Union County residents calling 911 from emerging cicadas sounding like alarms

MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The cicada boom of 2024 has reached Union County.

County officials say the noisy insect broods have led to several residents calling 911.

“As cicadas emerge, some have likened the sound to an alarm. … Please refrain from dialing 911 if you believe the noise you are hearing is cicadas,” the county said.

‘Cicada-geddon’: Carolinas among states to soon be bombarded with cicadas

Scientists were anticipating trillions of cicadas to emerge from underground. First, the Brood XIX is emerging. Considered the largest periodical cicada group, they emerge every 13 years. As that group disappears, another group, Brood XIII, will emerge. This group resurfaces every 17 years.

The distinctive buzzing the insects are known for is the males “singing” for a partner, N.C. State University professor Clyde Sorenson told Queen City News.

Many 911 calls also were reported last week in Newberry, South Carolina.

Union County officials ask to leave the emergency lines available for “genuine emergencies” requiring immediate attention.

“If you are wondering if the noise you hear is the same, please call the non-emergency number at 704-289-1591.”

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