On May 22, the cicada outbreak began. It is believed that up to 1.5 million cicadas can be found per acre.

Unfortunately for Glenview, it is said that the heaviest concentration of cicadas will be in the cities with older trees along northern Illinois, which is exactly where Glenview is located. Since this period of time only comes every 17 years, there are several stages that cicadas go through to make the process as simplistic as possible.

GBS junior John Fiorentino was more than ready for the cicada outbreak. He said, “This is it, judgment day baby. I’m going all out with the fire crackers, until I’ve taken out every last one.”

The cicadas begin to form in wooded areas when the female cicadas lay eggs in tree branches. Then the eggs hatch and the nymphs, or “baby cicadas,” drop to the ground and dig 10 feet under the surface.

17 years later the cicadas emerge only when the ground reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

When asked about the cicadas, Ashley Fromm responded, “I am scared about how they all just come from the ground. I mean what if I step on one and it bites me?”

What many people do not realize is that cicadas are completely harmless. They do nothing to humans or animals.

The only small effect they have is on young trees that could be damaged by the egg-laying females. Cicadas should not be feared since they last for a period of four to six weeks.

Kyle Kaminsky, staff reporter