Cicadas are everywhere!!!!

Oh my goodness, I completely relate to your experience with cicadas in Tennessee! It's wild how they suddenly appear, isn't it? I've had my share of surprise encounters, from finding them clinging to my clothes to hearing their chorus reach a crescendo outside my window. It really makes you wonder, 'where do cicada live' for all those years before they burst onto the scene? Well, it turns out these fascinating creatures spend the vast majority of their lives burrowed deep underground, sometimes for 13 or even 17 years, depending on the brood. They silently feed on the sap from tree roots, growing and maturing, completely out of sight. It's only when the soil temperature reaches a specific warmth in late spring or early summer that they decide it's showtime! They tunnel their way to the surface, climb up trees and other vertical surfaces, shed their nymphal skins (which you can often find stuck to everything!), and then transform into their winged adult form. This spectacular emergence is a natural wonder, and it’s why we suddenly see them 'everywhere' across Tennessee and other parts of the South. While cicadas are definitely the most talked-about insects during their emergence years, when people search for 'most common bugs in Tennessee,' the answer varies throughout the year. Beyond our famous cicada broods, Tennessee is also home to a diverse insect population. We regularly encounter various types of ants, mosquitoes (especially near water!), different species of beetles, and a host of spiders. Each plays its own role in our local ecosystem, but none quite announce their presence with the same dramatic flair as periodical cicadas do! Living through a cicada season certainly adds a unique soundtrack to summer. I've found that the best way to handle their temporary invasion is to appreciate it as a natural phenomenon. They're entirely harmless to humans and pets, more interested in their own kind than us. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, remember they're just here for a few weeks to mate and lay eggs before their cycle continues. A light jacket or hat can help, and sometimes just observing their journey from a distance is quite calming. And for the brave souls who wonder about the 'foodie' aspect – yes, I've heard about people trying to BBQ cicadas too! It sounds adventurous, doesn't it? While it's not for everyone (definitely not for me!), entomophagy, or eating insects, is a common practice in many cultures globally and an increasingly discussed topic for sustainable protein. It just goes to show how diverse our views on nature can be. I totally agree with you; there's a certain peace in their constant hum once you get used to it. It's the sound of summer in Tennessee, and I know I'll actually miss that unique natural symphony when it fades away.