Worst time for love bugs

[pchivvy]

We've only encountered them in September but certainly not each time.

There was one horrendous year though where they were just everywhere. I remember having to go back to reception once as we literally couldn't get to the door of our room because of the swarm all over the walkway outside our room over the floor and walls. They came and swept them all away, my son was completely freaking out.

[orlandoamber]

We were there April/May 2018 leaving on (I think) 10th May and didn’t come across them. We also went September/October 2019, landing on 26th September - we were in Disney for the first week and tended to see love bugs around our hotel grounds (Coronado Springs) and the bus stops. By the time we’d gone to Cabana Bay (Universal) a week later, we barely noticed any. So from my experience, not early May but definitely late September - I guess it could vary each year though!

[Stepaway]

Went end of May and into June a few years ago and never noticed any

[FeFe]

They are the only downside to going in May IMO. Just an annoyance though. Never saw them anytime we’ve been in June

[YorkshireT]

September 1992 I remember being a particularly bad year. They were bad as well a few years ago when I wasn’t there, think that was May.

[Loobylou_82]

We have been a few times mid to end of May and never really noticed any. In 2019 we went end of April to mid May and wow, they drove me bonkers. There were thousands of them. If we sat out round the pool it wasn't a pleasant experience. These fornicating flies were landing on you all the time, on your drinks or food, never experienced anything like it before. Don't know if it was an epidemic year for them but it wasn't pleasant.

[keely21]

I keep hearing so many conflicting times when they come out. I guess you never really know. Ive heard end august throughout September then others have said end September throughout October...? Also hearing end April throughout May and sometimes beginning april. Makes it hard to plan with avoiding them in mind so I guess its just hope for the best! Lol

[PPM]

You can always reduce the population of love bugs with your hire car 😀

We usually go in May and went thro a swarm with the car one day, but never saw any for the rest of the holiday. ( the photo is not of our hire car BTW )

[josephus_fl]

Love bugs come twice a year, around May and September. They normally last for around 4 weeks.

They are a non stinging/biting pest. They will be everywhere, but there are clear areas of greater and lesser numbers. I seldom get any by my house, but friends living a few miles away will have a different experience.

The rain keeps them at bay and probably shortens their life expectancy. A morning storm will clear them out and make the rest of the day easier. Consecutive storm days will heavily see their numbers reduce.

I think the last real bad season was May 2018 when we had virtually no rain for their duration. They bred so much that Sept 2018 and May 2019 was also pretty bad. We’ve had heavy rain in Sept 19, May 20 and Sept 20 so I’m anticipating smaller numbers this May.

It wouldn’t surprise me if the parks spray bushes at night to kill them off which is why many tourists report not seeing them. I know there is an active team who do a similar job to keep mosquito numbers down. If you’re in a villa then you’d not get that luxury.