South-Carolina

Cicada ‘roar’: Concerned SC residents call police. What to know about cicada emergence.

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2024

Cicada ‘roar’: Concerned SC residents call police. What to know about cicada emergence.

Last week, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was swarmed by phone calls from local residents who were concerned about a particular sound they were hearing outdoors.

“We had several calls about a noise in the air that sounds like a siren, or a whine, or a roar,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.

So, what exactly was all the buzz about?

“The sound is cicadas,” the post said. “Cicadas are a super family of insects that appear each spring. The nymphs have lived underground for 13-17 years and now this time they are hatching.”

Brood XIX cicadas may be on the rise in the Upstate, but the sheriff’s office has assured residents that the insects are just a nuisance ― not a threat.

“Although to some the noise is annoying, they pose no danger to humans or pets. Unfortunately it is the sounds of nature.” the post said.

What are cicadas, and what do they look like?

According to Clemson University, cicadas are thick-bodied, plant-feeding insects that can be found clinging to trees and vegetation. They measure 1-2 inches long and have compound eyes in shades of black and red, although some may emerge with blue or white eyes. Having two eyes is better than one, but cicadas are lucky enough to have three called the ocelli, which are located in the middle of their head. The wings of the insects are thick with prominent veins, and their antennae are small.

Cicadas are known for their loud, shrill noise and exoskeletons (discarded shells). Along with hemipterans like leafhoppers and spittlebugs, cicadas belong to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Their presence can be found worldwide. In the U.S., they live in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

Annual cicadas and periodical cicadas are oftentimes confused with one another. In South Carolina, annual cicadas, which are black and green, can be heard every year during the summer. Periodical cicadas are smaller at 1.5 inches. They are black with red eyes and orange veins within their wings, only emerging every 13-17 years. Broods XIX are periodical cicadas.

“People hear the annual cicadas every year,” said Eric Benson, Clemson University’s extension entomologist. “In the summertime when it’s hot, dog day cicadas can be heard. In the late afternoon or evening, you’ll hear that whining in the trees. Those are the cicadas, the males calling to the females. But you know, that may be tens of hundreds (of cicadas), not tens of thousands or millions. It’s just the sheer number that makes them so loud.”

How do cicadas produce their sound?

There are over 3,000 cicada species, each one having a distinct sound, according to Britannica. Males are the only cicadas to produce the sound, which is used to establish authority and attract females into mating. Prior to copulation, a courting call is also produced. Another use of sound is to deter predators. Periodical cicadas are louder than annual cicadas due to their large numbers.

The tymbal organ is a part of the cicada anatomy that is distinct from other insects, each male possessing a pair of the circular, ridged members on the back and side surface of the first abdominal segment, according to Britannica. When the tymbal muscle attached to the membrane is contracted, it bends, making a clicking sound. As the muscle relaxes, the tymbal goes back into place. The contractions are rapid in succession, moving 120-480 times a second and creating a sound that seems continuous to the human ear. The sound is amplified by air sacs containing resonant frequencies similar to the tymbal vibration frequencies. This is why cicadas sound like they are buzzing.

Are cicadas harmful to humans or pets?

Cicadas are not harmful to humans or pets and do not sting or bite, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Although they are not a threat to pets, cats or dogs that consume too many of the tiny creatures may come down with a temporary upset stomach, which may lead to vomiting.

But if you see a cicada, don’t squash it ― these buzzing bugs have environmental benefits:

∎ They are a food source for birds and other predators.

∎ They can aerate lawns and improve water filtration into the ground.

∎ When they decompose, they add nutrients to the soil.

When will the cicadas die off?

Once male and female cicadas have mated and the female has laid its eggs, USA TODAY reports the insects will die after spending only five weeks above ground, according to National Geographic. In other cases, adult periodical cicadas live for just three or four weeks, according to Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Dec. 21, 2025

Published

35 minutes ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

South Carolina Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for Dec. 21, 2025

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 21, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Evening: 7-2-5, FB: 4

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Evening: 3-7-0-4, FB: 4

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

Evening: 14

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 21 drawing

08-15-23-27-33

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.

Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South-Carolina

Former Pa. high school football star, record-setting college QB dies at 52

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Former Pa. high school football star, record-setting college QB dies at 52

Former Altoona Area High School multi-sport star Steve Taneyhill died this past week after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.

Taneyhill went on to attend the University of South Carolina and played quarterback for the Gamecocks following his impressive high school career.

South Carolina announced Taneyhill’s death Monday morning.

“Gamecock Nation mourns the loss of Steve Taneyhill, a pillar of Gamecock history,” South Carolina posted on X. “Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Steve.”

Taneyhill played for the Gamecocks from 1992-95, setting numerous school records during that time.

He finished his college career with 8,782 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006.

Steve Taneyhill was named the Freshman of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 1992.

In 1994, he led South Carolina to its first bowl win in program history as the Gamecocks beat West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl.

Taneyhill led South Carolina in passing all four of his college football seasons. He finished his college career with eight 300-yard passing games, including six during his senior year.

Following his playing career, Taneyhill was a successful high school football coach at both Chesterfield High School and Union High School in South Carolina.

Gamecocks fans took to X and shared memories of Taneyhill following his death.

“Gamecock Football wasn’t cool when they entered the SEC. But, Steve Taneyhill made it ok to feel like they belonged,” one fan said. “He was a great, honest guy. Thank you, Steve. Thanks so much, man.”

Former South Carolina assistant coach Justin Stepp added: “Absolutely loved Steve Taneyhill! Was an incredible player and even better person! Praying for his family & those that were close with him!”

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South-Carolina

South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 20, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Midday: 3-9-7, FB: 7

Evening: 5-9-6, FB: 9

Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Midday: 4-8-4-2, FB: 7

Evening: 6-7-5-5, FB: 9

Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

Midday: 02

Evening: 08

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

05-08-11-17-26

Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing

05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:

SC Education Lottery

P.O. Box 11039

Columbia, SC 29211-1039

Columbia Claims Center

1303 Assembly Street

Columbia, SC 29201

Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.

When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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