Kentucky Is Being Warned About Historic ‘Cicada-Geddon’

The last time we had a newsworthy influx of cicadas in my neck of the Kentucky woods, I felt kind of left out. That's because they weren't really much of an issue out at our place. Heck, I could barely hear them where we were. That was the year of Brood X--NOT a Marvel villain, by the way.

Kentucky Will Get the 'Double Brood' Treatment This Spring

Those feelings of loneliness might not present themselves in 2024, as another round of cicadas is warming the engines and preparing for a May invasion. And this time, the noisy creatures will be "doubling down" as part of a historic event. (I have a feeling I'll be craving that "loneliness" in May and June.)

That's right. If you felt short-changed because we only dealt with one measly cicada brood in 2021, you're in for a real treat. And it's a "treat" that nobody on Earth has ever experienced. In 2024, Kentucky will deal with a 13-year brood--Brood XIX--and a 17-year brood--Brood XIII--simultaneously. Double the cicadas, double the fun, right? It's an anomaly humankind hasn't experienced in 221 years. They're calling it "cicada-geddon."

Here's What This Rare Cicada Event Means

Entomologists at the University of Connecticut, who must be giddy with anticipation, explain the significance of this "collaboration":

They ARE called "periodical cicadas" for a reason. (It has nothing to do with magazines.)

Cicada Safari informs us that we are looking at a late April/early May arrival for these two broods, and they are actually asking us for help. When this double-brood invasion begins to unfold, we can use the Cicada Safari app to help them map the two broods' arrival, turning a potentially annoying event into something that could be fun...or not.

The Effects of Such a Large Cicada Invasion

University of Maryland entomology professor Daniel Gruner tells us that such a large cicada emergence could yield a negative trickle-down effect in this way:

And that was just in reference to a single brood.

I imagine it will be fascinating, but those cicadas will also be hungry, so they're certainly a detriment to plant life.

And your ears. Don't forget your ears. Two cicada broods at once? Take THAT, motorist with the bass turned up too high on your car stereo.

[SOURCE: WDRB-Louisville]