Researchers Dispel Long-time Lovebug Myths – CBS Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. (CW44 Information at 10) – It’s love bug season and researchers are placing some long-time myths to relaxation together with how they really impact your paint job.

“Individuals undoubtedly discover them once they hit the automotive,” stated Dr. Norman Leppla, PhD; a researcher and professor on the College of Florida. “They arrive out as adults in Could and September and the remainder of the time, they reside as larvae.” The explanation, in response to consultants, is that adults come out, reproduce and lay their eggs. “Emergence is considerably depending on temperature, so we get earlier emergence within the south of Florida.” However how did the pesky insect get right here within the first place?

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City legend has it love bugs have been created in a lab experiment gone fallacious.

“In truth, it might be inconceivable to do any form of genetic modification of a plant feeding insect.”

Okay so that they’ve advanced like each different bug. However one other rumor is that they’re acidic consuming holes in every little thing they contact. A rumor Dr. Leppla received to the underside of.

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“I’ve put them in varied options, I’ve examined them for pH. After which I went and scraped them off of automobiles. I’ve tried to find any acidic qualities and may’t discover any,” he says it’s leaving them sit in your automotive for lengthy durations of time that damages your paint job. However they are often averted.

“They’re most considerable in mid-morning, mid-afternoon, they don’t fly at night time,” he stated. They’re additionally drawn to the exhaust coming out of your car. “While you’re portray your own home, for instance, they’re drawn to gentle colours.”

Regardless of how pesky although, he says they’re nonetheless simply doing what they’ve tailored to do.

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“Round your house you’ll be able to keep away from them with followers. They don’t fly very effectively. So, give attention to the issues that may actually be an issue and simply form of let love bugs be,” he added.