SPLAT! If you’re over the age of 16 and have driven in Florida on the Turnpike during the summer, you’ve definitely encountered a flock of love bugs (not to be confused with A Flock of Seagulls and no, there is no truth to the urban legend that the insect was created in a University of Florida genetic lab). In fact, by the time you reach your destination, there are hundreds of acidic marks on your windshield that can affect the paint on your car if not washed off.

Yet, something is different in 2008. I just read a story that love bugs are mysteriously disappearing this year. A drier-than-normal May is the reason most experts believe the insects have not yet exploded on the scene like they normally do.

It seems likely that as rain picks up this summer, the love bugs will return in droves as they always do, people will begin refilling their windshield wiper fluid, and all will be okay with the world.

Speaking of low numbers, while we’ve only had eight cases of West Nile Virus in the U.S. in 2008 as of today (including Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma), it’s important to be prepared and take precautions that will help prevent mosquitoes from ruining your summer.

Disrupting mosquito breeding grounds is the key in helping to prevent the spread of West Nile or any other mosquito-borne virus. It is important to drain any sources of standing water in the yard. In addition, emptying old flower pots, tires and other containers of water can also help prevent the spread. Still water is a magnet for breeding mosquitoes.

Besides removing still water, any attempt to prevent mosquito bites should also include the following elements:

• From now until October, minimize your time spent outdoors, especially at dawn and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent repeatedly to exposed skin and clothing.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

I will be discussing mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and my prevention tips this Thursday, June 19 at 12:45 p.m. Central on KVIA-ABC 7, which is in El Paso, TX and reaches Las Cruces, NM as well. Their website is www.kvia.com.

Las Cruces is near and dear to my heart, as I have been fortunate to have a weekly column in the Las Cruces Bulletin since January 2007. I encourage you to visit their website at www.lascrucesbulletin.com, as the newspaper is one of the countries’ best weeklies.

Do you miss the love bugs? Does the name Herbie mean anything to you? Do you know anyone who has ever been affected by West Nile Virus? Let me know…

Barry the Bug Guy