‘Cicadapocalypse’ nears its end in Mid-Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

You’ve seen them in the trees and flying throughout the air -- those clumsy, black insects with large wings and big, red eyes.

Some are calling it the "Cicadapocalypse."

It's been about four weeks since cicadas made their first appearance in 13 years. With around two weeks left in their time above ground, many people tell ABC 17 they’re ready to see them go.

"This might be the worst, you can't even get out of the car without them hitting you in the face," said Kaniya Wilson, a Columbia resident.

Another Columbia resident, Cruise Underwood said the cicada song is effecting his sleep schedule.

"I cant get any sleep, throughout the summer it's just been hard with all the noise," Underwood said.

As the cicadas begin to die off and exit, Tamra Reall -- entomologist and horticulture field specialist with the University of Missouri -- said the environment will benefit from decomposition.

"As the adults die, they will decompose pretty quickly," Reall said. "There's still a lot of animals that will eat them. You'll see a lot of ants that are helping with that decomposition process. It is valuable to the environment because this is nature's way of recycling nutrients."

Reall added that whether you love them or hate them, she hopes this cicada season can be a unique opportunity for people to appreciate insects more.

"I would love to encourage people to still get out and see the cicadas," Recall said. "This is something that only happens every 13 years here in Missouri with this brood ... they're kind of a gateway insect to have people start to appreciate insects because they are large enough that you can actually see them, and they have a really interesting life cycle."