ORLANDO, Fla. -- Travelers on the Florida Turnpike lined up for cups of water from bathroom sinks on Wednesday to try to wash lovebugs from their windshields.



One driver, a University of Florida insect expert, said it is the worst lovebug season he has ever seen.

Lovebug season happens twice a year during mating flights. The larger bug is the female that drags the male around.



Todd Pardue has lived in Florida long enough to know lovebugs have a pretty name but can leave an unwanted mess, so he takes his vehicle to the car wash.



“It is the time of year you need to get your car washed frequently, good waxing helps,” Pardue said.

Car experts said the worst thing to do is let the lovebugs sit on a car for days at a time.



Omar Romero, of Raindancer Car Wash, advised washing the bugs off as soon as possible.

“They shouldn’t wait more than 24 hours,” Romero said. “It will damage the paint immediately."

Lovebugs are highly acidic, and that is what eats through the clear paint coat. Car washes have a special chemical treatment to help rid vehicles of the pesky bugs.



For those who can't get to a car wash, experts recommended using soap, water and a soft sponge to wipe them from a vehicle.



Waxing is also key to keep the bugs from damaging car paint.



“Wax the front before you leave for a trip, wax the front before you leave,” Romero said. “Protect it.”

Lovebug season will be around for another couple of weeks and will return in the fall.