Frustrated by Stink Bugs and Cicadas? You’re Not Alone

Has all the news lately about creepy crawlies set to invade our region this spring and summer getting you down?

This week, Columbia Patch reported that stinkbugs are beginning to wake up from their annual hibernation, triggering scorn and complaints from across the region.

“Flushed one last night,” wrote Paula M Sortino  on the Columbia Patch Facebook page. “Gave me great pleasure watching it swirl to its demise.”

Looking for solutions? Check out 10 Ways to Fend Off Stink Bugs on Columbia Patch.

Readers on Ellicott City Patch’s Facebook page engaged in a hopeful discussion that perhaps all the expected cicadas that are due to invade the region will eat all the stinkbugs.

“Gosh, that would be nice, but since cicadas are herbivores, I wouldn't hold your breath,” wrote Karla George Parker on the Ellicott City Patch Facebook page.

Earlier this month, Westminster Patch reported that Marylanders can expect to see Magicicada Brood II cicadas starting in May and June, a sight not seen for 17 years. 

Periodical cicadas can reach population densities as high as 1.5 million per acre. Densities of tens to hundreds of thousands per acre are more common, according to magicicada.org. 

“The cicadas … are just too much - they creep me out!” wrote Carrie Loughry on the Elkridge Patch Facebook page.

Another Elkridge Patch reader shared her dread:

“My 4-year-old son doesn't care for bugs much,” wrote Angela Katenkamp Shiplet. “I'm afraid that he will want to stay inside all summer. Or he'll insist on me getting all of them away, which will probably be an impossible task.”

Even , joined the chorus talking about the bugs, though her gripe was with all the, you know, talking about the bugs.

“I don't know whether it's a light news cycle, or analytical research shows that bug stories get tremendous ratings and build audiences, or what the reasons are for this journalistic love affair this spring with all things cicada,” she wrote. “I'm amazed—and I'll also admit a little bit embarrassed—by the attention my online, print and broadcast colleagues are giving to this year's brood of cicadas.”

Tell us in comments: Are you freaked out by all these summer bugs? Or are you sick of the topic already?

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