Southern Serenade

   It seems as if there is a big uproar about the emergence of millions of cicadas due this month around the nation.  So?  Is that a bad thing?  I hear everything from "They kill the trees." to "They invade my house." or even "They are too loud."  So?  First off, cicadas do not kill trees.  Granted the adult females do lay their eggs in trees but the larvae eventually fall to the ground and burrow under.  What they do to trees is sort of a natural pruning which is actually good for trees.  Secondly, the critters do not "invade" houses.  They may crawl up the side as a means to let their wings dry and then to allow them to take flight but they really do not want to be inside.  That would serve no purpose to them.  If any do get inside, they probably flew in when someone left a door open or, occasionally, one may hitch a ride on someone because they simply landed and did not get off in time.  Being inside is counterproductive to them as they are only seeking mates. So unless you have caged cicadas inside, no other one wishes to be there.  Good thing about cicadas, they do not bite nor sting!  In fact, the critters do not have a mouth to bite with, in the first place so before that gets started, we will put a nix on it.  In the unhappy (for them) event that one does find itself stranded inside your house, do it a favor and simply pick up the critter and gently put it back outside.  In return, I am sure it will be happy to sing a song just for you.

  As for being loud, yep!  They can be deafening!  Their calls are often compared to about a billion electric saws being used at the same time!  This amuses me as I would much rather hear the cicadas sing than saws running in the middle of the night.  True, the singing is loud at times but be thankful...you can hear!

  Speaking of cicadas and their loud calls, if you live in the south, that is pretty much a yearly occurrence and not this thirteen or seventeen year thing.  It happens EVERY SUMMER here and their calls are not looked upon as something bad.  We accept it.  We take pride in our lovely creatures.  We appreciate them.  Of course, our annual emergence does not compare to the prediction of billions but, hey, they are only temporary so give them a break.  They will be around for a few weeks then, poof!, they are gone!  They will be back underground and go unnoticed until the next go round.  Like I said, folks, instead of fretting and trying to kill the critters, be thankful you are around to witness such an event.