Citizens are bracing for the arrival of billions of noisy insects as the “Bourbon Brood” cicadas are preparing to emerge after 17 years underground and will impact 11 states.
These uniquely American creatures will transform the Bluegrass State into ground zero for one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles, bringing both fascination and annoyance to communities across the region.
Kentucky will be the epicenter for the emergence of Brood 14 of 17-year periodical cicadas this spring.
Nicknamed the “Bourbon Brood” due to their concentration in Kentucky, these insects have been developing underground since 2008 and are now ready to emerge for their brief but noisy mating season.
The emergence is expected to begin in late April to early May when soil temperatures reach around 64°F.
While centered in Kentucky and Tennessee, these cicadas will also appear in smaller numbers across Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and parts of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York.
These natural visitors pose little threat to Americans. Cicadas do not bite, sting, or cause massive plant damage.
However, their mating calls can reach up to 100 decibels – as loud as a chainsaw or motorcycle – creating what some describe as a deafening symphony across the countryside.
University of Kentucky entomologist Jonathan Larson said:
“We will begin seeing this brood of cicadas when the soil warms to the mid-60s, about the same time you start to see iris blooms. A lot of people hate them, but I hope they will learn to appreciate them as periodical cicadas are such a rarity.”
The name “Bourbon Brood” cleverly connects these insects to Kentucky’s proud heritage of craftsmanship and tradition. Larson explained the fitting nickname:
“We’re kind of the epicenter, so it just felt like we could make it Kentucky proud. You have to age bourbon. We put it in barrels in the dark for a long time, so it’s kind of similar.”
Although some residents may view the coming cicada surge as a nuisance, American farmers and landowners should know that young and smaller trees may need protection.
Female cicadas lay 200-600 eggs in young tree branches, which can cause “flagging” or branch dieback.
Experts recommend using cicada netting to protect vulnerable trees without harming what Larson calls “these wonderful examples of nature’s pageantry.”
The emergence represents one of nature’s most remarkable life cycles. After mating and laying eggs, adult cicadas die, leaving their offspring to burrow underground, where they feed on tree root fluids for another 17 years before repeating the cycle.
In contrast to the many manufactured climate crisis narratives pushed by liberal media, some scientists are studying whether climate change might impact cicada emergence patterns.
Some worry that early warming could lead to premature surface movement, potentially harming these creatures that have survived for thousands of years through countless climate cycles.
For patriots looking to experience this uniquely American phenomenon, the Cicada Safari app allows citizen scientists to contribute to research by documenting sightings.
As Kentuckians and other states prepare for the Bourbon Brood’s emergence, the hope is that this event will be seen as not just another natural occurrence, but as a celebration of life and history intertwined.
