This Year's Cicadas Are Relentless! Cicada Avoidance + Summer Heat Survival Guide

This Year's Cicadas Are Relentless! Cicada Avoidance + Summer Heat Survival Guide

As summer arrives, many people grow restless with the rising temperatures. This year might be particularly frustrating as the eastern U.S. faces a once-in-17-years cicada invasion!

The 17-Year Cicada Invasion in Eastern U.S.

Experts predict over 1 billion North American periodical cicadas (Magicicada) will emerge this year. Having lived 8 feet underground for 17 years, they'll tunnel to the surface when soil temperatures reach 18°C (64°F). Their above-ground lifespan lasts just 4-6 weeks - enough time to mate and lay eggs before dying, completing their remarkable 17-year cycle.

From late May, nearly the entire eastern U.S. will witness this natural phenomenon. While these cicadas don't harm humans or crops like locust swarms, the males' mating calls can reach 90 decibels (as loud as a lawnmower), and their sheer numbers - emerging simultaneously after 17 years - can be overwhelming.

"Fighting" Cicadas with Food

How can we handle this cicada invasion? One creative solution? Eat them! Brooklyn chef Joseph Yoon recently demonstrated how to prepare 17-year cicadas in Korean-style dishes, stir-frying the nymphs with kimchi, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and brown rice.

As the ancient saying goes: "A calm heart stays cool naturally." While we can't stop the cicadas, we can adjust our habits to beat the summer heat.

Avoid Midday Outings

Summer heat accelerates metabolism, increases sweating, and drains energy. Prolonged sun exposure risks heat exhaustion. For safety:
- Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening
- Avoid 10 AM - 4 PM when UV radiation peaks

Sun Protection Essentials

While sunlight has benefits, overexposure damages skin. Key protections:
- Wear wide-brimmed hats (protects face, ears, neck)
- Use sunglasses blocking 99-100% UVA/UVB rays
- Choose loose, breathable clothing
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen before exposure
Note: Trees and umbrellas don't provide complete UV protection.

Cooling Drinks & Snacks

What beats ice cream or chilled watermelon on hot days? Try traditional Chinese sour plum drink (酸梅汤), a 3,000-year-old recipe refined in the Qing Dynasty imperial kitchens and favored by Emperor Qianlong. Its tart, refreshing flavor makes it perfect for summer.

Smart Air Conditioning Use

While AC provides instant relief, improper use can cause colds. For optimal comfort:
- Set to 26°C (79°F) - balances comfort and energy efficiency
- Direct vents upward to avoid cold drafts

Beat the heat at home: Enjoy AC-cooled comfort with snacks and great TV!

iTalkBB Chinese TV offers everything you need: classic and trending shows, dozens of live channels from China/Hong Kong/Taiwan, plus 72-hour replay functionality.

Cool down with iTalkBB's lineup: current hits like The Wings of Heroes, Wenzhou Family, The Imperial Coroner, and Keep Running Season 7 - perfect for summer entertainment!