The dawn of another cycle of the cicada is about to descend upon America, which means that millions of Americans are readying themselves for what should be a historic bout of the cyclical flying insect species that emerge from the soil in 13-and-17-year increments.
This summer is one of those intervals, with both cycles lining up for the first time in two centuries, which means that Americans from sea to shining sea are digging into the internet’s best news sources to dig up as much information about the insects as possible.
In late May and into June, periodical cicadas will emerge from under the ground in parts of the United States. This year, for the first time in 200 years, two different broods with 13-year and 17-year life cycles are emerging at once – meaning, a lot of cicadas. As a significant ecological event, BetCarolina.com took a quick break from our normal North Carolina sports betting coverage to see what states are most alert for the impending cicada emergence.
States Most Alert for Cicadas
Rank | State | Search Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
1 | Missouri | 100 |
2 | Tennessee | 85 |
3 | Illinois | 55 |
4 | Alabama | 51 |
5 | South Carolina | 27 |
6 | North Carolina | 25 |
7 | Arkansas | 18 |
8 | Kentucky | 17 |
9 | Virginia | 15 |
10 | Mississippi | 14 |
Note: The search period was a 24-hour search done on May 13, 2024.
NC Ranks High for Cicada Interest
Across America, few states have more of an interest in cicada information online as the Tar Heel State, with North Carolina’s search interest score of 25 ranking sixth nationally, ahead of Arkansas (18 search interest score) and behind South Carolina (27 search interest score).
North Carolina’s total fell well short of the leaders in cicada interest nationally, however, with Missouri (100 search interest score), Tennessee (85 search interest score) and Illinois (55 search interest score) leading the way, followed by Alabama (51 search interest score) and South Carolina (27 search interest score). It appears the Tar Heel State is more interested in North Carolina sportsbook promos than the creepy bugs.
Rounding out the U.S. cicada search interest list were Arkansas (18 search interest score) and Virginia (15 search interest score), with Mississippi finishing off the top 10 with a search interest score of all things cicada of 14.
Later this summer when the pests from the dirt return to the state after a long siesta, it’s worth remembering for North Carolina residents that their interest in finding out more about their temporary guests is not without merit, given how much Americans from sea to shining sea are digging into the web to find out about the rare insect species at the moment.
Author
Christopher Boan is a lead writer at BetCarolina.com specializing in covering state issues. He has covered sports and sports betting in Arizona for more than seven years, including stops at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly and the Green Valley News.
