Lovebugs - 09/2009 - north Florida

**Rich Z** · 09-11-2009, 01:01 PM

Yeah the lovebugs are out in full force around here now. Connie and I went to the Southwood Publix yesterday and the front of the building was nearly covered with them. I had to wash off a bunch of them off of my C5Z the day before when I ran up into town to do some errands. They get baked on in the sun just driving.

Connie wanted to take her car out this weekend for a drive, but I don't think that is going to happen. I'm more worried about her paint job then I am about mine, since mine already has more rock chips then you can shake a stick at, so bug damage isn't going to matter all that much. At least not until I get a new paint job.

Anyway, just a FYI...

MRS. XTREME · 09-11-2009, 01:29 PM

OMG I freakin hate them !!!

They are attracted to the color white and I have a white Yukon !!!

They are the most annoying flying, humpinh bugs ever !!!

INFO FOUND ONLINE:
Attractants. Lovebugs are attracted to diesel and gasoline exhaust fumes. Hot engines and the vibrations of automobiles apparently contribute to the attraction of lovebugs to highways.

Active times. Lovebugs are usually active between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., in temperatures above 84°F.

Mating season. Each generation lasts about four weeks in May and September. Typically there are two main generations during this time, but the insects can be seen throughout the summer.

Problems. Large numbers of lovebugs can reduce visibility, etch automobile paint, and cause liquid-cooled engines to overheat.

Mongoose · 09-11-2009, 03:15 PM

I found at the shop that using fabric softener in a bucket of water is he best way to get them off the paint.

jcb_njb · 09-11-2009, 03:27 PM

I drove through Souther AL. on US231 to pick up I10 then over to I75 on Saturday. The front of the car was covered

. Finally ran out of them east of Tallahassee. I live on the east coast and hardly see a love bug any more. I learned my lesson. Stay away from the pan handle in September.