Surely you have heard Cicadas singing in your backyard. The loud screeching sound is actually a mating call from male cicadas. They are not harmful to humans or pets. Cicadas in Texas live 3 to 5 weeks above ground. They spend most of their life underground as nymphs. They can stay underground for 13-17 years. In Chinese culture, cicadas are a symbol of rebirth. I’ve always found them to be very interesting creatures.