cicada NOISE

I thought they wouldn't bug me (haha) but honestly the droning, calling, whining, screaming cicadas are starting to get on my nerves. Can hear them very well from inside the house, all day long. Earplugs help inside (but then I can't hear my kids speaking to me) but don't muffle the sound if I'm outdoors.

I haven't spent any time relaxed just sitting by the garden like I used to, because after a while start to feel like I can't think, or on the verge of a headache. Unless it's a warm night. Then I sometimes sit out there for five, ten minutes and listen to the tree frogs, much calmer and more melodic!

My lame strategy of just knocking cicadas off the younger shrubs once or twice daily seems to be working? at least, I don't see as many on those plants, and some- the oakleaf hydrangea and rose of sharons- often have none at all perched now.

Their huge numbers are astonishing and amazing, but I will be glad when the next generation goes underground and it's quieter again!