“I don’t know why they are here. They’re supposed to come in the spring. What are you doing here?” Kate Tarr said, swatting lovebugs away in her car.
Tarr isn’t alone. Several viewers across southeast Texas, have reached out after spotting love bugs baking in the Houston heat.
Houston typically sees swarms of lovebugs in late April and May. But according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the insects can also appear in September. Lovebugs need rain and moisture to create the perfect environment for lovebug larvae to develop in soil and decaying vegetation. When conditions are right, large numbers emerge at once.
Once they emerge, their life cycle adds to the problem. Adult lovebugs only live about three to five days, but during that time, their sole purpose is to mate, often while flying in pairs, and lay eggs. Because they emerge in massive waves, even a short lifespan can feel like a prolonged invasion.
The challenge this time? Houston is missing one key ingredient: rain.
We’ve reached out to entomologists for more answers. In the meantime, have you seen lovebugs in your neighborhood? Let us know in the comments.