in Pennsylvania: What’s Happening Now?
• Cicadas in Virginia: What’s Happening Now?
• Cicadas in Tennessee: What’s Happening Now?
• Cicadas in Washington, DC: What’s Happening Now?
• Cicadas in Maryland: What’s Happening Now?
• Here’s What 1.5 Million Cicadas Looks Like
• Will Cicadas Cause More Snakes? Copperheads?
• Can Dogs Eat Cicadas?
• Will Cicadas Eat My Tomato Plants?
• Cicada Brood X 2021: What is it and should you be concerned?
• Why Do Cicadas Only Come Out Every 17 Years?
• Cicadas vs Locusts: What’s The Difference?

Learn more about cicadas, including why they only come out every 17 years, the difference between cicadas and locusts, whether cicadas eat tomato plants and more. Click in the search box and type in “cicada.“

Next Up…

• Are Cicadas Dangerous? – Are cicadas dangerous? Should you be worried? Find out now!
• What Do Cicadas Eat? – Cicadas often get a bad rep, they are loud and some people find them annoying. Interested in what they eat? Keep reading!
• When Will Cicadas Be Gone? – Find out when these cicadas will be around and when they wont!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Marcos Cesar Campis/Shutterstock.com