Love Bugs In May?

[katmittens]

We are going to the world May14-22. I just thought about love bugs, are they around in May. I think they were there once before in May, but not sure, any help appreciated.

 

[erionm]

From Wikipedia:

Lovebug flights can number in the hundreds of thousands. The slow, drifting movement of the insects is almost reminiscent of snow fall. Two major flights occur each year, first in late spring, then again in late summer. In south Florida, a third (but smaller) flight can occur in December. The spring flight occurs during late April and May, the summer during late August and September. Flights extend over periods of four to five weeks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_bug

 

[Simba's Mom]

I don't know about anyone else, but I've never noticed them in May. However, when I've gone in September I certainly have, and one September, they were unbelievable-everywhere! We went out to the bus stop and couldn't even sit on a bench there because it was covered with love bugs.

 

[jwfla422]

September is usually the LOVE BUG month however from what I've heard usually when there's a cold winter that previous year the love bugs aren't bad. Some years they're really bad and other years you'll barely notice them. May is not one of those months.

 

[saintstickets]

From another thread...

Being from Mississippi and having the "joy" of experiencing love bugs twice a year, I do have one piece of advice for those driving to WDW during these semi-annual rituals...wash your vehicle!!! These little plecia nearctica have an acidic body chemistry. When they are flying around searching for their soulmates and you seek to make them a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, the inescapable SPLAT will not only obscure your view but, if left unattended, will eat away your paint and chrome on your "cause of death" vehicle. Modern day vehicle paint and protective coating appications have reduced the threat of pits and chips. However, if sufficient sacrifices are made, they can stop the air flow on your radiator. A quick stop upon arrival to WDW and upon returning home at a self-serve car wash will do wonders.

These bugs-de-amour typically appear in late April/early May and late August/early September for about 4 weeks. Do not fear them; they will not bite...at least not humans. I cannot vouch for what they do to each other. With global warming causing an unusual amount of snow and days below freezing in the South this winter, not only have your orange juice prices increased, it will probably reduce the number of "honeymoon flies" this year. Not to worry though, a reduction means only millions instead of billions of the "kissybugs".

The rumor that the "double-headed bug" is the result of an experiment gone wrong in a lab at the University of Florida and are man made is patently false. UF is famous for Gatorade and good football teams but not this. It would be counter productive to create a nuisance that might chase away all the snow-bird vacationers and their tourism dollars.

Enjoy your stay in south Florida and if you are travelling through my home state of Mississippi, stop by for some catfish, hushpuppies and iced tea. We'll have plenty. Y'all come back now, ya heah?!

 

[spiceycat]

definitely seem them in May.

that say May is not nearly as bad as Sept.

 

[supersuperwendy]

Mother's Day week in 2007..there were lovebugs all over the place! My kids were so freaked out!

I'm crossing my fingers for a low love bug level for next month!

 

[DenLo]

There is a theory here is Houston that since the south had a colder than normal winter (that includes Florida) that there won't be as many love bugs this year. Perhaps there's hope.

 

[JimC]

In our area its generally the last three weeks of May and first week of June for the Spring and the last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October for the Fall. But the timing and severity can vary.

 

[Brenle]

We are going to the world May14-22. I just thought about love bugs, are they around in May. I think they were there once before in May, but not sure, any help appreciated.

We've been in Disney every May for the past 7 years and the love bugs are definitely there, but not really bothersome. We usually stay around the same time you are, too!

 

[katmittens]

Thanks for the info. We were there in May about four years ago, around the same time we are going this year and I do remember some but not alot. We were at Vero in Oct of 2007 and they were everywhere. On the beach, by the pool, they were annoying. I hope they are not too bad this May. We dealt with cold weather in Jan. and that is why we are going in May so we can have some warm Florida weather, we missed the pools so I hope the bugs don't drive us crazy at the pool. We were supposed to go in the middle of June, but changed to May, since the weather in Pa could still be cool in May and we won't have our pool opened until we come back from Florida so it makes it easier to take a vacation. Don't need someone to take care of it in May.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I can't remember ever going in May before. We will be there May 12 -18 and hoping there won't be a Love Bug problem. Have a great trip!

 

[spiceycat]

we missed the pools so I hope the bugs don't drive us crazy at the pool. We were supposed to go in the middle of June, but changed to May, since the weather in Pa could still be cool in May and we won't have our pool opened until we come back from Florida so it makes it easier to take a vacation.

though these things would die if touched by water????

now getting in and out of the water might be a problem - but in the water = don't ever remember a problem?

 

[katmittens]

I didn't know that about the water. Hope that is true. But when you are sitting by the pool is when they are botersome.

 

[spiceycat]

I didn't know that about the water. Hope that is true. But when you are sitting by the pool is when they are botersome.

can't do that - allergic to the sun.

 

[bumbershoot]

Someone on the Theme Parks forum said that the bugs are already in attendance at WDW...

 

[ToddyLu]

At least they aren't mosquitos or gnats...