After 17 years of underground feasting, ugly, noisy insects called cicadas invade the East Coast. This spring they’re coming back and they will rule the air in swarms by the billions.

The group expected this spring, known as Brood II, is the offspring of cicadas last seen in 1996. In 1996, the cicadas, scientifically referred to as Magicicada Septendecim, laid their eggs in the ground and eventually died after their four to five week above-ground reign.

Out of sight out of mind, right? Wrong! For almost two decades, the offspring have been eating up roots and growing out of their juvenile period for their raid. Once they burrow out, they find mates and lay eggs and the cycle starts all over again. Scientists are impressed by their fascinating life cycle.

Cicadas are relatively harmless to you and your plants and the fact that they only come out every 17 years makes it rare that we would see them in action. Then why are they so hated among the community?

One reason is that they’re ugly. When it comes to insects, the old phrase don’t judge a book by its cover doesn’t apply. Their wide red beady eyes intimidate people, but they don’t sting or bite. They’re just benign little bugs. What they’re most famous for is their songs. While males try to attract a mate they make acoustic signals with a structure on their abdomen called tymbals. People tend to become annoyed by their belly songs. The females don’t have tymbals, but make a clapping sound with their wings. These combined sounds will drain the thoughts out of your head. Cicadas have always had a bad reputation for their noise, but after all that time in the ground wouldn’t you have something to sing about, too?

There is one group of people who have always loved cicadas, but not in the way you think. Some foodies have commended cicadas for their “nutty-flavor” and their excess in protein, fat and sugar that the body stores for energy. There have been many creative food choices with the cicadas ranging from pizza toppings, taco sides, or just served like a shrimp cocktail. How would you like the tasty insects like these floating in your Jell-O or baked into your cookies?

Whether you’re enjoying their horrible hullabaloo or getting their wings stuck in your teeth, cicadas are going to be a big part of this spring.