Though a softball diamond fields nine defenders at a time, the population at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium at any given time is a lot higher for Game 1 of the Gainesville Super Regional on May 22.
Florida and Texas Tech are dealing with a gatecrashing swarm of lovebugs, a seasonal nuisance the gulf states are forced to deal with several times a year. The pests, while harmless, are incredibly numerous and can be seen swarming around the players on the ESPN broadcast as they stand in the circle or at the plate.
ESPN’s Holly Rowe gave a report on the bugs, saying that Texas Tech starter Kaitlyn Terry was irked by their presence in the early going. For Florida, it’s more familiar territory, with the Gators also having them present at regionals.
“I can tell you there’s an absolute swarm down here and it is an issue for players,” Rowe reported in the first inning. “I saw the players for Florida putting on bug spray but I can tell you it’s not working. I also tried to put some on but they’re landing all over me. Kaitlyn Terry was really bothered by them initially. I haven’t seen the bugs like going in their faces right now but it is a problem.”
What are lovebugs?
According to an article in the Gainesville Sun by Jamie Groh:
“Lovebugs are small black flies that show up in large numbers across Florida and nearby states for a few weeks each spring and late summer, especially along highways and around grassy areas.
While many will have to swat them away while crossing parking lots or walking paths, or scrape them off front bumpers after a road trip, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) experts say that they are harmless to people and pets.”
Harmless though they may be, they’re difficult to deal with in a competitive environment, as Florida and Texas Tech are learning. Their lifespan is only a few days. Unfortunately, so are super regionals.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What are lovebugs? Florida-Texas Tech super regional swarmed by gatecrashers
Reporting by Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
