Updated 3/2/2022
If you have spent any extended time in Florida you are familiar with our seasonal lovebugs or Plecia Nearctica Or if you were unfortunate to visit in April/May or August/September. Twice a year we get to clean these bugs off our windshields and grills of our cars, motorcycles and boats. But what are lovebugs and are they really a laboratory accident?
Lovebugs were first reported on and recored in 1911 in and around the Louisiana area. Over the past hundred years they have migrated and are now found all around the southeast united states. In particular they are around all coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico. They are not know to carry any diseases. They also are not a threat to animal or other insects. In the larva phase they harmlessly feed off of decomposing material in the ground. Upon hatching they may immediately mate with their mature lifespan only lasting 3-4 days on average.
Lovebugs Escaped the Laboratory at UF?
This is simply not true. Some urban legends seem to last much longer than others. This one has been out for years claiming they were created to help control the mosquito population. This isn’t true. Moreover, they do not even feed when in the adult stage. Even though they a nuisance, they are categorized at a non-pest fly. This means funding is not a priority to control or eradicate these flies.
How Do Lovebugs Taste?
Good question. While we do not want you to try and find out, we did put this question here for a reason. While the adult lovebug is alive its body PH is basically neutral at 6.5. However once it dies and exposed to sunlight, it will become acidic at 4.25PH. What does this mean? It means first that with an acidic compound, you’ll want to get any dead ones washed off your car as soon as possible. The sooner you wash them off the easier it is. Second, because of this acidic make up, lovebugs are not a natural food for birds and other insects.
So while they are a pest, they are not to be worried about. In a couple weeks they will be gone until the fall. More importantly, you should be concerned about the other insects, spiders and rodents that can cause your family harm or make them sick. We have specific plans that we can build for your home to keep your family safe. We treat your house from the outside. By working in advance with a preventative plan we can usually eliminate going inside your home and spraying chemicals. While our chemicals are safe, we would rather stop the bugs from getting in that trying to get them out. Problem Solved Pest control has offices located in Charlotte County and we are recognized as the local leader and expert on pest control. Complete our online form, or give us a call to set up your free home review.
