What To Do If There's A Sudden Swarm Of Lovebugs In Your Yard

If your yard becomes filled with pairs of flies that are stuck together in midair, you're likely dealing with a swarm of lovebugs. Even though these insects don't sting or bite, they are a nuisance when flying around patios, backyards, and driveways. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to stop lovebug swarms from lingering. Keeping your yard and lawn tidy, eliminating stagnant water or areas of excess moisture, and spraying repellents can help when there's a sudden swarm of lovebugs.

Lovebugs (Plecia nearctica) are tiny black insects with a red spot behind their heads. They are usually active during warm and humid weather in late spring or early fall. Lovebugs are drawn to moisture, heat, and decaying vegetation, which acts as an egg-laying location for females and as food for their larvae. This means that your yard may accidentally provide the perfect conditions for lovebugs to breed if you have things like piles of dead leaves, mulch, damp grass clippings, or compost out in the open. Remove any heaps of dead leaves or fallen branches, trim overgrown shrubs or grass, and clean up your landscaping. Avoid leaving fresh grass clippings to sit on your lawn, especially if it's been raining. Instead, bag them up and remove them quickly. Lovebugs aren't a threat to healthy plants, but are attracted to damp flower beds, leading to larger populations in your yard.

First, you should eliminate any standing water or places where there is excess moisture. Empty out birdbaths regularly, clean out gutters when they get clogged, and dump water if it collects in things like buckets or planters. If water pools after a heavy rain, you should prevent overflow with some useful drainage solutions, like installing a French drain.

If lovebugs concentrate around doors and windows, you can use fans to deter them and keep lovebugs out of your home. Since they are also attracted to light colors, it can help to wear dark colors when you're outdoors. Lovebugs also like the heat from cars, so you could see swarms in your driveway. They can ruin your car's paint, as dead lovebugs leave an acidic fatty residue behind, so wash your car frequently to prevent damage.

If you're not a fan of insect sprays, you could create a simple DIY repellent to stop lovebugs gathering. Fill up a spray bottle with water and vinegar in equal parts, and spray around areas to deter them. You can also add some dish soap to the spray bottle. Finally, you can spray with essential oils like peppermint and citrus oils, or plant herbs like mint, lemongrass, or basil in outdoor spaces, as strong scents tend to repel lovebugs.