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Cicadas, Snakes, and Rats, Oh My!
A fast food feast
Rats and snakes are finding a veritable feast with the emergence of the Brood X cicadas in Maryland.
Not only are the protein-packed cicadas yummy as a delicacy for humans, but rats and snakes are coming out to enjoy the delicious arthropods. In June 2004 Montgomery County Maryland health inspectors received at least 436 complaints about rats as compared to the 60 they received the year before. And in 2019 there were only 31 complaints. However, with the emergence of the 17-year Brood X cicadas, officials expect that number to go up significantly.
In a press release sent out by Montgomery County health officials, they are encouraging residents to take steps to stave off a rat population boom by not providing additional food sources and hiding places for rats. Some suggestions are as follows:
- Do not put food out for stray animals, use a catch-tray under bird feeders and keep all pet food indoors and in tightly sealed containers.
- Get rid of clutter on your property. Clutter can provide places for rats to hide, sleep, nest, and reproduce. Control weeds and shrubs so that rats cannot borrow under bushes and plants.
- Manage your garbage by bringing garbage cans and bags to the curb as close to pick up as possible. Leaving them out…
