MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 13, 2004

CICADAS ARE COMING…ARE YOU PREPARED?

Frederick, Md. ---- The City of Frederick is about to welcome millions of visitors over the next two to six weeks. It has been 17 years since the periodical cicadas last were in our area. Periodical cicadas, which are unrelated to but often confused with locusts, are harmless to humans or animals. Those who experienced the last emergence in 1987 will remember populations as large as 100,000 per acre disrupting outdoor events and sounding off with loud - almost deafening - mating calls.

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding periodical cicadas:

What geographic areas doe periodic cicadas effect?
Periodical cicadas are found in eastern North America. Within this region, there are different groups called broods that emerge on different 17-year cycles. Several different broods can be found in Maryland, but the largest and most important will occur this year, Brood X.

How long will they last?
Adult periodical cicadas live between two and six weeks after they emerge from the ground. Adults will begin emerging in mid-May and last throughout most of June. The ground temperature has to be 68 degrees for them to emerge.

How are periodical cicadas different than the cicadas I see every summer?
Periodical cicadas are smaller and have much more red-orange coloring than the common, large green “dog day” cicada we see and hear later every summer. Dog-day cicadas are not periodical. Although their lifecycle is typically two to three years long, we see some emerging every summer.

How many cicadas do we expect to see this year?
Cicada emergence density can be as high as 1 million per acre. However, how many individual locations will see will depend greatly on the amount of urbanization, deforestation, or fire that has occurred in the past 17 years.

Will periodical cicadas eat or damage my flowers, shrubs, or trees?
They do not damage flowers, but they may damage newly planted or young trees and some shrubs. Damage results from female cicadas laying their eggs in small twigs and branches, not from adults feeding.

Do cicadas bite or sting?
No. Cicadas do not sting like bees or wasps. Adult cicadas may make a loud buzzing sound id handles, but cannot bite.

How do cicadas make that noise?
Only the males make that noise (although some females are capable of making sounds). They have drum like membranes on their abdomen that vibrate very quickly, creating the creepy tones. Every species of cicada has a unique call. The frequency and tone of their calls is related to the temperature, and the time of day.

Why do we see periodical cicadas every 17 years?
By coming out en masse, they are able to avoid or overwhelm enemies.

Are cicadas toxic or poisonous?
No. They will become toxic if you spray them with pesticides - so don't.

Is it safe for my pets to eat cicadas?
Yes, but they may choke on them or gorge themselves and become ill. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they don’t eat too many.

Will the City of Frederick be spraying for periodical cicadas?
No. Insecticides are ineffective for significantly reducing cicada numbers and damage. Insecticides also pose a risk to people, beneficial insects, and birds.

Most of the information contained in the FAQ’s was obtained via Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland.