Why are bugs attracted to freshly washed cars? | FerrariChat
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Why are bugs attracted to freshly washed cars?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by Cincy Ken, Jun 27, 2004.

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  1. Cincy Ken

    Cincy Ken Karting

    Jan 24, 2004
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    #1 Cincy Ken, Jun 27, 2004
    I just washed the car today, and, even while it was still wet, the bugs just jumped all over it (lightning bugs, in particular). It was a little better when dry, but still a lot of bugs. Normally, I've noticed this when the car has been freshly waxed. Yet, it seldom happens when the car is dirty. I've noticed this over the years with all my cars, so these bugs aren't just Ferrari-centric.

    Anybody have some scientific insight into this?
     
  2. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 ryalex, Jun 27, 2004
    My guess: many bugs are attracted to bright lights. A shiny car reflects the sun, far more than a dusty, dirty one. They are moving towards the sunlight reflection.
     
  3. PSk

    PSk F1 World Champ

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    #3 PSk, Jun 27, 2004
    Just to piss you off :D. Note this also happens when you are painting a car :(

    Pete
     
  4. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 ryalex, Jun 27, 2004
    Holy crap... I've tried to paint models outside before and EVERY SINGLE TIME it got at least one to three gnats stuck in the paint.
     
  5. vraa

    vraa F1 Rookie
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    #5 vraa, Jun 28, 2004
    That must be a horrible way to die. Getting painted into a car.
     
  6. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
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    #6 RacerX_GTO, Jun 28, 2004
    My guess is they like the scent the chemicals give off.

    Evening waxing... BUGS

    Wash.... BUGS (they really love that Zymol wash)


    Now here's a twist.......


    Spray Detail....... they could care less.
     
  7. PSk

    PSk F1 World Champ

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    #7 PSk, Jun 28, 2004
    Especially if it is some boring cr@p car ... :(

    Pete's feeling sad for the bugs that did not aim high enough in life
     
  8. vraa

    vraa F1 Rookie
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    #8 vraa, Jun 28, 2004
    Don't be sad Pete, at least they weren't eaten by another animal!
     
  9. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 PeterS, Jun 28, 2004
    The same reasons that tornado'***** trailer parks!

    Q: You know the last thing that goes through a bugs mind when it hits your windshield?

    Q: Do animal Rights activist avoid washing their cars to avoid this bugg killing?
     
  10. 62 250 GTO

    62 250 GTO F1 Veteran

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    #10 62 250 GTO, Jun 28, 2004
    A1, Their bums.

    A2, They don't have cars beacuse exhaust gases kill birds and trees. So they ride bikes made from hemp and twigs. Then get mad when people throw rocks at them. Then the say bad words and go home and beat their heads against walls and ask "what's wrong with the world?" Then they get hammered and spend the government cheque and get caught for B&E, stating "I wasn't in there man, YOU were in there!" - Hippies suck.
     
  11. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 ryalex, Jun 28, 2004
    The worst part is having to sand their little corpses off the car afterwards.
     
  12. Erich

    Erich Formula 3

    Sep 9, 2003
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    #12 Erich, Jun 29, 2004
    Bugs really like Yellow cars.

    At a British car day last year, we were all parked in a grassy area. The yellow cars were covered in bugs, the other cars were unaffected.

    Erich
     

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