Cicadas: Chicago's Unwanted Summer Houseguests
The Great Cicada Invasion of 2024
So, you’ve heard the buzz (literally) about the cicadas taking over Chicago. Don’t worry, it’s not the start of a bad horror movie. These guys are just really, really excited to see the light of day after spending 17 years underground. It’s like a high school reunion, but with way less awkward small talk and a lot more exoskeletons.
Are they going to be that bad?
Well, let’s just say it’s going to be a summer to remember. Think of it like this: if you’ve ever been to a Cubs game on a hot day, but with a million tiny, flying, noise-making creatures instead of drunk fans. Yeah, it’s gonna be something.
But fear not, Chicagoans! While they might be a bit of a nuisance, they’re actually pretty harmless. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they’re not going to eat your furniture. They’re just here to party, mate, and die. It’s their one shot at fame, so let’s try to be understanding.
How to Survive the Cicada Apocalypse (or at least, the next few weeks)
- Embrace the noise: Earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, or simply blasting your favorite tunes can help drown out the chorus. Plus, it’s a great excuse to rediscover your love for heavy metal.
- Protect your plants: If you have young trees or shrubs, consider netting them to prevent cicada damage. They love to lay their eggs in tender twigs.
- Clean up after the party: Once the cicadas have finished their life cycle, their bodies will start to pile up. It’s not the most glamorous job, but someone’s gotta do it.
- Embrace the weirdness: Take some photos, make some cicada-themed cocktails (we’re not sure what that would even taste like, but go for it), and share your experiences on social media. After all, when else will you get to say you survived a cicada apocalypse?
Cicada FAQs
How to deal with cicadas on my car? A gentle car wash should do the trick. If they're already smashed, a good pressure wash will remove them.
How to keep cicadas out of my house? Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. If one does manage to get in, a glass and paper method should safely capture it.
How to protect my plants from cicadas? Netting young trees and shrubs can help prevent egg laying. You can also manually remove egg-laying slits.
How to avoid getting hit by a falling cicada? Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed way to avoid this. Just be aware of your surroundings and wear a helmet if you're really worried!
How to appreciate the cicada life cycle? Take a moment to marvel at the incredible natural phenomenon. These creatures have spent 17 years underground, and their emergence is a truly unique event.