ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. – As we’ve all heard by now, two broods of cicadas will be emerging in mid-May. This will be the first time since 1803 that two broods have emerged at the same time! But where exactly in the Southern Maryland region will these pesky insects hang out?
According to Cicada Mania, the two broods, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, are expected to emerge in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
In an interview with FOX 5, Michael Raupp from the University of Maryland’s Entomology Department stated that we may see some cicadas emerge in the southern parts of St. Mary’s County. The immediate Washington D.C. area is somewhat safe for now as no cicadas are expected to emerge.
The only area that is expected to host both broods together is central Illinois. So don’t worry, there shouldn’t be a huge amount in our area.
Since it’s been 220 years since these two broods have met, scientists are extremely curious to see what affects this event may have such as the possibility of interbreeding.
So, how should you deal with Cicadas? Well, simply put, just let them be.
Cicadas are completely harmless to humans. They are loud though, like very loud. Their high-pitched buzzes, or mating songs, can reach up to 100 decibels! That’s equivalent to a motorcycle or jackhammer! They’ve been underground for a very long time, so this is a big moment for them.
But other than that minor inconvenience, the cicadas are only expected to be around until late June, so try to enjoy them. Some people try to enjoy them as a tasty snack. I won’t be joining that group personally, but apparently there is some high praise.
Overall, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about for the Southern Maryland region when it comes to Cicadas this year.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
We always miss out on the good stuff Cicadas…deep snows … full eclipses ! 😋
What you need to know is that they’re delicious when roasted.
Better boiled!
Southern Maryland Cicada Boil
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Old Bay® Seasoning
2 tablespoons salt
4 quarts water
1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer (optional)
8 red potatoes, quartered
2 large sweet onions, cut in wedges
2 pounds lean smoked sausage, cut in 2-inch lengths
8 ears fresh corn, broken in half
4 pounds large cicadas
Directions:
1. In an 8-quart pot, bring Old Bay, salt, water and beer to a boil. Add potatoes and onions; cook over high heat for 8 minutes.
2. Add smoked sausage to potatoes and onions; continue to cook on high for 5 minutes. Add corn to pot; continue to boil for 7 minutes. Add cicadas, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Drain cooking liquid. Pour contents of pot into several large bowls, shallow pails or mound on a paper-covered picnic table. Sprinkle with additional Old Bay if desired. Best if legs and wings removed before enjoying.