Five myths about periodical cicadas

[elleng]

Myth No. 1
The cicadas are invading
our region.

Myth No. 2
Cicadas are dormant
between emergences.

Myth No. 3
Periodical cicadas
are a type of locust.

Myth No. 4
Cicadas harm
the environment.

Myth No. 5
Cicadas increase the risk
of encountering snakes.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/five-myths/five-myths-about-periodical-cicadas/2021/05/06/2d34bc8a-acf4-11eb-acd3-24b44a57093a_story.html?

[Ligyron]

1. I though Cicadas were invading my region early.

Turned out To be tinnitus instead.

[Arkansas Granny]

2. I hear ya. My tinnitus sounds like night bugs 24/7.

[doc03]

4. Me too I tried getting compensated for it by the VA. They

said I had it but had no proof I got it in the Army.

[Ligyron]

5. I tried using hearing loss which was a mistake.

Maybe I should try again actually using tinnitus as, after all, I was in the artillery. I’m not so much about getting any money I just want to be at a better classification level with less chance of being tossed off their roll off things get bad down the road with budget cuts.

[doc03]

3. They do not harm trees. We had them 5 years ago. They

did kill small branches on my trees but
the next summer the new growth came back and
they looked much better than before. They could damage very small trees. Plant them a couple years before or after the cicadas leave.

[Warpy]

6. They're LOUD and no damn fun to get caught in your hair

but they will give the birds a massive feast and that's a good thing.

Cats and dogs get bored with 'em in just a few days.

I imagine they're pretty good with the wings and legs off, deep fired. That could come in handy some day.

Mostly, they'll give insectivores a great spring.

I'm glad WaPo is dispelling the myths.

I love how egocentric people call indigenouse species "infestations" or "invasions." Uh, no, that's generally what we are.

[elleng]

7. Yes,

that's generally what we are.