221 Years in the Making, Orkin Commemorates Historic Double Cicada Brood Emergence with Live "Orkinstra" Event
Monumental symphony performance in
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Music composer
"This summer's 'Orkinstra' was composed specifically with the cicadas in mind," said
Cicadas have some of the longest insect lifespans, but they spend most of their lives underground. For cicadas to emerge, the top eight inches of soil need to be at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, they are likely to emerge after a warm rain. So, when the conditions are right – starting this month in some states – the two broods of periodic cicadas will emerge after more than a decade in the ground.
- After 13 years, Brood XIX is set to emerge in 16 states across the Southeast and Midwest.
- The 17-year Brood XIII will emerge in five Midwestern states:
Illinois ,Wisconsin ,Iowa ,Indiana ,Michigan .
The double emergence of these two broods, with all seven species of periodical cicadas out at the same time, won't happen again in these general areas until 2245. With potentially trillions of cicadas rising from the earth, it's natural to be a little unsure of what to expect, but don't worry, cicadas aren't pests at all.
"Cicadas aren't dangerous to people, property, plants or crops, so the best thing to do is leave them alone," Williams said. "Contrary to common names, cicadas are not locusts; they belong to different families. Cicadas only emerge in such large numbers as a survival tactic to overwhelm predators with numbers of individuals."
So, how loud can cicadas get? At close range, cicada singing can measure between 80 and 120 decibels, which places them between the loudness of a hair dryer and a commercial jet aircraft engine. And, what's more, the cicadas' song is created by an all-male chorus. It's part of the male's attempt to attract a mate.
While the cicadas' singing will be hard to miss across the Southeast and Midwest, residents are also likely to find another tell-tale sign of their emergence – molted cicada skins. Once they emerge, cicadas will molt into adults and mate before dying. They only last about a month above ground. People have likely already started seeing these molted skins on tree trunks, outdoor furniture, fences – just about anywhere outside! Once the new generation arrives, the nymphs will bury themselves in the soil and lay dormant until the brood's next cycle.
For more information on this monumental "Orkinstra" event, visit orkin.com/orkinstra. While Orkin doesn't treat for cicadas, visit Orkin.com to schedule an inspection for treatment of general summertime pests and to speak with your Orkin Pro about how you can reduce cicadas from disturbing your yard.
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