Motorists are being warned to remain vigilant this summer. A small insect capable of inflicting hundreds of pounds worth of damage is expected to descend upon the UK in vast numbers this summer.
Experts warn that numerous drivers might not discover there's an issue until it's far too late. According to Select Car Leasing, greenfly populations are projected to surge dramatically as temperatures climb heading into the warmer months. The leasing firm maintains the insects can leave drivers facing repair costs of up to £900, particularly if vehicles are left parked under trees for extended spells.
Greenfly, also referred to as aphids, are most frequently spotted in the UK between May and July. The Royal Horticultural Society reports it feeds by extracting sap from plants and trees, making them a persistent irritation for gardeners throughout late spring and summer.
Yet specialists are now asserting the pests can also cause chaos for our vehicles. Research referenced by Select Car Leasing indicates the insects secrete an unpleasant substance called 'honeydew', which can attach itself to bonnets, roofs and soft tops before transforming into a corrosive mould-like residue.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, cautioned drivers against underestimating the threat. He said: "They may be small and look harmless but you should not underestimate how much damage greenfly can cause."
According to Conway, the insect deposits a substance that grows more damaging over time, and progressively harder to shift if left untreated. "This turns into soot-like black mould spores, which can eat through paintwork because of their high acidity," he explained.
Experts say the problem can become particularly serious during warmer weather when aphid populations surge. Research highlighted by Select Car Leasing revealed a mature tree can harbour around 2.5 million aphids at one time.
The insects are also capable of breeding at astonishing speed. Female greenfly can reproduce 'parthenogenetically', meaning they do not require fertilisation from males to produce offspring. A single greenfly can produce around 50 offspring - a figure that can reportedly escalate into as many as six million within the space of a single month.
Conway said that cleaning affected vehicles is important to prevent expensive repairs. He said: "If you are unfortunate enough to find this sticky substance on your car it is absolutely crucial that you clean it off as soon as possible, as a respray could set you back around £900."
Drivers are now being urged to adopt more rigorous cleaning habits throughout the summer. According to Select Car Leasing, keeping cleaning wipes inside vehicles could help motorists eliminate residue before permanent damage occurs.
Conway added: "Motorists should keep a close eye on their vehicles at this time of the year and maintain a fairly strict cleaning regime to ensure they escape any damage." He further recommended that drivers opt for specialist detergents to achieve a more thorough clean after removing any residue.