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Millions of 17-year cicadas, known as Brood XIV, are set to emerge across New Jersey and several other eastern states as soil temperatures reach around 64 degrees. These cicadas, part of the second-largest periodical brood, will bring their distinctive loud buzzing to the region as they seek mates.
The emergence is expected to occur by early to mid-May, with significant numbers anticipated in states such as Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, according to USA Today. Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, notes that the cicadas will likely begin appearing during the third week of April or following a "good rain."
The cicadas, which emerge every 17 years, are known for the males' buzzing songs used to attract females. Once they mate, females lay eggs in tree branches, and the young cicadas, or nymphs, drop to the ground to begin their underground life cycle, feeding on grass roots.
In Pennsylvania, cicadas are expected in numerous counties, including Adams, Berks, and York, among others, as reported by PhillyBurbs. The emergence will last about six weeks, with cicadas gradually appearing over two weeks.
Residents are advised to avoid sitting under oak trees in July to prevent oak leaf itch mite, which can cause itching when the mites drop from egg nests after cicadas lay eggs.