Nearly a trillion cicadas are expected to emerge from underground in the United States later this month.

This massive cicada event is a phenomenon that only happens every 221 years. The cause is two different broods of cicadas emerging simultaneously. The emergence will happen in late April and extend through May, lasting around six weeks.

These cicadas will impact areas of the Southeast and Midwest of the United States. Researchers from the University of Connecticut predict the highest probability of this double brood emergence will be in Springfield, Illinois. Yep, just 45 miles south of us here in Bloomington-Normal.

The last time these two broods of cicadas emerged together Thomas Jefferson was still President in 1803.

Scientists say there is no danger to the public from these cicadas since they do not bite, sting or cause any surface damage. The only thing is putting up with their relentless mating song that creates the loud buzzing sound.

By: Buck Stevens