Lovebugs

[MMH]

Is Lovebug season around the corner in Florida?

 

[Zammy]

With all the rain we've had, I'm sure they are not far behind. After our ride on Sunday, we cleaned just a couple off the fairing and windshield, I'm afraid it's going to get ugly real soon for a couple of weeks.

 

[retread83]

Not many at all by me[yet?]. Some areas or years are really bad. I recall when still working riding home and seeing what looked like rain ahead. Nope, lovebugs.

 

[cdculbertson]

They are around up in the Panhandle, but not too bad just yet. I hit a bunch of them on US 98 between St. Marks and Perry a couple of weeks ago and had to wash the trike after the ride. I realized yesterday that I missed a few, so they are dried on pretty good, but I'll just spray them with a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture to loosen them up.

 

[Lucky]

Picked up a few in Eufaula, Al. the other day. I think they were lost.

 

[cdculbertson]

Picked up a few in Eufaula, Al. the other day. I think they were lost.

Thanks for the warning. We are planning on riding to Eufaula to eat at Phil's BBQ this weekend.

 

[retread83]

They are around up in the Panhandle, but not too bad just yet. I hit a bunch of them on US 98 between St. Marks and Perry a couple of weeks ago and had to wash the trike after the ride. I realized yesterday that I missed a few, so they are dried on pretty good, but I'll just spray them with a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture to loosen them up.

I'll try that next time,probably later tonight after bike night. Haven't heard of that.epper::clapping:

 

[cdculbertson]

I'll try that next time,probably later tonight after bike night. Haven't heard of that.epper::clapping:

About a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Peroxide attacks proteins, but you don't want to use full strength. Let it soak for a minute or so and then wipe with a little elbow grease and it should take them off. I usually follow up with a bit of Lemon Pledge, but I guess that's a subject for another thread.

 

[bikerbillone]

Love season is May and September in FL, they were not bad this year.

 

[Shimpy]

About a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Peroxide attacks proteins, but you don't want to use full strength.

Peroxide you buy in the store is only 3% and I've always used it full strength. This year is the lightest love bug seasons (May & Sept.) I've seen in my 62 years in Fla.

 

[David357]

Peroxide you buy in the store is only 3% and I've always used it full strength. This year is the lightest love bug seasons (May & Sept.).

:Agree:


The central part of the state surrounding Lake Okeechobee has been clear of love bugs now for about a week.

 

[cdculbertson]

Peroxide you buy in the store is only 3% and I've always used it full strength. This year is the lightest love bug seasons (May & Sept.) I've seen in my 62 years in Fla.

Well dang, I was told to dilute it, so thanks for that info. Full strength it is from now on! ThumbUp

I agree about the light seasons this year. I haven't seen a single one around the house this September, only on that ride down 98.

 

[werewolf]

whats a love bug?

 

[cdculbertson]

whats a love bug?

Love bugs are demon spawn that are native to the warmer states. They emerge in great numbers in the spring and again in the fall. They serve no purpose other than to get in your face, and to stick to motor vehicles. Their guts are acidic, so they can pit the paint on your vehicle if not removed pretty quickly.

Here's a link to a Wikipedia article that tells what they are. Here's a photo of a car that's been through a swarm.

 

[shortimer3]

Love Bugs

About a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Peroxide attacks proteins, but you don't want to use full strength. Let it soak for a minute or so and then wipe with a little elbow grease and it should take them off. I usually follow up with a bit of Lemon Pledge, but I guess that's a subject for another thread.

Is only on painted surfaces or windshield also?

 

[cdculbertson]

Is only on painted surfaces or windshield also?

To be honest, I'm not sure about the windshield. I tend to be careful when messing with Lexan, so I just use Lemon Pledge on it. I've just heard too many stories about the Lexan windshields getting scratched or fogged, but others here probably know way more about that than I do!

BTW, apparently I was wrong about diluting the peroxide, so you can use that full strength. That's what I plan to do from now on.

 

[gerald martin]

love bugs

If you want to see bugs, come to Canada, We have them all summer. you cant go even a few miles without having to wash your bike when you get home

 

[retread83]

Tried the Hydrogen Peroxide, it's a winner!!!epper::clapping:

 

[David357]

Is only on painted surfaces or windshield also?

I use hydrogen peroxide on all surfaces including the windshield without any issues.

I carry a small spray bottles of the hydrogen peroxide solution and clean water on the bike.

If I do encounter any love bugs, then I will wipe off the affected areas during ride breaks.

What I have found to be very helpful is to spray the hydrogen peroxide solution sparingly on a clean micro fiber towel, then wipe down the affected areas. I will then follow up with a clean water only wipe down using a different micro fiber cloth.

The trick is to not let any love bug accumulations "bake" onto any surfaces for hours. Fresh bugs are a lot easier to remove. Baked on love bugs just take a lot more elbow grease and more hydrogen peroxide solution. ThumbUp

 

[retread83]

But they are crunchy and tasty when baked.

 

[cdculbertson]

That's OK, I had to look up Junebugs when I heard about riders getting bruises from getting hit with them while riding!

Consider yourself fortunate that you didn't know what a lovebug is.

 

[David357]

But they are crunchy and tasty when baked.

But they smell really bad.

 

[TrikeORNurse]

:Agree: with previous posts discussing the various solution mixes to aid in "love bug" removal. There are times when the "love bug" removal solutions used in combination with micro fiber cloths may not completely remove some residual "love bug"splatters.

What I have found to be successful for those really stubborn "love bug" splatters is to wet a dryer sheet with whatever solution mix you prefer. Then gently wipe onto the splatter.

This method has been around for years and can be used on all plastic including windshields and chrome. Avoid using dryer sheets on leather seats or fender bras as some discoloring may happen.

I have used the dryer sheets on cars and bikes for years without any swirling or other negative effects.

 

[Gorilla]

Thank you great reminder

 

[David357]

Well, the love bugs are back early.:AGGHH:

This is a heads up for Florida riders.:cxtv:

I ran across a few today while riding near Lake Okeechobee, Fl. today. The unusually warm weather trends and rains have hatched some of the buggers a few months ahead of their normal May/June cycle.:Shrug:

 

[irmagoo]

Well, the love bugs are back early.:AGGHH:

This is a heads up for Florida riders.:cxtv:

I ran across a few today while riding near Lake Okeechobee, Fl. today. The unusually warm weather trends and rains have hatched some of the buggers a few months ahead of their normal May/June cycle.:Shrug:

hi david
my buddy in Bainbridge ga said they are eating him up already the crazy weather I guess:xzqxz:

 

[Gorilla]

WOW glad I'm not heading north until March.

 

[bikerbillone]

What, five months early, that just doesn't sound right. All it will take is a bit of cold weather, if we have any, they will disappear pronto.