Cicada Invasion: Is Michigan Bracing For a 221-Year Phenomenon?

Did anyone have this one on their bingo card for 2024? Probably not, but it's about to happen. Michiganders brace yourselves because a once-in-a-lifetime invasion that's been brewing for 221 years may be heading your way.

Two distinct groups of cicadas are about to make their grand entrance simultaneously. It's a phenomenon so rare, that it hasn't happened in over two centuries. The buzzing invasion is like no other and will have these creatures emerge from their long slumber of 17 years to take center in 17 states across the U.S.

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If you aren't familiar with the little buggers, cicadas are chunky, noisy winged insects that are harmless to humans, but very vocal, so when they emerge in your area you will be well aware of their presence. Just listen for the buzz.

According to reports, the two broods of cicadas, brood XIX and XIII, will make their unwelcomed appearance for the first time since 1803 and do it together just to add some insult to injury. Most broods that arrive together only do so every 5-6 years and are usually separated geographically.

Where Will the Cicada Hatch?

According to the website Cicada Mania,  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia will see Brood XIX. Brood XIII will make an appearance in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and yes, possibly Michigan. For the Great Lakes state, the concentration will be near the Indiana border.

When Will the Cicada Emerge?

Spring is the target for the big debut, so most like April and May will be when all the action happens. Reports indicate that when the soil about eight inches below the surface reaches 64 degrees this spring the cicadas will start to make their way to the surface.

Get ready to embrace the buzz, and marvel at the resilience of these cicadas, as a record-breaking season of "birth" is on the horizon.