Every 17 years, a remarkable natural phenomenon occurs in the eastern United States. Billions of cicadas emerge from the ground, filling the air with their distinctive buzzing mating calls. While this event is awe-inspiring, it can also be a nuisance, especially for vehicle owners. The cicada invasion brings with it the potential for damage to the surface of vehicles, particularly the clear coat, from their splatter.

Cicadas are large, flying insects known for their loud buzzing sounds. They belong to the order Hemiptera and the family Cicadidae. These insects spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. After 17 years, they emerge from the ground as adults, shed their exoskeletons, and begin their brief period of adulthood, focused on mating and laying eggs.

Cicada does face plant into car grill (Andrew Parker/Facebook)

While cicadas themselves are not harmful to humans, they can cause damage to vehicles. When they collide with a vehicle's surface, their bodies can create a sticky mess that is difficult to remove. Their exoskeletons and bodily fluids, including a sap-like substance known as "cicada pee," can also be corrosive to the clear coat of a vehicle if left unattended.

Detailing professionals and car enthusiasts alike are familiar with the challenges posed by cicada splatter. According to Mike Smith, a professional detailer, "Cicadas can be a real pain for car owners. Their splatter can be tough to remove, and if not cleaned promptly, it can damage the clear coat of the vehicle." Bug Splatter can leave a permanent etching in your vehicle’s clear coat if the splatter is not cleaned off relatively soon after the splat occurs. This type of damage is expensive to repair and it is typically not covered by insurance. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective cleaning methods.

Cicada urine coated windshield (Christina Johnson/Facebook)

One product that has garnered attention for its ability to tackle cicada splatter is Bug Splat N ALL. Formulated specifically for cleaning insect residue from vehicles, Bug Splat N ALL is known for its effectiveness against tough bugs like cicadas. Its gentle yet powerful formula can remove splatter and sap within seconds without damaging the vehicle's clear coat or removing wax. So while you can’t prevent Bug splatter from happening, you have a powerful tool to clean your vehicle quickly and effectively, while protecting your car from the damage caused by bug splatter.

As the 17-year cicada cycle is set to peak again in 2024, vehicle owners are advised to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles. Regular washing and waxing can help create a barrier that makes it easier to remove cicada splatter. Additionally, using a product like Bugs N ALL can provide an extra layer of protection against damage.

Bugs N All Turns Bug Guts into mush for easy cleaning (Procelle)

In previous years, news outlets have reported on the challenges posed by cicadas to vehicle owners. According to a report from ABC News, cicadas can cause significant damage to car paint if not cleaned promptly. With the upcoming cicada emergence in 2024, it is crucial for vehicle owners to be prepared and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.

The cicada invasion is a natural phenomenon that can be both fascinating and challenging for vehicle owners. While cicadas themselves are not harmful to humans, their splatter can cause damage to vehicle surfaces, particularly the clear coat. By using products like Bugs N ALL and following proper cleaning techniques, vehicle owners can protect their vehicles and keep them looking their best during the cicada invasion.

Large Cicada splatter on windshield  (Corcoran Parnell/Facebook)

Bug Splat N' All is the perfect cleaner for any vehicle's surface. Motorcycles, Rv, Campers, Travel Trailer, Semi Trucks, Cars, Trailers, ATVs, UTVs, Classic Cars, Custom Cars, Airplanes, and so much more.

You know as well as us that bug splatter is a big problem for every vehicle. Bug Splat N' All had been addressing this problem for 15 years. Bug Splat N' All turns Bug Splatter into mush making cleanup simple and easy. But there is more, The product will not remove wax or polish. That is great news for people with big vehicles.

Try Bug Splat N' All and you will see first hand, just like thousands of others, just how well Bug Splat N' All works.   

Lifted Helmet Visor just as Cicada hit the Glasses while riding Motorcycle. (Scott Bradley/Facebook)