Love Bugs

armyguy · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 12:36 PM

Stationed down in Alabama and they have these "love bugs"
you know the ones that fly united haha, any of you Seasoned Southerners know any tricks for getting these critters off without rubbing the paint off, I mean they stick better than JB Weld..

Bubba Shrimp · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 10:48 PM

We have them in Florida too. First be sure you got a good coat of wax on the front of your truck. Second, get them off as fast as you can. If you leave them on too long they will eat the paint right off your truck. (Not that they are hungry, after all they are dead but they must have an acid in them). You can also get one of those plastic bug shields for your truck. It will create an air stream that will wisk those rascals up and over your truck so they don't get on the windshield. It protects the front of your truck too.

If I get at them right away usually just a good car washing soap and terry cloth rag gets them off. For the harder ones I use a special sponge that has a nylon mesh over it. They also sell several different brands of cleaner that will take them off.

Best thing to do is follow the directions posted in the first paragraph.

jc77f-100 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 09:16 PM

We have them bad in Louisiana, they come in right along with the dang mosquitoes (fresh from the Nile). I use a bug and tar remover chemical for the painted sections (bumper) and my friend recently informed me that "Bounce" sheets work great for cleaning the windshield. I found that interesting. But you definitely need to get them off as soon as possible!
Also if anyone has any other home remedies (such as the bounce sheets) I would love to hear them.

spacecoast · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 06:39 PM

I use hot water and a terry cloth rag. They come off pretty easy if you do this ASAP as you park it

tkd · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 07:05 PM

And if all of those methods fail.....I need some help guys. Drove through the state of MS and LA (not my favorite place). Bugs had to stay on for a few days. Now they WILL NOT COME OFF. I have tried:

Meguirar's #7 glaze
Vinegar
Hot water
Meguiars deep crystal wash
Armor all heavy duty wash (smells like menthol)
Dawn
WD 40
Coke

I don't think these are coming off. I think I've already messed up the paint on the bumper trying to get them off.

Bubba Shrimp · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 08:10 PM

That's too bad. I have even stopped at a gas station in the middle of a trip just so I wouldn't leave them on for too long. The front of my truck that I recently bought was ruined when I got it. Those bugs seem to eat the paint right off. I'm going to get a bug shield and put it on the truck to cover up the damage that was already done and to prevent any further damage. I sure hope someone comes up with a solution for you.

tkd · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 09:24 PM

Thanks,

Unfortunately, Can't get a bug sheild. The ones on the lip of the hood came right off. These are on the flat painted front of the bumper on my 03 expy

Cujo31 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 11:56 AM

I live here in Cali where the bugs arent as big but I still carry a bottle of Poorboys Bird Sh#t Remover with me. Its just an 8oz bottle so its nice and small. Spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes then just wipe off. I use a good 100% cotton towel instead of microfiber. Try not to press too hard or you will scratch the paint. If that doesnt work the clay bar will get the stuff off. Just try to get most of the guts off before using the clay bar.

Cujo

bigmike09 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2003, 01:40 AM

I know how hard it is to get these things off.I live here in louisiana and at night looking through my windsheild with the headlights on doin about sixty you would think you are in warp speed from star trek.It sounds like rain hitting the windsheild.I have found that goof off bug and tar remover works well.Also i use this stuff you buy at walmart which comes in a clear spray bottle but the chemical is bright green.I found that both work great but you have to let it sit for a minute or two.But like every one said it is best to get them off right away.

TheWiz427 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 10:50 AM

When they get thick around here my Dad uses a thin coat of vaseline(sp) on the front of his car and they wipe off easy when he cleans the car. Then he just re applies the stuff.

Cujo31 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 08:32 PM

Ouch... vaseline is really NOT good for the paint

TheWiz427 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 07:19 AM

I did'nt know that! He has'nt had any problems and he's used it for years. I'll have to tell him next time i see him.

sandmanf250 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 07:28 AM

Try pam nonstick spray or similar product.

Cujo31 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2003, 07:05 PM

Something about the chemicals in it that the clear coat doesnt like. It may take a while to do any real harm but eventually it will.

Cujo

ctfuzzy · #15 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 07:09 PM

Here's the ticket:

Warm water, Simple Green, nylon net covered sponge.

Mix with a little patience (keep it wet and let it soak a minute).

It'll work; it's time tested on lovebugs from Fla to Texas.

P.S. Buy a danged bug screen - or snip a panel out of the porch screen, your wife will neeever notice it.