Parts of Massachusetts Under an Invasion; Have Earplugs Ready

Parts of Massachusetts will be very loud soon as the cicada emergence has begun in the Bay State.

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A Brood of Cicadas is Back in Massachusetts After a 17-Year Absence 

The website capecod.gov has the following quote:

Parts of Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts will experience a once-in-a-generation event—the emergence of Brood XIV periodical cicadas! The last time they showed up was 2008, and now, after 17 years underground, they’re back to make some noise.

The website also notes that the cicadas are currently in the process of molting into adults. In early summer, the males will create loud buzzing sounds (up to 100 decibels—like a lawnmower!) to attract females.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

According to the EPA, cicadas are not harmful to humans, pets, household gardens, or crops. The most damage they will do to you is get on your nerves with their loud noises, which is the sound adult males make when they're in courting mode.

Benefits of Cicadas

The EPA also reports that there are a few environmental benefits that cicadas bring with them, including the following:

• Cicadas are a valuable food source for birds and other predators.
• Cicadas can aerate lawns and improve water filtration into the ground.
• Cicadas add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

Which Parts of Cape Cod Will Experience the Cicada Emergence? 

The upper and mid areas of Cape Cod are set to experience the emergence of the Cicadas. Towns like Barnstable, Dennis, Falmouth, and Bourne may want to have some headphones or earplugs ready because they are all prime spots for the cicada emergence. If you have any questions or want more information, go here.