People In Ohio Are Eating Cicadas – But It’s On Accident

Watch Your Mouth at Kings Island — Cicadas Are Along for the Ride

Visitors at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, are getting more than just thrills on the roller coasters this summer. The emergence of Brood 14 cicadas has added some unexpected buzz to the experience—literally. The loud, winged insects are swarming trees and occasionally joining riders mid-ride, prompting experts to offer one key piece of advice: keep your mouth closed.

A Buggy Blast from the Past

Brood 14 is no stranger to the region. In fact, this group of periodical cicadas has been showing up every 17 years, dating back to 1634. Dr. Gene Kritsky, a cicada expert from Mount St. Joseph University, said, “There’s some real American history with this brood. It’s been recorded since the days of the pilgrims.”

While cicadas typically emerge in unison, this year’s appearance has varied by location. “They’ve been a little late in some places,” Kritsky noted. “Batavia just saw a wave of them last week, but they were already out two weeks ago in Loveland.”

Social Media Swarms with Cicada Sightings

TikTok has been buzzing with videos of guests sharing their cicada encounters at Kings Island. One video features Butler County mom Hope Daniels and her 6-year-old son, Oliver. As they entered the park, a cicada landed on Oliver’s shirt.

“He loves bugs, but something about the cicadas just freaks him out,” Daniels said. “Maybe it’s the noise or the legs.”

Despite the surprise guests, many parkgoers are leaning into the experience with humor and acceptance. “We’re starting to make them our friends,” Daniels joked. “We’re riding coasters with them. Hopefully, people start embracing them instead of being scared.”

Keep Calm and Keep Your Mouth Shut

Dr. Kritsky offered a light-hearted but useful reminder for guests planning a trip in the coming weeks: “Just enjoy the cicadas—and when you’re on the ride, keep your mouth closed.”

Daniels said her son took that advice seriously. “Right before our first ride, he told all of us to keep our mouths shut,” she laughed. “He was so proud afterward because he didn’t scream once.”

The cicadas are expected to stick around for a few more weeks, so if you're heading to Kings Island, be ready for some high-pitched company—and maybe bring a pair of sunglasses and a closed-mouth scream.

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