Since last week, sightings in the Asheville, North Carolina, area have risen from 140 to 739, according to Kristsky's group, Cicada Safari, which crowdsources and reviews data on the insects.
Here’s what you need to know about Brood XIV, including whether cicadas will buzz in your area this year.
So far, most of the cicadas added to this year’s Cicada Safari map are in western North Carolina, southern Kentucky and parts of Tennessee.
As of May 9, cicadas have been reported in the following areas:
To keep track of cicada sightings, download the Cicada Safari mobile app, visit www.cicadamap.msj.edu or Download USA TODAY's app to get to the heart of news US Mint says it has stamped its last penny, a historic end for a humble coin Is Starbucks restocking the 'Bearista' cups? Disappointed fans say they should. Sgt. Bo, who comforted students after deadly shooting, wins Hero Dog Awards 2025 Who is Peg Munson? What to know about 'The Golden Bachelor' finalist in Mel's season 'Wicked' franchise inspires magical collabs, tons of products fans can buy
Kritsky said people worried about their gardens should not fret. Cicadas don’t eat, they drink, he said.
They initially feed on grass roots and then later puncture the xylem tissue that carries water to tree leaves.
If anything, the only damage cicadas cause is when females lay eggs at the ends of branches, sometimes breaking branches and turning the leaves brown.
“However, that doesn't kill the tree,” he said. “It actually can be possibly beneficial because it‘s like a natural pruning. ... The flower next year will be even larger.”
Kritsky collects data on cicadas via his Cicada Safari app and website. He encourages parents and guardians to talk to their children about cicadas and try out some of the activities he has listed on his website.
Cicada enthusiasts can even talk to their parents and grandparents about cicadas that have emerged over the past few decades.
“If you're lucky enough to live in an area where the cicadas are and you’ve got kids, take them outside during the night,” he said. “Let them see this. This is a once-in-a-generation activity. They'll never forget it.”
This map shows roughly where Brood XIV is expected to make an appearance this spring, however, experts say it can be tricky to know exactly which counties will have confirmed sightings.