Georgia
Trillions of Cicadas will ascend onto Georgia in the coming weeks. Here's why this time is different
Cicada-geddon to hit Georgia soon
This year is special because the Great Southern Brood is popping up at the same time as the Northern Illinois Brood. It’s the first time they’ve coincided since 1803, and biologists say that won’t happen again until 2245.
Soon, trillions of periodic cicadas will ascent from Georgia’s dirt for the first time since 2011.
The insects’ deafening mating call has become music the Dr. Nancy Hinkle’s ears. She’s an entomology professor at the University of Georgia.
“This is the emergence of the 13-year cicada called the Great Southern Brood,” Hinkle said. “It’s a novelty. It’s a great excuse to take your grandkids to the mountains, look for periodical cicadas, and explain the life cycles to them.”
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Hinkle said they’ve spent the last decade underground, patiently waiting for the ground to get to a perfect 64 degrees this year.
“These cicadas will emerge only where their parents were 13 years ago,” she said.
This year is special because the Great Southern Brood is popping up at the same time as the Northern Illinois Brood.
It’s the first time they’ve coincided since 1803, and biologists say that won’t happen again until 2245.
While Metro Atlanta won’t get a double dose of the screaming critters like parts of the Midwest, Hinkle says the next few weeks will be prime for cicada eavesdropping in North Georgia.
“Particularly the very western, very northwestern part of the state,” she said. “That’s where we found some of the largest numbers 13 years ago in the emerged.”
It’s tough to say how many cicadas will make their voices heard across the south, but some estimates are in the quadrillions.
Hinkle expects them to go back underground by late June.
ATLANTA, Ga. — Positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus have been found in Fulton County, according to the Board of Health.
Officials say the samples came from the Grant Park area and that infected mosquitoes are suspected to be present in the city of Atlanta.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report this year’s West Nile infections are the highest since 2004. The disease has been transmitted by mosquitoes, with reported cases in 23 states. Most of the reported cases are considered severe.
Health officials suggest using an insect repellent registered with the EPA. Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing is also recommended.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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It can be hard to find a truly unique experience for your next vacation. That’s where Travel + Leisure comes in.
Back in May, members of the publication’s team created a list in celebration of America’s 250th Fourth of July, highlighting a unique experience in each state “from hidden gems to iconic highlights and editor-approved favorites.”
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Most unique experience in Georgia
The Georgia spot highlighted was the World of Quercus. Here’s what writer Lydia Mansel said about it:
“The 3,800-acre property, dotted with pecan groves and cabins, isn’t your run-of-the-mill retreat. Guests are encouraged to roam the land by golf cart or on foot, visit the biodynamic vegetable garden, fish the Flint River, and connect with the ranch’s horses. Owned by Chiara Visconti di Modrone and her husband Angelos Pervanas, Quercus is a place where relaxation comes in many forms—and you can design your experience to fit your pace and preferences.”
Where is Quercus?
Quercus is in Gay at 208 Caldwell St. It’s about 30 miles east of LaGrange and over 50 miles south of Atlanta.
How much is Quercus per night?
The Sylva, Ember, and Cypress cabins are $2,700 per night. The Naya cabin is $4,500 per night.
Unique experiences in the South
- Alabama: Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
- Florida: Greater Florida Everglades
- Georgia: Quercus
- Kentucky: Kentucky African American Heritage Trail
- Louisiana: New Orleans Museum of Art
- Missouri: Anheuser-Busch Brewery
- Mississippi: Vikin’s Mississippi Delta Explorer
- North Carolina: Good Hot Fish
- South Carolina: Casual Crabbing with Tia
- Tennessee: Blackberry Farm
- Virginia: Chincoteague Island
- West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
APPLING COUNTY, Ga. (WCYB) — The co-owner of Yurezz Home Center in Greeneville has been arrested in Georgia, according to a report obtained by News 5.
Earlier this week, News 5 told you about the dealership in Greeneville that abruptly shut down last month.
This has left homeowners with partially built homes and employees without jobs.
It is not yet clear why Richard Altman was taken into custody.
This is a developing story.
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