Bug invasion causing problems for Palm Springs businesses

An infestation of millions of bugs is hurting businesses in downtown Palm Springs.

The charcoal seed bug can be seen covering lights, windows and doors at night in the city.

During the day, these bugs feast on the enormous amount of grass grown at the base of Mt. San Jacinto, and at night the bugs are attracted to the lights in the city.

The bugs are harmless but they are impacting local businesses.Restaurants that serve people on outdoor patios are being forced to send multiple dishes back to the table after bugs land on the food.

“They are pretty bad. I stand outside sampling during the night and they get in the samples all the time. At night people will be walking up and down the street shaking their shirts shaking their hair off,” said Mario Ortega, an employee with Brandini Toffee.
Experts say you can avoid these bugs by keeping your lights off. The charcoal seed bug is expected to die off in a couple of weeks.

JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND ON TWITTER @JOEGALLINEWS