In northern Virginia, there is a 17-year-old phenomenon called the Brood X cicadas. Over the past few weeks, sightings have started to appear on social media in many eastern states. These cicadas may seem a little intimidating in their red eyes and how similar they are to locusts, but there is no cause for concern.
While the current pandemic may go away, people may worry about Brood X, which they haven’t seen in recent history, but in fact were here in 2003. The only difference? Social media was not so abundant that the public could post every appearance as it appeared. Although there are already many of them in some regions, tweet from Virginia Tech sheds light on the fact that there is still a lot to come.
According to a retweeted article from The Cut, cicadas are mostly released in areas where their soil has already reached 64 degrees. In the southern states, including Virginia, temperatures are starting to rise. However, until now, these insects have appeared mainly in the northern regions.
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is already trying to get ahead of the problems that Brood X cicadas can bring in their large numbers. While many cicadas are currently found on fences and trees, their brood is expected to be in the trillions when fully emerging. No matter how big they are, there is no reason to veer off course to stray from them. The Transportation Authority has already reminded the public of the need to be careful to avoid potential collisions.
As terrifying as the flocks are, it’s understandable that many locals are worried about what the insects will do to their crops. Fortunately how Page Valley News reportsBrood X cicadas don’t really pose a threat to gardens across the state. Hanover-based Virginia agent Laura Maxi-Ney even pointed out that insects can do a lot of good.
Based on her entomological experience, Maxi-Nye stated: “Cicadas can only damage branches with a pencil diameter, so they offer a natural pruning process. Any healthy trees can take the damage. “
Since the cicadas are not expected to appear in some regions of northern Virginia until the end of the month, their loud “song” will surely alert anyone in the vicinity. Gardeners, who may have younger trees, can protect them with a light netting to prevent Brood X cicadas from damaging the branches. Plan for a long season of cicadas – they will probably be here until the end of August.
Learn more about cicadas, including why they only appear every 17 years, the difference between cicadas and locusts, whether cicadas eat tomatoes, and more. Click the search box and type cicada.