Cicadas are a bother, but not a danger

Don't worry, those strange, humming and clicking sounds you're hearing outside these days are just some guys trying to get a date.

As cicadas emerge in the South after lying dormant for 13 years, area residents will likely hear a hum of buzzing. This sound is the male cicada searching for mates, so more eggs can be fertilized and planted in the soil. Those new eggs will emerge in 2024.

According to National Geographic, there are more than 3,000 types of cicada species, but the most noteworthy are the ones that, like the cicadas emerging now, come out every decade-and-a-half, or so.

As soil temperatures reach 64 degrees, the cicadas will emerge.

fun factsCicadas spend the early stages of life under-ground and emerge as adults.They are generally 0.75 to 2.25 inches in length.Several cultures, including ancient Chinese, consider cicadas to be a symbolof rebirth.Source: National Geographic

Linda Geinosky, owner of Garden Gallery in Hixson, said cicadas aren't something to be too concerned about. Here are a few informational tips, though.

Five tips

1) Cicadas make an irritating noise and can be overwhelming, but do not typically do significant damage.

2) The only time cicadas are really of concern to gardeners is when new plants have been planted near older trees. Cicada eggs are laid in the soil around trees and can feed on plant roots. Use netting to cover new plants.

3) Trim back any branches or stalks that have been damaged by cicadas.

4) There's no need to be concerned about disease. Unlike locusts, cicadas do not carry human bugs.

5) Don't get too worked up by cicadas. They're expected to die off in a month.

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