Augusta abuzz! Cicadas Emerge After 13 Years Underground

Spring in Augusta is a time of vibrant renewal. The Garden City comes alive with blooming azaleas; the prestigious Masters Tournament captures the world’s attention; and the air carries the promise of warmer days. But hold onto your hats, because this year, Mother Nature has decided to throw in an extra special treat: the emergence of the 13-year cicadas, aka Brood XIX. Yep, you heard that right—these buzzing critters are making their grand entrance, and let me tell you, they’re creating quite the buzz around town. Literally.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Cicadas? What’s the big deal?” Well, buckle up, because these little guys are something else. And get this: while we’re enjoying our cicada symphony here in the CSRA, our friends over in the Midwest are getting their show with Brood XIII, the 17-year cicadas. Talk about a rare double feature! This kind of overlap only happens once every 221 years. The last time Brood XIX graced Augusta was in 2011, and they won’t return until 2037.

The USDA Forest Service predicts that Brood XIX will primarily emerge in Richmond (Augusta area) and Aiken counties this year. However, some residents in neighboring counties might also hear the buzz. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of cicada ecology. Factors like soil temperature, moisture, and even land-use changes might influence their exact emergence locations. The cicadas started appearing in late April this year and will linger through late May.

Before you start swatting and squirming, let me assure you: these cicadas may be noisy, but they’re harmless. They’re simply here to do their thing, munching on sap and serenading potential mates. Occasionally, they may cause minor damage to young branches during egg-laying, but their ecological benefits far outweigh any inconvenience. Plus, they’re pretty good for the environment, aerating the soil and providing a tasty snack for birds and critters.

Do you have a weather-related topic that you would like to know the science behind? Submit your ideas to mhyatt@wjbf.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.