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  Trillions of bugs to invade USA
Updated 12 May 2004, 17.31
Cicada
Trillions of insects are set to invade the eastern US as they burst from the earth after 17 years underground.

The cicadas spend most of their time eating tree roots underground, but at the end of their lives all come out to mate at once, and then die.

This set of bugs is called Brood X, and scientists think it will be the biggest "insect emergence" yet.

They're harmless, but their buzzing call is set to keep Americans awake through the night for days to come.


Stinky

Scientists planning to study the bugs say there will be another problem - a bad stink after they all die!

Gardeners have also been advised to use nets to protect trees and shrubs.

The bugs will lay their eggs by cutting slits in tree bark, and these should hatch after a few days.

The young will burrow into the ground - to emerge in 2021.

The bugs are meant to be very stupid, and easy to catch - good news for people who like to eat them.

Apparently they taste like tinned asparagus, although we don't recommend you try one!

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