Judging from the front of their cars, drivers might think there are more bugs along the roads than anywhere else. Walker said they're not imagining this. While that attraction is fatal to the insects, David Griffith, sales manager of Red Arrow Car Wash in Gulfport, said the smudges are dangerous to cars if not removed promptly. In my experience, if you get them off in about three days you're OK, but if you leave them on longer, you're running a significant risk of damage. Griffith said wax protects the paint, but doesn't prevent all damage.
All finishes are susceptible, but damage occurs faster on paints in poor condition.
He described the damage as little holes, like an acid-based chemical has been dropped on the paint. Griffith said business picks up at his car wash during love bug swarming season, but drivers can clean their own cars using chemicals purchased at discount stores that are made to remove bugs. Covers on the front of the car help, as do screens to prevent love bugs from clogging the radiator. James Jarratt, entomology specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said adult love bugs live just three to six weeks. The bug's life includes hatching as a larvae, pupating and emerging briefly as an adult.