Motorists warned this insect could wreck your car
Motorists are being warned to be wary of a tiny summer pest that could leave their vehicles facing repair bills of up to £900.
Experts say greenfly populations are expected to rise across the UK in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to rise, and motorists are urged to act quickly if they notice sticky residue on their vehicles.
According to Select Car Leasing, many drivers may not realize their vehicle is under attack until permanent damage occurs.
Greenflies, more commonly known as aphids, are small insects that feed on plants and trees, usually between May and July. The Royal Horticultural Society says the pests survive by sucking sap from leaves and stems, making them a familiar headache for gardeners in spring and summer.
But vehicle experts now warn that the insects can also cause major cosmetic damage to vehicles parked under trees or in densely forested areas.
The problem is caused by a sticky substance called “honeydew” that aphids leave behind after feeding. While it may initially seem harmless, experts claim that the residue can harden into a black mold-like coating that can damage paint over time.
Select Car Leasing Managing Director Graham Conway said drivers should not underestimate the risk.
He warned: “They may be small and seem harmless, but you shouldn’t underestimate how much damage greenfly can do.”
As honeydew begins to break down, it can become increasingly acidic and much more difficult to remove, Conway explained.
He said: “This turns into soot-like black mold spores that can eat away at the paint due to its high acidity.”
The problem is expected to worsen during warm weather, when aphid populations may explode dramatically. Research highlighted by Select Car Leasing claims that a single mature tree can host up to 2.5 million aphids at a time.
The green fly is also known for reproducing at an astonishing rate. Female aphids can reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis; This means they do not need males to produce offspring.
Experts say that one insect can produce about 50 offspring, and that the population has the potential to reach millions within a few weeks during the peak of summer.
As a result, drivers are encouraged to check their vehicles regularly and remove any sticky residue immediately before permanent damage occurs.
He said: “If you’re unlucky enough to find this goo on your car it’s absolutely vital that you clean it up as soon as possible as a respray could cost you around £900.”
Drivers are also advised to avoid parking under trees whenever possible, especially in hot weather when aphid activity is highest.
Storing cleaning wipes inside the car has also been suggested as a quick way to remove residue before it hardens on the surface.
For a deeper clean, experts recommend using special detergents designed to remove stubborn dirt from paint and sunroofs.
