Lovebugs 101 - Interesting Facts

Lovebug Reproduction Process.

Lovebug reproductive behavior occurs within three general activity periods during the day. The first period (8 am–2 pm) begins with the insects moving up onto the plants and feeding on nectar. Lovebug flight is initiated when the air temperature reaches about 68°F. Mating begins when swarms of 40 plus males form above the emergence sites, oscillating up and down rhythmically sometimes more than 20 feet above the ground, even on windy days. These swarms last 10 to 30 minutes and end with the males eventually landing to rest or feed. Swarming peaks at about 10-11 am and again at 6-8 pm. Individual females fly into a swarm and are grasped almost immediately by a male, after which the pair lands on vegetation to mate. Males and females often will disengage and mate a second time. Lovebugs do not fly during the night. After a pair disperses, the male dies and the female deposits as many as 600 eggs under decaying leaves or grass before also dying.

More details about the delightful Lovebug...

• Lovebugs are only active in the daylight and are much less mobile during the early and late daytime hours.

• They do not sting or bite.

• They are also known as honeymoon flies, double-headed bugs, and kissing bugs.

• The adult insects feed on plant nectar, especially sweet clover, goldenrod and Brazilian pepper.

• They are drawn to highways by hot engines, exhaust and the vibrations of vehicles.

• Heat, light-colored surfaces and other engines also attract them.

• Due to their abundance and mobility, Lovebugs cannot be controlled effectively with poisons or repellents.

• They have become less abundant over the past 30 years.

Lovebugs Vehicle Tips From Autotrader:

• Wash and wax your vehicle before lovebug season begins. Car wax adds a protective layer between your vehicle’s paint and the acid from the Lovebug guts.

• Debris on your headlights and windshield can reduce visibility - Keep them clean!

• Remove them as quickly as possible.

• Use a pressure washer to remove the big clumps.

• Use microfiber cloths or a soft netted sponge (with some soap) to wash away the dried remains. Moistened dryer sheets help rub off the bugs from car surfaces. You can also use a clay bar, which removes baked-on bugs. Clay bar is a synthetic plastic putty that physically pulls embedded dirt out of your car’s paintwork. You’ll find these on Amazon.

• Avoid oily options like baby oil, degreaser, and cooking spray. They won’t help get rid of the Lovebugs and instead will streak your car.

• Consider fitting your vehicle’s hood with an air deflector or bug guard. It could help divert some of the flies.

• Use a bug screen or protective netting across the front end of your car to keep Lovebugs away from the engine’s air intake. Temporary mesh netting can be found at automotive supply stores and is simple to install

• You might want to consider a ceramic coating or other car protection film for your vehicle.

• If you don’t remove the bug masses after a period of time, your car’s finish could end up stained or otherwise harmed.

• If you wonder whether car insurance will cover Lovebug paint damage, it will not. Even with full coverage, Lovebug damage is considered cosmetic. Car warranties also do not cover this type of damage.