Lovebugs Causing Complaints from Homeowners Across the County

Lovebug adult.  Photo by Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org

The Winston County Extension Office has been getting numerous calls about lovebugs from annoyed homeowners.  The flies are related to gnats; they are about a quarter of inch long and are black, except for some orange on the midsection of body.  The insects develop in decaying vegetation, and there is little that can be done to reduce their population.  The best strategy to avoiding problems inside the home is to make sure doors and windows seal tightly.  The abundant rainfall may be a factor in the high populations this year.  These periods of high activity related to the mating season may last four weeks.  See this publication from the University of Florida about lovebugs.