Love bugs return to Florida’s Gulf Coast, causing car paint damage

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Love bugs have returned to Florida’s Gulf Coast, creating challenges for car owners as their splatter can damage vehicle paint if not cleaned promptly.

Jim Midy, who has been detailing vehicles for six years, emphasized the importance of cleaning off love bug residue to avoid costly repairs.

"We always tell all of our clients, you know, it's very important to stay on top of it because it can cause you thousands of dollars," Midy said.

He described the extent of damage he has seen, saying, "The whole front end was just, it was beyond, like, past the clear coat. You could actually see, like, the paint was actually gone off of it."

Love bugs typically appear on the Gulf Coast from late April to early May when the weather warms. They mate for about four weeks before disappearing until September.

Cape Coral residents shared their experiences with the bugs and their methods for dealing with them.

"The love bugs are, I mean, they're part of, you know, Florida," said Steve Kohlmier.

Angela Fraley added, "Yeah, they are a nuisance on my car. And then most of the time, you see them in your windowsills or attached to your window in you and or windows."

Fraley said she uses Windex to clean them off her car, while Kohlmier shared his approach for road trips during peak love bug season.

"If I have to take a trip when they're thicker, like, right now, over the next month or so, I'll cover it with a little bit of WD-40 so they wipe off easier. Other than that, there's not much you [can do]," Kohlmier said.

Midy offered advice for those unable to visit a car wash immediately.

"Go home, rinse it off. You can use a little bit of dish soap, you know, and use some microfiber towel and lightly, you know, gently scrub it off and with some water and stuff," he said.

Love bugs may be a seasonal nuisance, but car owners have options to minimize the damage they cause.

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