Overview

• Brood XIV cicadas have emerged in massive numbers across 11 states, including Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, with active swarms also reported in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.
• Visitors at Kings Island near Cincinnati have shared videos showing cicadas covering trees and spreading across park grounds, disrupting rides and prompting staff alerts.
• In Blue Ash, Ohio, a cicada flew into a driver’s open window, startling them and contributing to a vehicle rollover, although no injuries were reported.
• University of Connecticut researchers warn that while the insects pose no direct threat to humans, their egg-laying can damage young trees and shrubs, and recommend physical coverings for vulnerable plants.
• Experts say pesticides are ineffective against such overwhelming numbers, so authorities advise simple precautions and encourage people to appreciate the rare natural event.