Diamond Shield damage by Love Bugs

[AikenRacer]

Just got back from our trip from South Carolina to Key West. We ran through several swarms of love bugs on the interstate. So bad that we had to stop and clean twice. Once I got in Key West, I washed the front of the coach and noticed that there is now hundreds of pits in the diamond shield. After reading on the internet, it appears that love bug guts are acidic. Although I removed their remains as quick as possible, they pitted my diamond shield bad enough that is either has to be removed or replaced. I am talking with Diamond Shield and my insurance company now. I am considering not putting the shield back on. The area above the windshield was not coated and the bug guts washed and waxed off ok. Any suggestions??

[AikenRacer]

I will certainly get some of those pads! Thanks! I am still talking with Diamond Shield for replacement.

[2manytoyz]

About twice a year, Love Bug season hits Florida. I'm a resident here, and we've collectively learned a few things, mostly the hard way.

Love bug guts will eat through clear coat, paint, primer, and even plastic bumper skins.

NEVER USE PAM. A friend sprayer her new BMW with this, an called me when she needed help. The plastic bumper skin became sticky. It softened the top layer of plastic, ruining it. Expensive lesson for her.

Waxing your vehicle will help, nothing more. The guts must be scrubbed off that day, or you risk permanent damage.



The absolute best product I've found is a Dobie cleaning pad. It will not scratch the clear coat, or glass windshield. I've used these for 30 years! They are commonly used to clean Teflon coated cookware, which can be easily scratched. The description is These all-purpose cleaning pads can be used in the kitchen, bathroom or on automobiles.



These can be found in grocery stores, or on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QmkNNZ



I keep one in each vehicle. The tough nylon mesh glides over smooth surfaces, and shaves off anything sticking up proud of the surface. The wimpy automotive sponges with mesh, sold at places like Wallworld, are NOT the same thing!

Gawd I hate Love Bugs...

[crawford]

I went to Fla Sun and Fun campground told me to get them right off after setup, They relies what will happen to you coach if let on to long they told mr I never asked as we checked in.

[AikenRacer]

I got the bugs off the same day as they were hit.....??

[Bruce_Brown]

Same as the others with no damage. Our current MH came home in 2007, still looks new.

When it was delivered it came with a can of Plexus to use on the Diamond Shield. I use it when I remember, never had an issue.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

If bad bugs, I wash front..never have been told to quit.

[Executive45]

BobGed wrote:

Edd505 wrote:

Where do you find parks that allow washing an RV? Most every park I have been in has No Washing in the entry handout.

I wash the front of my coach after every day's drive using a bucket of water. I have never asked for permission, and have never been told to stop.

X2

[BobGed]

Edd505 wrote:

Where do you find parks that allow washing an RV? Most every park I have been in has No Washing in the entry handout.

I wash the front of my coach after every day's drive using a bucket of water. I have never asked for permission, and have never been told to stop.

[Edd505]

chuckftboy wrote:
I'm on my 3rd coach with Diamond Shield or its equivalent and never had any pitting from love bugs. I do wash the love bugs off as soon as I arrive at destination because I know how acidic they are. Sorry to hear you had damage. How many days were they on there?

Where do you find parks that allow washing an RV? Most every park I have been in has No Washing in the entry handout.

[chuckftboy]

I'm on my 3rd coach with Diamond Shield or its equivalent and never had any pitting from love bugs. I do wash the love bugs off as soon as I arrive at destination because I know how acidic they are. Sorry to hear you had damage. How many days were they on there?

[bgum]

Wax heavy and leave on don't remove haze. Or. Spray with Pam right before trip. Either case remove as soon as trip is completed.