So we’ve recently been hit with the bad news that Cicadas are on the return in southern Ohio this summer. Not exactly what you have envisioned for your outdoor wedding or event, but breathe easy– it’s not as bad as it seems.

1. They won’t necessarily be at your event location. Some areas will be heavily infested and others will have next to nothing. Cicadas love trees, so if you’re in the middle of a wide open park or at a golf course/country club, you’ll probably have far fewer than if you are at a more wooded location.

2. They don’t last forever. They’ll show up in early May and be gone by the end of June. They are usually around for a total of six weeks.

3. They are harmless. Yes they’re ugly and loud (but not so loud to drown out your DJ or Band), but they don’t sting or bite. They are clumsy fliers and might fall out of a tree and land on a guest, but that’s the worst that will happen.

4. They aren’t interested in our food. It’s still wise to keep your food inside or at least under a tent, for the same reason listed above– they might fall out of a tree into something, and that’s certainly not what you want to serve your guests. Your caterer should also have some ideas on how to make sure the cuisine stays cicada-free.

So in short, yes they’re annoying but they certainly won’t ruin anything. If nothing else, they’ll make your event even more memorable!