If you live in the Southern U.S., you already know: lovebugs aren’t cute—they’re a menace.
They swarm your porch, stick to your skin, ruin your car’s paint, and turn every peaceful backyard moment into a winged nightmare.
And while they may not bite or sting, lovebugs have earned their spot as one of the most annoying warm-weather pests out there.
But what if you could cut down on their numbers using just two common items from your bathroom—no bug zappers, no chemicals, no professional exterminator?
Let’s dive into a genius viral hack from Stephanie White Nelson that’s been saving Southern summers, one bowl at a time.
What Are Lovebugs, Really?
-
Scientific name: Plecia nearctica
-
Nickname: Lovebugs — because they’re almost always found in attached pairs
-
Good news: They don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases
-
Bad news: They’re incredibly annoying and come in swarms
Why Lovebugs Are a Problem:
-
Their acidic bodies can damage car paint
-
They cling to clothes, skin, and windows
-
They ruin outdoor events
-
They swarm in massive clouds, making outdoor spaces unbearable
Though they live only a few days as adults, they certainly make the most of their brief moment in the sun.
The Viral Lovebug Trap That Actually Works
Here’s the secret: a bowl and some baby oil. That’s it.
This simple trap has gone viral because it’s cheap, safe, and shockingly effective.
You’ll Need:
-
✅ A white bowl (color matters—lovebugs are drawn to white)
-
✅ Water (fill the bowl halfway)
-
✅ 2–3 tablespoons of baby oil or mineral oil
-
✅ Optional: A small rock to weigh it down if outdoors
How to Use It:
-
Fill your white bowl halfway with water.
-
Add 2–3 tablespoons of baby oil to the surface.
-
Place the bowl in lovebug-prone spots:
-
Porch
-
Patio
-
Near windows or poolside
-
-
Leave it and let the trap do its thing.
💡 Pro Tip: Refresh the water and oil daily for maximum effectiveness.
Why It Works So Well
Lovebugs are attracted to:
-
Light colors (especially white)
-
Moist surfaces
-
Still, shallow areas to rest on
Once they land:
-
The oil traps them on the surface
-
They can’t fly off
-
They eventually drown in the water below
No buzzing. No swatting. No smelly sprays.
Safe for Pets, Kids, and Gardens
Unlike chemical insecticides or electric bug zappers, this method is:
-
✔️ Non-toxic
-
✔️ Odorless
-
✔️ Harmless to plants and animals
That means you can place these bowls near garden beds, outdoor dining areas, or even inside screened porcheswithout worry.
Bonus: Easy Cleanup
Once the bowl fills up:
-
Pour contents into a toilet or compost-safe bin
-
Wash with hot, soapy water
-
Refill and reset!
Final Thoughts
Lovebugs might be part of life in the South, but suffering through them doesn’t have to be. With this brilliant bathroom hack, you can take back your porch, patio, and pool from these pesky invaders—no chemicals, no stress, and no bug guts on your windshield.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your neighbors start asking how you made your backyard bug-free!