LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — Cicadas are back in southeastern Wisconsin. The 13- and 17-year cicadas have emerged from the ground for the first time together in 221 years.
Many are making a home in Terrie Mess’ front yard in south Lake Geneva.
“I knew they were coming, and I’ve been watching for them,” Mess said. “They come up out of the ground in those holes you’ll see everywhere, and they’re called chimneys. My friend told me that. They dry their wings, and they crawl up into the trees and the females scratch at the base of the leaves and they lay eggs.”
She’s no stranger to the red-eyed bugs. Mess said she remembers them when her children were little.
“I called them, and I said they’re back and they’re like no, I remember that as a kid,” Mess said. “The crunching and the noise.”
While the spectacle doesn’t last long, she said she is appreciating it while it’s here.
“I was a teacher for many years, and I always said being scientific is terrific,” Mess said. “I really like being outside and seeing this phenomenon.”
The cicadas are known for the loud noise they make. While their song hasn’t started quite yet, the music will start soon.
