Lovebugs in Central Arkansas
The lovebug derived its name from their appearance of being “stuck” together when mating. Lovebugs are similar to mosquitos, gnats, and sandflies as they are social insects that typically swarm together in massive numbers. The females usually emerge in the late spring and early summer, which is when they will typically be seen in flight. It is during this time that lovebugs are considered a nuisance as they will enter homes, land in the mouths of people outdoors, and splatter on windshields and hoods of vehicles.
Lovebug Habitat
Lovebugs prefer wet, humid, and dark habitats. When exploring for places to lay eggs, female lovebugs will look for areas that are moist and contain a food source. These sources of food can be mulch, compost beds, or rotting grass. If there is a structure that is close to an area that lovebugs usually infest, there is a greater likelihood that lovebugs will enter the home. Also, if there are damp areas within the home, such as storage rooms or basements, lovebugs may be attracted to those areas.
Lovebug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While lovebugs do not bite humans or pets, they can cause a great deal of damage and odor to affected homes and cars. A lovebug’s acidic body chemistry can wreak havoc on the paint of vehicles. Their fatty tissue can eat through a car’s finish when left in the sun. As they perish in large numbers on windshields, hoods, and radiator grates, after a few hours, they can become almost impossible to remove without harming a painted surface.
If you are dealing with a lovebug issue on your property, contact your local fly exterminators.
