Ga. expert explains cicada emergence in the CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - You may have noticed a new sound in your backyard this spring.
The high-pitched noise you’re hearing comes from cicadas.
The cicadas have emerged and are thriving in the warm conditions.
We spoke with Dr. Nancy Hinkle from the University of Georgia who explained that cicadas tend to emerge when the soil temperature is 64 degrees.
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“Once they come out as long as they don’t freeze, they are probably OK. They like warmer weather, but it doesn’t have to be very warm,” she said.
Even though periodical cicadas emerge every 13 years, they are not endangered.
The young cicadas, or nymphs, feed on tree sap underground for 12 years and 11 months before they are ready to emerge from the soil.
“They have to feed on tree roots. So if somebody cuts down all the trees, all the cicadas underground die,” said Hinkle.
For that reason, you may notice more cicadas along densely wooded areas like greenways or even your own backyard.
These insects may look creepy, but they are not harmful to humans.
“The cicadas are completely harmless. They cannot bite, they cannot sting, they do not smell,” said Hinkle.
While this species has piqued the interest of many, they will only stick around for a few more weeks.
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