Every 17 years, a brood of periodical cicadas emerges from the ground in eastern North America. These cicadas are unique in that they spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on the sap of tree roots. After 17 years, they emerge from the ground as adults, mate, and lay eggs. The adults then die, and the cycle begins again.

The noise that cicadas make is a mating call. Male cicadas sing by vibrating a sound organ called a tymbal. The sound is amplified by the cicada's body, which acts as a resonator. The males sing in unison, creating a deafening roar that can be heard for miles around.

The cicadas will emerge in most of the southeastern and northeastern United States including, but not limited to, parts of Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. It will also cover southern areas of Ontario and Quebec

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Periodical cicadas are not harmful to humans or animals. They do not bite or sting, and they do not damage plants. However, the sheer number of cicadas can be overwhelming. They can cover cars, trees, and even people. Their incessant singing can also be annoying.

The cicadas will only be around for a few weeks. After they mate and lay eggs, they will die. The new generation of cicadas will not emerge until 2039.