The D.C. region’s largest brood of cicadas will emerge this year.
The Baltimore Sun reported last week that scientists are rejoicing over the once-every-17-years event.
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Millions of cicadas are likely to rise from the ground around mid- to late May. The insects will stick around for two to four weeks.
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The cicadas will breed and leave behind the next generation. It will surface in 2038.
The winged singers are part of a group called Brood X or Brood Ten. They will be hard to miss because their calls can approach 100 decibels. That's the same intensity of a lawn mower.
“This is like having a National Geographic special in your backyard,” said Mike Raupp, an entomology professor at the University of Maryland.
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The last time Brood X made its appearance was in 2004. The cicadas started to appear in the area May 11. The bugs rise once soil reaches 64 degrees. They are often triggered by a warm rain.
These cicadas don't bite or sting, according to Pest World. You could even eat them if you like, Raupp says — but don't let your pets overindulge.
