The Humane Society is warning pet owners that cicadas emerging across the eastern United States this spring could look like "a yard full of chicken nuggets" to cats and dogs.

CICADAS How Cicadas Work Would You Eat A Cicada? Cicada Mania Cicada Facts Cicada FAQ Broods emerge every 17 or 13 years Mating song can reach 120 decibels Eat sap; do not sting or bite Expected this summer from Ga. to Tenn., in Ohio Valley and Mich., east into N.J. and N.Y.

The insects are full of protein, but their hard outer shells can cause vomiting and constipation in pets.

The vice president of the Humane Society called the one-and-a-half-inch bugs "flying pet toys." They're loud, slow-moving and often low-flying.

The Humane Society advises keeping pets indoors, securing screens and holding tight to dog leashes.

Millions of the large, red-eyed insects emerge from the ground once every 17 years for a mating season that lasts well into June. They do not bite or sting, but their mating call can reach a painful 120 decibels.