Lovebug slaughter!!!!!!

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Sep 13, 2013 | 10:34 PM

#31

FLUltrarider

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,432

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From: Central Florida, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleycruiser

Ok for all you Yankees, a love bug is between the size of a fly and a mosquito, they are black and soft like a mosquito. They swarm twice a year, The swarm last about two weeks. They are harmless to humans, don't bite, or pester you.
They are called love bugs because they hook up while breeding, and stay that way, flying together happily everywhere, especially on roads.
When you hit them they are made of epoxy glue, and acid. (not literally but it seems like it)
They are next to impossible to remove, and if you leave them they eat the paint and leave a nasty pit.
People use grease; wax; Pam; on their bikes to help clean them off afterwards.
Some people wash their bike every day, some like me wait until the swarm is over and just spend a day cleaning.
Most smart people just park the bike until they are gone.
One rule everyone abides by, keep your mouth closed.

Good description 'cruiser. They actually look a lot like a firefly only they have no light. They only live a day or two after mating which they do in the air as described. They seem to like to congregate near the highways and byways. Some say they like the carbon monoxide of exhaust. I have gone through swarms on the bike and in the car when it really sounds like rain as you kill them. In the pic I posted I had already stopped once at the FL welcome station to clean them or you wouldn't have seen the bike. Dryer softener sheets and Mr Clean Magic Erasers seem to do a good job of cleaning the little buggers off the vehicle.

Sep 14, 2013 | 06:56 AM

#32

Harleycruiser

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 2,938

Likes: 30

From: North Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLUltrarider

Some say they like the carbon monoxide of exhaust.

Dryer softener sheets and Mr Clean Magic Erasers seem to do a good job of cleaning the little buggers off the vehicle.

Well that makes since, I was mowing yesterday at work on a green tractor, and they were swarming it so bad I literally could not breath using my mouth for fear of swallowing one.

Never tried the dryer sheets or magic erasers, will give it a try.

Sep 14, 2013 | 07:16 AM

#33

Iceman24

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 25,306

Likes: 2,443

From: Eastern NE

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleycruiser

One rule everyone abides by, keep your mouth closed.

But why...? Wouldn't it be better to ingest a few and then it's less eating stops while riding?

JK, them damn bugs suck...I don't miss riding season in the South when they're bug luv'n.

Sep 14, 2013 | 09:33 AM

#34

Harleycruiser

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 2,938

Likes: 30

From: North Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman24

But why...? Wouldn't it be better to ingest a few and then it's less eating stops while riding?

JK, them damn bugs suck...I don't miss riding season in the South when they're bug luv'n.

Well they are not the worst tasting bug that I have ever ..........ah..... consumed while riding, but dang.

Gees there is a thread, what is the worst tasting bug?-)

Sep 14, 2013 | 09:51 AM

#35

just plain john

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 3,784

Likes: 100

From: Pasadena TX

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a 50/50 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide. Spray it on, the bugs foam up in no time, and get soft enough to wipe off. It won't hurt your paint either. To the op, congrats on your return home.