For the first time since 1803, cicada broods XVII and XIII will co-emerge. Brood XVII only emerges every seventeen years, and brood XIII only emerges every thirteen. For the first time in 221 years, both groups will come up out of the ground during the same year.

   2024 will have an unusually loud buzz this summer. As the temperature keeps rising, the cicadas are starting to feel more comfortable coming up to the surface and aerating lawns in their path.

   “They’ve said this is the most bugs most kids will see in their life,” said Charles Barlowe, senior.

   Trillions of cicadas are predicted to show their face this summer, spanning from Maryland to Oklahoma, and Illinois to Alabama. There have already been sightings in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois.

   “I have a bunch at my house,” said Kayliee Scott, freshman.

   But what are they doing during their stay with us? What should we do to prepare? Well, while these cicadas are significantly larger than the average housefly, (most are about one to two inches) they hold no threat to our environment. They are completely harmless to people, plants, and animals. As for their benefits, they prune mature trees, aerate the soil, and once they die, their bodies serve as an important source of nitrogen for growing trees.

   But they are clumsy fliers. With roughly 65 billion coming to each of the Midwestern states, Rockford residents are bound to have a few crash into them when they’re out walking, camping, fishing, or doing any sort of outdoor activity this summer.

   “This summer is going to be a loud one,” said Christy Fuller, sophomore.