Originally published February 2018
Love is in the air, but there is not much to love about love bugs. Often called kissing bugs, they do not sting or bite, but can be quite a nuisance. These tiny red and black flies congregate in open sunny areas and splatter on vehicle windshields and grills. They are a pain to clean and can even permanently damage the vehicle's finish.
Love bugs have two "flights" per year - the spring flight happens during late April and May, and the second flight takes place during late August into September. Flights last about four or five weeks, even though individual adults live only two to three days. Female love bugs can lay up to 350 eggs.
There have been a number of insecticides evaluated for the effective control of love bug populations. Most were deemed effective but impractical because infestations happen over such a widespread area, and adult love bugs are so mobile that retreatment would be required every few hours. However, most household insecticides available will control confined areas such as a porch or entryway.
If you ever find yourself with an insect problem like love bugs or are interested in pest prevention, contact Cingo, a local pest control company in Atlanta and throughout Georgia and the southeast.
About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.