ASHEBORO, N.C. — Overnight, parts of the Triad became overwhelmed with insects.
A buzzing noise fills the skies Thursday night, and the swarm of cicadas isn't hard to find in Asheboro.
Cicadas are not hard to find here in Asheboro.
Although they are creepy-looking bugs, they are not going to hurt you.
Hunter Crutchfield, a resident of Asheboro, said there is a constant buzzing noise in the neighborhood. You can hear the cicadas making their way out of the ground.
Thursday night was the first time Crutchfield noticed them in his yard.
“Initially, they’re pretty creepy, especially with how many we found tonight just looking over the trees and everything, but being big into anything like that, I think they’re pretty cool. I think it’s a pretty big event, a pretty historic event. So it’s pretty cool to actually get to experience it and see it and just see what’s gonna come from it, I guess,” he said.
What’s extra cool about Crutchfield's yard full of cicadas is that he is actually into macro photography — it’s a hobby for him.
"It’s just a unique opportunity; anything like that I do enjoy going out and taking pictures of. They’re pretty unique, especially with this event, so I think it could lead to some pretty cool pictures," he shared.
Meanwhile, another resident, Randy Cross, said the cicadas bring him back to his childhood. The last time a bug like this emerged historically was in 2015. However, before that, there was an emergence in 1998—one he said he remembers. What he loves most is the sound they make.
“It was a nighttime roar every evening. It was quite peaceful; you could probably compare it to a thunderstorm that you’re going to sleep in,” Cross said.
He also mentions the environmental benefits of these cicadas, as they will become a food source for several animals higher on the food chain.
“I think they’re great for the habitat. Actually, you know, there’s snakes and different animals that feed them, so I think it could be beneficial,” Cross added.
Again, the cicadas are not harmful to you, your lawn, or your pets. The only thing you may have to watch out for are newly planted trees. In that case, it’s best to cover them up.