It's Love Bug Season

We are seeing lovebugs flying, almost aimlessly, around our yard. Occasionally they land on you, but they don't bite or sting. They don't even seem to fly with a directional path in mind. But then again, if you were part of this Pushmi-Pullyu* combination, I guess it might be difficult to navigate!

If you have not traveled in the southeast in the fall or spring, especially in any of the Gulf states, you may not have had the joy of experiencing lovebugs. These innocuous insects swarm in the fall and spring for breeding. The females emerge and are attracted to the heat and perhaps odor of hot blacktop roads and gas fumes. Once they mate they remain attached, up to several days. Shortly after they separate, the female lays eggs and dies. I could make all kinds of ribald comments at this juncture, but I shall refrain!

Several years ago we drove from Savannah, GA to south Florida. The front of our motorhome was covered with lovebugs that had met their demise as they ambled above the roadway. 

We had to stop at several truck stops to wash an area on the windshield where Scott could see clearly enough to continue. (We learned early on....never use your windshield wipers!!)

Inside the motorhome the sound of bugs splattering on the windshield was similar to a good rainstorm....for miles! 

The carcasses need to be removed promptly as the acid in their body can damage paint on vehicles. The pressure washer works wonders. For small patches they say that using fabric softener cloths work well to remove them. I usually rely on elbow grease! 

I guess it is a good thing we are not out on the road now!

* My dad was a huge fan of Dr Doolittle. His copy of the book was probably the only childhood book I recall that he had. I don't remember him reading the stories to me, but I do remember that he encouraged me to read it, telling me it was the best!