When will cicadas be gone? Here's when to expect Brood XIX to stop screaming

Joyce Orlando, USA TODAY NETWORK

Tired of the cicadas yet? Well, don't worry, you should be hearing a little less noise from them soon.

Some communities in Tennessee have spent the last month listening to Brood XIX cicadas scream the hearts out in hopes of attracting a mate, but hopefully that wonderful sound will be dying down soon...literally. The brood wasn't expected to emerge in Tennessee until around mid-May, but people around Middle Tennessee started to see their presence at the beginning of May.

So when will these insects die off and go into hibernation once again?

How long are Brood XIX cicadas expected to be around?

Not too much longer. The 13-year cicadas are expected to keep us company until about mid-June. But there could be some that don't die off until July, depending on when they emerged.

The average cicada life-span is about five weeks above ground, but some species live for only three to four weeks. During this time, the cicadas mate, the female cicadas lay eggs in trees, which then drop to the ground and burrow for another 13 years.

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How often do two cicada broods emerge at once?

Not often, as this hasn't happened since 1803, according to the University of Connecticut. Here's some other facts.

  • For the first time since 2015 a 13-year brood will emerge in the same year as a 17-year brood.

  • For the first time since 1998 adjacent 13-and 17-year broods will emerge in the same year.

  • For the first time since 1803 Brood XIX and XIII will co-emerge.

There are 17 states hosting this year's cicada broods. The 13-year Brood XIX, which is in Tennessee, is located mainly in the Southeast, and the 17-year Brood XIII in the Midwest.

Are cicadas harmful? Do cicadas bite?

No, cicadas are not harmful to humans or pets. And they don't bite or sting like some insects, but they can pierce and suck, reported Cicadamania.

Where can I see the cicadas?

Cicadas are found across all continents, excluding Antarctica, and appear in deserts, forests and even urban areas. Much of the South is use to hearing annual cicadas during the summer months, but brood's like Brood XIX are considered periodical cicadas since they only come around every 13 years.

USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When will cicadas leave? When you can expect to stop hearing Brood XIX

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