It's that time of year again in Citrus County, When people ask "Where do love bugs come from"?

For the first timers, newbies to Citrus County and those with short memories. Here are some facts to keep in mind about the love bug.

1. Love bugs are not some scientific experiment gone wrong.
2. Although they are everywhere, they will only be around a short time-3 weeks or so.
3. They will damage the paint on your car so you must act quickly.
4. They are not dangerous to us or your pets.

You may have seen them in May and now again in October. Because they are so prevalent in number people can't remember them so they believe and retell the rumor that the love bug is a University of Florida experiment gone wrong. The truth is this insect is believed to have hitched a ride on a cargo ship from Central America back in the 1940's. Mother nature has taken over since then. They can be an annoyance but that is all they are.

What about my car and it's finish?

Your car is the best way to kill them as I'm sure you are already aware. There are a number of things you can do to protect your car. First, it's very important, when the love bugs first appear to apply a good coat of car wax to your car. You might try applying a mesh screen in front of the radiator and over your bumper and grill. This will protect the paint and the cooling system will continue to work efficiently. Next apply Wd-40 to the high risk areas of your car which makes scrubbing them off much easier. A pail of water and a dryer sheet (bounce or snuggle) will take off the mess without scratching your paint. Remember the longer they stay on the paint the harder they are to remove and damage to the finish increases.

Not dangerous to us or pets:

That does not mean that they are any less annoying. So we can become irritated and angry. Maybe a change of perspective is in order. What can we do these next 3 weeks to make sence of these insects and not get so annoyed. If you don't wash your car often enough then now would be a good time to develope the habit.

If you are always focused on results and have your nose to the grindstone, then this is your opportunity to admire the ebb and flow of mother nature. Live in the moment knowing these beautiful love bugs will be gone very quickly and for some this maybe the last time to notice them.

Maybe they are just too annoying to pretend that these are beautiful insects and they always show up at the wrong time, and only in your lawn and your car. Well then, you may need to learn to not sweat the small stuff and they are really the small stuff.