There are bugs all over. They fly together in twos and cover the outside of the house. Crawl under doors and are basically disgusting. Does anyone know anything about them. How long will they stay here. North Jersey doesn't have anything like them.
Thanks
2006-09-21 00:29:03 · 6 answers · asked by jan 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Contrary to what dragonrider707 says, these insects are NOT genetically engineered -- LOL -- they are an invasive species!! (see first link for debunking, subsequent links for more technical information.) They are technically not even bugs. From University of South Carolina's Dr. Timothy Mousseau:
"These lovable little dipterans (they aren't actually "bugs" despite their common name) spend 5-7 months of their lives as larvae in the leaf litter. The adults emerge synchronously twice a year (April-May and September - October) and can form large swarms that cloud the air. Many people don't realize that these flies are actually invaders from Central America and have been working their way northward along the coast. They have been spotted as far north as Wilmington, NC. "
He goes on to warn:
"Due to the widespread drought this spring, love bug outbreaks appear to be less widespread this spring . Areas of high abundance appear to be rather few and isolated. Outbreaks are predicted to occur throughout the south over the next few weeks within 2-3 days of any significant rainfall, which appears to be limited to regions of thunderstorms. "
As for controlling them, from Florida Environment:
"No real control methods... whatever you would do to control them would also kill beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. So we're much better off leaving them alone. They'll be out for a few weeks and then they disappear for most of the year."
2006-09-21 02:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've lived in Central FL for more than 30 years, and some BUG years are better,,,or worse, than others.
They are a harmless nuisance really, but with regard to vehicles they should be cleaned off promptly.
Their lifecycle is brief,,, a bit more than two weeks at its peak, and once gone, rest assured they will be back.
Many myths exist, about the WHY, and what attracts them, but I've yet to see scientific evidence for any.
Anyone wanting to live in Florida, should certainly expect situations, climate, critters, different from other parts of the country,,,IE: The North.
I assume "New Here" means you've moved here, and if so, from where you were, I applaud you. People rarely move to Florida to complain however, and in time you might even learn tolerance and acceptance of all creatures great and small.
Rev. Steven
2006-09-21 08:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love bugs are so called because all they basically do is mate. They were a genetically engineered experiment with no purpose. They are a bit of a pest but it only lasts for about a month and then they go away to until next year. Dont sweat it...it will be over soon.
2006-09-21 07:33:41 · answer #3 · answered by dragonrider707 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Best way to get them off of your car is to mix ammonia in your car wash. Let it soak the bugs on your car for a minute, then brush them off.
2006-09-21 08:37:50 · answer #4 · answered by Bobby E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't drive during the heat of the day or your car will look like someone laid a black carpet on the grille and windshield.
2006-09-21 07:46:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT OPEN YOUR WINDOW - PLZ.
IT MIGHT ATTACK YOU .
GO UNDER BED AND TAKE YOUR COVER
AS IF YOU ARE THE ONE
WHOME TO BE LOVED....
2006-09-21 07:31:39 · answer #6 · answered by SAMER M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋