Answer to love bugs?

[APW]

My IBA does a good job but will not remove all the love bugs. I don't have enough business to justify someone to prep cars before they enter the IBA. Would you put a bucket and brush before the entrance and label it prep bucket? Or does anyone have any other ideas.

 

[pcb]

The only way you're going to rid of love bugs is to scrub them. You could put a bucket out for the customer to prep but be ready to always have it. If you do something once they will expect it forever.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I have the little windshield scrubber squeegee things at the entrance to all of my IBAs. I just fill the bucket with FB soap straight from the tank. I see people using it on their windshields often, but sometimes they use it for loosening the bugs on the fronts of their cars. I think this works well, because it's too inconvenient for them to scrub down large portions of their car, or their wheels. They only cost a little over $2 apiece so it's no big deal if someone carries one off. That being said, I replace more from being worn out, than ones that walk off.

 

[Reds]

Is anyone concerned that someone will complain that "your brush scratched my car". I have this complaint occasionally with my foam brush even though I have signage about rinsing brush first and use at your own risk. I would like to put out a windshield brush and bucket but am concerned about complaints and people using it on their wheels.

 

[rph9168]

Most FB soaps are fairly neutral pH. It would probably be better to try some alkaline presoak or shampoo in the prep bucket.

 

[Waxman]

we put a d.i.y. prep bucket out. a 55 gal barrel, filled 1/3 of the way and a wash brush on a pole. i got the idea from soapy and it is a good 'spiff' for customers. yes, they will expect it always so be sure it is right for you.

we also offer a free towel dry station at exit of carwash for all customers and it is a big hit w/customers. but same thing; they expect it to be always available (even though towel theft and laundering/restocking towels keep this a challenge for us).

 

[jimbeaux]

I put a 5 gallon bucket out front with an old foamy brush & handle with about a 1/2 cup of presoak and filled with water. After love bug season is over the bucket is removed and have never had a complaint. I do ocassionaly have a brush disappear but no big deal because they are old & worn anyway.