Complete Guide To Florida’s Lovebugs
Lovebugs are an annual issue across the state of Florida. These pesky bugs are a type of march fly, and commonly appear during their mating seasons, which occur between April to May and August to September. During this time, lovebugs are highly active and will swarm roadways, parking lots, and near homes. While lovebugs do not bite or sting, they can still cause harm in other ways. These little nuisances are often attracted to the gas smell emanating from your vehicles. Lovebugs can eventually deteriorate and damage your car’s paint as they gather near your car. This is true even after a lovebug has died. As the UV rays hit the lovebugs lying on your car, their remnants eventually become acidic, eating away at the surface.
As a Florida-based pest control company, Champion Termite & Pest Control is very familiar with the annoying effects of lovebug swarms. For help with pest management or pest control advice, contact our certified technicians today!
Pest Identification
Lovebugs are native to the Gulf of Mexico and later spread throughout Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Their unique mating practice often identifies these bugs when a male and female lovebug join together and fly while attached.
While lovebugs are not the prettiest creatures, they can sometimes benefit the environment. Lovebug larvae will rest and feed in moist, humid lawns. As organic debris, such as grass cuttings and leaves, start to accumulate on the top layer of grass, feeding lovebugs will break down this thatch. In this process, important nutrients are returned to the grass, improving your yard's overall health and appearance.
Pest Control Methods
Fortunately for Florida homeowners, there are many ways to control lovebug numbers.
At Champion Termite & Pest Control, we recommend parking your car in a sheltered garage and checking the exterior of your vehicle regularly during the mating seasons. If lovebugs are spotted, use mild soap and warm water to completely rid your car of the bugs. Do not leave dead lovebugs in your car for more than a day. For preventative pest control, you can always wax your car before the mating season. This will hinder lovebugs from gathering on the exterior of your vehicle.
If your backyard garden is more of a concern than your car, peppermint essential oil sprays are a natural and environmentally safe pest control method. The smell of peppermint can repel lovebugs and discourage them from using your beloved plants for breeding and feeding activities.
