Cicadas Are Taking Over the DMV After 17 Years Underground

Cicadas are officially back in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area after nearly 17 years underground.

Known as Brood XIX and Brood XIII, these two periodical cicada groups are emerging at the same time this year, a rare event that hasn’t happened in over 200 years.

Brood XIX is the larger of the two and has already started appearing in southern states. Brood XIII is slowly making its way from the Midwest. Maryland and Virginia are expected to be hit hard by both broods, and cicadas have already been spotted in some parts of Maryland.

The insects remain underground for most of their lives, feeding on tree roots. Once the soil temperature reaches about 64 degrees, they begin to crawl to the surface.

You may notice small holes in your yard as the nymphs push their way up to molt and become adults.

Once they emerge, cicadas head straight to trees, fences, and other vertical surfaces. Male cicadas make a loud buzzing sound to attract mates, and that noise can reach up to 100 decibels (think lawnmower).

However,  Cicadas don’t bite or sting, but they can be overwhelming in large numbers. They will cover trees, sidewalks, porches, and just about any outdoor surface. After mating, they die off, and the cycle begins all over again.

The cicadas are expected to stick around for several weeks before disappearing until 2041.