Cicadas: Chicago's Unexpected Summer Blockbuster
Are those crickets or Kanye West's new album?
Okay, so maybe Kanye's album was a bit of a stretch, but the ear-splitting noise that's been filling our neighborhoods lately is pretty comparable to a music festival gone wrong. We're talking about cicadas, folks. Those red-eyed, winged wonders that have decided to turn Chicago into their personal concert venue.
Cicadapocalypse Now?
I know what you're thinking. "Cicadas? In Chicago? Are you kidding me?" Well, no, I'm not kidding. These little buggers have a 17-year life cycle, and apparently, they decided this was the year to throw the mother of all parties. And they invited everyone.
So, what does this mean for us, normal, non-insect-loving humans?
Well, brace yourselves for a symphony of chirps, clicks, and overall chaos. Your backyard might start feeling like a tropical rainforest, and your plants could become a buffet. But fear not! These creatures are more bark than bite. They don't sting, they don't bite, and they're actually pretty harmless. It's just their collective noise that can be a bit overwhelming.
How to Survive a Cicada Invasion
- Embrace the noise: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right? Put on some headphones, crank up your favorite tunes, and pretend you're at a rock concert.
- Protect your plants: If you're a plant lover, cover your young trees and shrubs with netting to prevent cicada damage.
- Embrace the weird: Cicadas are a unique part of our ecosystem. Take some time to appreciate their strange and wonderful life cycle.
And remember, this is a temporary situation. In a few weeks, these noisy neighbors will be gone, and we can all return to our normal, quiet lives (or at least as quiet as Chicago gets).
How-To Cicada Survival Guide
- How to deal with cicada shells: Leave them be! They're nature's little helmets, and they're actually pretty cool.
- How to protect your car: Cover your car with a car cover to prevent cicada carcasses from damaging the paint.
- How to enjoy the show: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and listen to the rhythm of nature.
- How to avoid getting hit by a falling cicada: Wear a hard hat (just kidding).
- How to appreciate the cicada's role: Remember, cicadas are an important part of the food chain and help aerate the soil.