Auto emergencies: how to remove very large insects from your windshield

Effective commercial and home remedies to help you remove dried-on insects from your windshield!

Regular preventative maintenance, including cleaning, increases the life of an automobile. Exterior cleaning prevents damage from dirt, salt, insects and other contaminants. It is important to remove insects quickly since some are acidic and can damage automobile paint and trim. Shellac is a byproduct of many common insects so allowing an insect to dry will make it harder to remove. When removing a large dried insect you will need a product that will soften it enough to scrape it off the windshield.

For an insect that has not yet dried, it is easiest to use materials provided at a service station. Scrape as much of the insect as you can from the windshield with the paper towels provided. For most large insects one or two towels will suffice. If you reach the service station right after hitting the large insect, it will still be quite juicy and could require more. Dispose of the paper towels in the nearest trash receptacle. Using the sponge side of the squeegee, apply windshield cleaner to the remaining smear. Then squeegee the windshield clear of cleaner. Repeat the application of windshield cleaner and squeegee as needed. If you are not near a service station, you can attempt to remove the bulk of the insect using any disposable item in your car. Then engage the automatic windshield rinse and wiper movement on your vehicle. Repeat as needed.

After a large insect has dried it is substantially harder to remove. There are a wide variety of home remedies and commercial products that can aid in removing dried insects from a windshield.

1. Commercial insect removers, sometimes also called surfactant insect removers, can be found in an automotive store or service station. There are many varieties of insect removers available such as pastes, liquids and sponges. Many varieties require that you let the product soak into the insect and others are deigned to loosen the insect's grasp on your windshield so that it can be scraped away. If you choose this method you will need to follow the manufacturer's directions since wait times can vary.

2. Pre-Wax car cleaner can be very effective in loosening insects, even though it is not specifically marketed for that purpose. Simply apply the pre-wax automobile cleaner and let it soften the insect for a few minutes. Then you should be able to easily wipe the bug away.

3. Using fabric softener sheets to remove an insect from a windshield is an interesting home remedy involving a very common household product. Rub the insect with the fabric softener sheet until it is gone. This may require a little more work than some other methods, but it will leave you with a beautifully clean and polished windshield.

4. Baking soda and water is another great way to remove a large insect using common household products. Mix up a thick solution of one part baking soda to one part water. Apply to the insect, wait a few minutes, and wipe it away.

5. Cooking oil or grease can also be used to remove an insect from a windshield. Any standard household cooking oil or grease, such as bacon grease or lard, will loosen the insect after two or three minutes. Use glass cleaner to remove the grease or oil from your windshield.

6. Orange based solvent and molding clay is another inventive home remedy for removing large insects. Spray the orange based solvent on the insect. After a few minutes, rub the insect with children's molding clay. This will remove the insect and any residue from the solvent.

7. Seltzer water (not club soda or tonic) and cola sodas are a convenient way to loosen a dried insect on a windshield. Watch the seltzer water fizz, then wipe the bug and seltzer water away. For colas, watch the cola fizz, wipe the insect and cola away, and follow up with a standard glass cleaner to remove any sugar residue from the cola.

8. Any variety of household vinegar will also soften a large insect enough that it can be removed. Spritz the insect with vinegar, wait for two or three minutes, and wipe the vinegar and insect away.

There are also some preventative steps that you can take to prevent damage to your automobile from very large insects. First, buy an insect deflector for the front of your hood. There are many models on the market now which appear to be purely ornamental while also serving an important function. Second, make sure to keep the windshield washer fluid filled. If you purchase windshield washer fluid marketed to be used in the spring and summer, it will include solvents that help break down the proteins in insects which cause them to stick. Third, change wiper blades frequently so that they work well when you need them most. Try to change them at least annually and do not wait until the blades are brittle or making streaks. It's best to do this in the spring after any damage from the winter season. Many people like to pick a memorable day in spring to remind them to change their wiper blades.