Love Bugs do they ruin a vacation?

[amycakes]

Most people seem to be mentioning September more than May. When do they usually come and go in May. My daughter would absolutely freak out if she were surrounded by the bugs to the extent of these pictures ( she is 5 yo so telling her they are kissing bugs is not going to help her ). Just when you think you have done all your research............these love bugs are quite a concern. Oh no.....I can't believe it. We have mosquitos and black flies and at least you can put on some bug spray and they generally keep their distance......these bugs seem kinda big and bothersome And one poster said they fly into your mouth Help....... I feel sick....... ( OOPS Sorry ...thought OP mentioned May as time of travel , did not mean to hijack )

 

[nbodyhome]

In 23 years living in Florida, I've never had a love bug in my mouth. Gnats, yes! But unlike palmetto bugs, mosquitos, flies, lots of other types of bugs - they aren't out to bother you. They are just looking for a little bug lovin', and they have 4 weeks to have as much bug-lovin' as they can. Shorter if a car hits them.

Here is an interesting article I found: http://www.kudzumonthly.com/kudzu/may02/lastword.html

I'd rather have the bugs than the pesticides.

 

[fla4fun]

I have gone to Disney in September for years, and last year was the only time I really noticed the love bugs. Of course, living here, I would have had to put up with them anyway, whether I was at Disney or not. The only place I went that I was annoyed by them, was one day in the MK. Going on the Riverboat, it was coated with them, as were all the benches in the park. But that's because they like white, so I just dealt with it. They don't bite or sting like the mosquitos do (now there's a bug that ruins the trip for me!). I've lived in Florida over 25 years and never seen as many as there were last September. That was unusual.

 

[skipperkim]

They were pretty bad last Sept, we were there the last week. It did make sitting outside difficult. Going to the pool wasn't much fun either. Then on day 2 it rained and they weren't as bad. Good news is they are very delicate. So, just trying to move them away from you kills them. I guess it's true, It' Tough to Be A Bug.

 

[TnTWalter]

especially since we really want to enjoy beach and pool....PLEASE tell me they'll be gone by end of October...thanks so much.

I see many reports that May and September but some have said October...I'm just hoping it's early October.

Glad they don't bother most of you, great for low crowds and free dining I'm sure. I just know my kids [and me] will flip out.

Trish

 

[nbodyhome]

Glad they don't bother most of you, great for low crowds and free dining I'm sure. I just know my kids [and me] will flip out.

Trish

Most people aren't worried about love bugs, it doesn't effect crowd level. These are the first threads I remember reading in 15 years or so online where anyone was concerned about them!

I was in Europe for nearly 3 weeks in September, so I guess I missed this big love bug season we had, it's never in 23 years in FL been an issue for me. I can't stand mosquitos, gnats, palmetto bugs. But love bugs - I'm sure I've said that I'd rather see them than have a lot of pesticide sprayed. The worst love bugs seem to be in areas crossing Florida (the Everglades area and elsewhere), I've seen them all over truck grills. In 8 years in the Central Florida area, I don't remember having to even wash my car of them.

 

[alldiz]

I hope this season is a light season....

Going 3rd week of may....Memorial day weekend we wont
go to parks....We wil enjoy SSR and DTD...
I hope it is pretty much bug free
Kerri

 

[angelmav]

Love Bugs would ruin my vacation and cause alot of problems in our house,especially if I had to use the special shampoo!

 

[amycakes]

To nbodyhome - Thanks..that is reassuring.

 

[Cass]

It is hard to believe these little bugs could ruin a vacation. We have been there a few times in late Aug/early September, we saw a lot of them but had wonderful trips with the bugs not bothering us.

 

[kindakrazy2]

When I was there in Sept 1999 they were really bad. It was like walking on rice crispies - crunch, crunch, crunch.

Pretty gross actually.

But, they are harmless and there seemed to be less of them towards the end of the holiday.

We are going again this September so here is hoping for a light lovebug season!

 

[LilGMom]

Lovebugs are just a pain and nuisance. I have grown up in Florida and I'll take them over stinging insects any day! There are probably only a few weeks when I've seen them as bad as that youtube video.

 

[tinawv]

We were there in September 2005 and saw not a one of them. It was a different story last September when my sister and I went. They were especially bothersome at Animal Kingdom, but manageable. One actually did fly in my mouth while waiting for the bus at DTD. I was talking to my sister when it happened. It caught me off guard, and I nearly got sick to my stomach right there at the bus stop (I have a sensitive gag reflex). I know, TMI. Even with the love bugs, it is still a wonderful time of the year to go due to low crowds. I wouldn't hesitate to go again in September; just need to learn to keep my mouth shut.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Love bugs are just a little annoyance.
As you said they don't bite.
When we went last September they were quite heavy so I would think there will not be as many this year.

I am headed back this September.

The shorter lines for the rides and attractions make September one of favorite times to go to Disney in spite of a few love bugs .

Have fun at Disney!

I agree with you...I'd rather deal with lovebugs anyday over human crowds. At least you can swat the lovebugs. Well, you COULD swat the people too, but that would cause problems!We went in Sept. last year and are going again in September this year...I used a fastpass once the whole trip-everything else was a 5-10 minute standby time or walk on.

 

[coolmickey]

What other months are bad bug months?