Bug splatter eats through paint

[Old Ron]

I have a 2024 XLT 2.7 Iconic Silver and found bug splatter had more or less dissolved the paint in two places on the upper molding at the grill and front bumper.
I was at the beach on vacation so the splatter was on it a couple of weeks but I am 75 years old and owned a lot of trucks and cars over the years but never had bug splatter corrode the paint.

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[FaaWrenchBndr]

I moved down to Florida for work in 1996.I spent almost 20 years down in Florida 10 years in Tampa, the rest down near Miami. They have what the locals like to call love bugs. I don’t know what the actual name of the bugs are but certain times of the year you often see them mating, in mid air stuck together. Whatever these bugs are, the carcasses, if left on more than a day or two, the enzymes in the bugs eat the clearcoat in the paint.

It got so bad, I had to actually work time in my schedule, when I got to work. I would hit the front end of the car truck I was driving with detail spray and a microfiber towel to remove the guts

This isn’t a truck problem. This is a Florida bug problem.

 

[Rob89]

Love bugs. Two seasons per year: one in the spring and one in the fall. It lasts a few weeks total. Generally it peaks right in the middle of the season and anywhere you go your car is full of bugs.

 

[Goldeneye36]

Love bug PTSD triggered, lol. They have always been a scourge in Central FL but they are even showing up in SFL now. It's been awhile since I lived in CFL but got a nice reminder when we drove up to Port Canaveral for a cruise last year and the bugs were so bad it was like driving through a rain shower except the wipers don't work and you have to stop at every other gas station to scrape the windows off.

 

[Ford blue blood]

Having endured "love bugs" while stationed at NAS Glynco, GA the locals told me of a method to keep things good. Window screen over the radiator and liberally coat the front of the car/truck with Pam. Then rinse it off when home and re-apply. Worked perfect on wy dark blue 100!

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Having endured "love bugs" while stationed at NAS Glynco, GA the locals told me of a method to keep things good. Window screen over the radiator and liberally coat the front of the car/truck with Pam. Then rinse it off when home and re-apply. Worked perfect on wy dark blue 100!

Completely forgot about this one, it does work well

 

[Boathauler]

We just went through cicada season here and I had one of those pterodactyl sized bugs eat through the paint on the trim below the grill. Real bummer never had that happen before. Might see if I can get a local shop to touch it up. Then I need to be better about removing them!

 

[Cobra129]

I have a 2024 XLT 2.7 Iconic Silver and found bug splatter had more or less dissolved the paint in two places on the upper molding at the grill and front bumper.
I was at the beach on vacation so the splatter was on it a couple of weeks but I am 75 years old and owned a lot of trucks and cars over the years but never had bug splatter corrode the paint.

Bugs, yep, another hazard of driving. Been dealing with Love Bugs in FL for decades, just more effort to keep the car clean and free of those nasty critters. I usually rinse the car off when home from any trip where there were extensive bugs, love bugs especially. Rinsing immediately usually dilutes any effects the bugs have until they can be cleaned off. Previous recommendation about using PAM also works.

 

[Risky Bizness]

I don't have the love bug problem, but I use SPRAYAWAY foaming windshield/glass cleaner to dissolve the bugs. (Just spray let set for a second and remove). I also use a body wash poof. (No scratches).

 

[Oakridge88]

The lovebug (Plecia nearctica) is a species of march fly found in parts of Central America and the southeastern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. It is also known as the honeymoon fly or double-headed bug. During and after mating, matured pairs remain together, even in flight, for up to several days.

The lovebug is considered a nuisance by many motorists, especially in the state of Florida, due to its swarming behavior during the species' mating season.

 

[rr11]

Yes love bugs are the reason I keep the front of my truck very heavily waxed. Is it just me or is the Iconic Silver thinner than other paints? It seems that every time someone dings the side of my truck, I lose paint.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

I have a 2024 XLT 2.7 Iconic Silver and found bug splatter had more or less dissolved the paint in two places on the upper molding at the grill and front bumper.
I was at the beach on vacation so the splatter was on it a couple of weeks but I am 75 years old and owned a lot of trucks and cars over the years but never had bug splatter corrode the paint.

As a fellow "FL Man" I feel your pain. My 23 was Iconic Silver. Smallest rocks or bugs would take the paint super easy. Have a 25 now, carbonized. Had PPF (Paint Protection Film) installed ASAP this time. Zero issues from bugs or rocks. Makes washing a dream! Did the entire front of truck, mirrors, side badges, and hood "vents". STRONGLY suggest for our trucks with these weak paint jobs. I like the XPEL product. Even does like a self healing if the bug juices leave a blemish in the film. Great stuff!

 

[dorydave]

I have lived in FL for the past 20 years and put up with the twice a year LOVE BUGS. Started using "dryer fabric sheets" about 19 years ago to clean the front of the truck and the windshield. Works like magic. NO SCRUBBING. Just hose the area first then wipe the area with the sheets and it seems to melt the gunk away and then thoroughly rinse. Does not bother the wax or paint. It is important that you rinse thoroughly or it leaves streak of softener. When traveling and no hose available, I have water spray bottles with me to do at least the windshield when covered with LOVE BUGS. Wet the windshield, use the dryer sheet, then wet as much as possible and remove the residue with paper towels or old towel. NEVER EVER USE YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN WINDSHIELD IS COVERED IN LOVE BUGS. IT LIKE SMEARING YOUR WINDSHIELD WITH SILICON CAULKING

 

[DEEPDOWN]

Having endured "love bugs" while stationed at NAS Glynco, GA the locals told me of a method to keep things good. Window screen over the radiator and liberally coat the front of the car/truck with Pam. Then rinse it off when home and re-apply. Worked perfect on wy dark blue 100!

How does Pam feel about this? Oh wait! OK I’ll let myself out.

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