Tips

They're Back! It's Love Bug Season.

They're Back! It's Love Bug Season.

Twice a year - each May and September, we Floridians get to experience that “oh so lovely” love bug season. Generally seen flying around in pairs, locked in an amorous embrace, these slow-moving creatures happen upon us these seasons for about an estimated four weeks, according to the University of Florida.

While these bugs are harmless (they don’t bite or sting) they can be quite a nuisance. Here are a few things to remember about these little critters as they begin their invasion this month:

  • Where they come from – If you grew up in Florida, or have lived here long enough, you’re bound to hear the urban legend that the University of Florida crossbred a ladybug and a fly to create love bugs to combat mosquitos. Unfortunately, as with most urban legends, it’s simply not true. UF says the bugs migrated here all on their own from Central America, via Texas and Louisiana before making their way to the Sunshine State.
  • What attracts them – Love bugs are attracted to heat, freshly painted surfaces and surfaces that are light-colored. This means you’ll find them near your garage door a lot and around the outside of your house if it’s painted a light color.
  • How to combat them - Here’s where it gets tricky. UF says that chemical pesticides do little to deter these little bugs. You might try tiki torches, citronella candles or mosquito repellent but the only sure fire way of avoiding them is by being inside and away from them.

A retractable screen on your garage door and lanai allows you to enjoy the outside air without the “not so easy to love” bugs getting in your hair, tickling your face and constantly landing on your skin.


Published

Stats

306 words
1 minute, 31 seconds reading time

Share


Recent reviews from your neighbors.

MAR 13

Bob did a great job checking out my screen after I walked through it and I do mean through it. He took apart and made a small adjustment to the screen. He realigned the screen and put it all back to gather in less than 30 minutes. He arrived as scheduled and explained to me what he was doing. Excellent company.

George Pelissier

MAR 12

Great customer service. The screen arrived quicker tan expected. The installer was very meticulous and did a great job. I highly recommend this company if you need a screen.

David Stanford

MAR 12

Technician just left & did an excellent job, he serviced our garage screen! It was hanging up & he did a full service & it works great now David Peake

David Peake

MAR 11

Incredibly simple process from selection to installation of front door screen and garage door automated screen.

Roger Lanouette

MAR 11

Bob and Dave did a great job re-adjusting our screen frame so it was square. Middle door wasn't shuting properly. Thank you.👍

Annette Garsha

MAR 11

Have used this company several times over the years and have always been of the up most professional and excellent work!! And they show up on schedule!!!

Joyce Oeschger

MAR 7

Great company!! Quick responses, fast, easy online transaction. Delivery/installation on time. Professional installation and after purchase follow up. Very happy with the quality!

Kim Burkett

MAR 5

Great company to deal with. Long time Ocala owned business. Got text 2 days prior who would come to service. Jack was patient, polite, and professional. He's been servicing many years at Michelle's, and showed me what he was doing every step of the way. I was never oversold. I was happy Jack was able to get the motorized screen running more efficient after servicing. I highly recommend and would definitely use them in the future.

Brian Yost

MAR 5

Thought our screen was so messed up. I backed into it with golfcart. Called Michele’s Screens. Bob came out and had it working like new. Professional thru and thru. Great job 👏

Pat McWaters

MAR 3

Great solution for our needs. Looks great after professional installation. Very happy.

Mike Vallario