Life

Extremely Loud Cicadas Have South Carolinians Calling the Cops

Brood XIX cicadas are currently making their presence known in South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and elsewhere.

Close-up of a cicada on tree bark, showcasing its detailed features and textures
Image via Getty/E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service

No, that sound roaring right outside your door, invading your dreams, and altogether permeating every move you make is not the latest sign that humanity’s determined march toward death has evolved into a full-fledged sprint. It’s just the cicadas.

The sheer volume of the insects, however, has some convinced that something cop-worthy is transpiring. In a recent statement shared by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, Newberry residents were given a reminder that the "annoying" noise is not a cause for concern, nor should it continue to lead to them apparently being inundated with calls.

"We have had several calls about a noise in the air that sounds like a siren, or a whine, or a roar," the department said Tuesday. "The sound is cicadas. Cicadas are a super family of insects that appear each spring. The nymphs have lived underground for 13-17 years and now this time they are hatching. Although to some, the noise is annoying, they pose no danger to humans or pets. Unfortunately it is the sounds of nature."

The Associated Press first reported on the Newberry confusion, as seen here.

South Carolina, per Rachel Dotson for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, is one of several states set to be impacted this month and next by the brood XIX batch of cicadas. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia are also affected.

Meanwhile, cicadas of the brood XIII variety are set to start popping up in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin in May.

Related Stories

Alligator on a kitchen floor between an island and cabinets
Life

Florida Woman Says She Was Watching TV on Sofa When Gregarious Gator Waltzed Inside, Made Himself at Home

The nearly eight-foot gator was seen hanging out in the woman's kitchen before local officials showed up and brought his misadventure to an end.

The Tasmanian tiger is pictured in a rendering
Life

Project Aims to ‘De-Extinct’ the Tasmanian Tiger After Humans Eradicated It Nearly a Century Ago

In the latest sign of modern science's inherent awesomeness, the newly unveiled project from Colossal Biosciences is aiming to right a past wrong.

Trace William Cowen1450 days ago
cicada
Life

Ohio Man Crashes Car Into Pole After Cicada Hits Him in Face While Driving

A Cincinnati, Ohio man who crashed his car into a pole told police that he did so because a cicada flew through his open window and smacked him in the face.

Brenton Blanchet1880 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App