I don't know a more familiar sound in the late spring/summer than the drone and the buzz of cicadas. I know the weather is a lot warmer, even humid when the buzzing is there. And when the buzzing all but ceases, all that's left of the insect is a hollow shell that is very crunchy. So why is this upcoming brood so talked about?

The first question is, what do cicadas actually do? Well, when flood the area they are looking to mate. They leave behind their crunchy shells when they do find a mate. They emerge from underground and crawl up countless numbers of trees. Brood X will make its way across the eastern part of the country for the first time in 17 years. The trees won't be the only thing this particular brood will be affecting this time around.

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Considering cicadas feed on trees, their biggest predators are birds. Birds love cicadas so much, they eat until they are almost too full; therefore the cicadas can carry on laying their eggs and preparing for the next brood. However, the bird population increases with billions of cicadas to feed them. Your pets may also snack on a cicada or two. Human consumption? You bet, if you're adventurous, but make sure you aren't allergic to shellfish.

Looking for a sign cicadas are about to pop? Check the mole activity on your lawn. Since cicadas breed underground, it's a mole buffet.

Here's another interesting find, if you live in McLean County, you're guaranteed to be seeing lots of cicadas. Why? I couldn't find the answer. The map you're seeing is based on a brood from 1975 and it estimates where Brood X will emerge in the Tri-State and surrounding areas. Bring on the buzz!

 

Snakes in Kentucky

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