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Those Pesky Love Bugs – Even Making The Power Blink?
September 9, 2013
Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported a blinking problem in the Pace and Quintette areas on Sunday afternoon from a seemingly unlikely source — love bugs.
“Clusters of love bugs are believed to be causing this issue,” the electric utility reported in a statement on their Facebook page.
Here are some love bug facts, from the University of Florida:
- Origins. Contrary to popular belief, the University of Florida did not introduce the love bug to the state. During the 20th century, lovebugs migrated from Central America, traveling through Texas and Louisiana before arriving in Florida.
- Attractants. Lovebugs are attracted to decomposing plant debris, but may confuse these odors with chemicals in exhaust fumes. Heat also attracts lovebugs. Both of these factors can lead them to congregate around highways.
- Active times. Lovebugs are usually active between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., in temperatures above 84°F.
- Mating season. Mating peaks and lasts about four weeks in May and September. Typically, two main generations occur during this time, but the insects can be seen throughout the summer.
- Problems. Lovebugs are mainly a nuisance. They do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases and are not poisonous. They can damage automobile paint if they are “baked” in the sun.
- Solutions. After a lovebug-filled drive, wash your car with water and scrub it to remove the lovebugs. A hood air deflector or screen will reduce the number of spattered lovebugs on your car. Using car wax will protect an automobile’s paint.
- Pesticides. Chemical controls are ineffective, as the lovebug is widespread and continually drifts onto highways from adjacent areas.
Comments
7 Responses to “Those Pesky Love Bugs – Even Making The Power Blink?”
I have been love bugged enough this year!
Oh, for a very hefty cold front.
The love bugs are my fault. I washed my truck this weekend
…and, as bikers and joggers can attest, they taste awful! =o)
Pam works really well putting it on the front of your vehicle!
Love bugs signal the change of a season. From Hot to cold or cold to hot. The more you see the more drastic the change and more long lasting the change. So I say “bring on the cool weather”. I didn’t get this from a book or web site. Just years of observation.
Also After washing your vehicle u can rub WD40 on a rag and wipe down the front grill w it. It will help keep them off and not damage the paint job!! I HATE LOVEBUF SEASON!!