Love bugs are returning to Florida. Here’s what you need to know.
The insect, formally known as Plecia nearctica, are small black flies with a red thorax, according to a report from the University of Florida. They are most often seen flying about connected to one another as they procreate.
Adult males typically live around two to three days, while females can live for as long as a week. Their larvae feed on decayed plants in moist and damp areas or pastures under cow manure, according to a UF report.
Most people generally know them for the inconvenient splatter they produce on the hoods and windshields of vehicles. The UF report says that some of the species are attracted to the heat created by exhaust fumes along Florida’s highways.
In addition to muddying motorists’ visibility, their acidic bodies are known for ruining car paint. Mainly if they’re left out in the sun, stuck to the vehicles, for hours, according to Caliber Car Wash. They also seem more attracted to lighter-colored spaces, especially if they’ve been freshly painted, according to the UF report.
In more extreme cases, the bugs can cause buildup in the grill of a car, causing it to overheat.
In the unfortunate event that one, or a thousand, of these delightful creatures cover your vehicle, it’s recommended to soak the area for five minutes and scrub within 15-20 minutes to enhance the chances of not ruining the vehicle’s paint job, the UF report says.
The insects normally have two mating seasons each year causing headaches for Florida’s motorists. The first runs from April-May and the second from August-September.
