Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 10:23     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Cicadas are amazing, although I understand the sheer numbers can be anxiety inducing. Let them live, be thrilled you are privy to this exclusive event.

Also the latest I've heard on the news was that they're only expected to be around for 2-3 weeks this year (not 6-8) once they emerge. (Mind you it was local Fox News, so who knows if that's true. )
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:32     Subject: Re:What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Anonymous wrote:Get a Xanax prescription and chill out. Your four year old will love collecting shells if you just let him be a kid for awhile. They are completely harmless.


Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:31     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Anonymous wrote:Fellow bug-phobe. I plan to stay inside for the 6-8 weeks they’ll be around. If I could leave town, I would, but my kids are doing in-person school and it’s just not realistic. I’ve dreaded this ever since I heard about it. It’s my worst nightmare come to life. Ugh.


How do you ever leave the house in the summer? I mean wtf is a "bug-a-phobe"? I get that some insects or spiders are creepy, but these are not them. It's like comparing a grizzly bear (yes be scared of those) to a panda (no, they are dumb and lovable). Cicadas are the pandas of the insect world.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:22     Subject: Re:What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Get a Xanax prescription and chill out. Your four year old will love collecting shells if you just let him be a kid for awhile. They are completely harmless.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:21     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Most importantly, don’t freak out in front of you 4yo who will think they are cool. No need to teach her the phobia.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:20     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
They don’t bite. They fly slowly. They are oblivious.

They are like dopey, colorful moths.

Don’t unnecessarily build up your anxiety.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 09:10     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
The last time they came through the area, DH lived in Ballston on a high-up floor. He had to shovel them off of his balcony.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:46     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Go to Ocean City or Rehobeth
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:46     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Fellow bug-phobe. I plan to stay inside for the 6-8 weeks they’ll be around. If I could leave town, I would, but my kids are doing in-person school and it’s just not realistic. I’ve dreaded this ever since I heard about it. It’s my worst nightmare come to life. Ugh.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:44     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Seriously? Grow up! They are harmless.

I can't deal with people who are scared of things that can't hurt you.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:42     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?

It depends where you live, OP. 17 years ago I lived in downtown Silver Spring and didn't notice many.

Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:39     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
Run. Hide. Fight.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 08:39     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
They will be everywhere. You won’t be able to avoid them. They are in cities too. It will be exposure therapy for your bug phobia.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 06:57     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
They are totally harmless but yes they will be everywhere for a few weeks. They like trees a lot so parks without them may be a bit better but they do fly everywhere...
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 06:53     Subject: What should I do to avoid these cicadas?
I have a 4yo. Do we need to stop visiting parks for a while? I am very bug-phobic. Last time I was in an unaffected area.