Here's the poop on sticky car residue

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For the past few weeks, many motorists have found themselves in something of a sticky situation.

Literally.

"It's all over," said motorist Lucy Loewen. "It's on the mirror, under the door handle. Sometimes it just builds up and builds up and becomes really gross."

So what is it?

"Tree sap probably," guessed Loewen. "I mean, what else would it be?"

Well, to put it bluntly, it's bug poop. More specifically, spider mite and aphid excrement. And it's not going away any time soon.

Maggie Ambrosino owner of Brown and Green Tree Care and Consulting Co. said the recent rains have allowed trees to grow, that means more food for insects. And the heat actually causes them to thrive and with plenty of food and hot temperatures. The result is that the tiny critters have overwhelmed Central Texas.

"The aphids have the capability of multiplying and creating many generations with in a few days," she said, "sometimes with in the same day. Because of the insects feeding off the leaves, they'll curl up, brown out and fall off.

"So we're going to experience a lot of heavy defoliation and this is a phenomenon happening all around the city."

Ambrosino said that anyone with aphids should get their trees sprayed by professional. The key is to get the spray to reach the entire treetop.

Whatever the cause, the residue that has been making it difficult to keep vehicles clean.

Experts said the situation could stick around for another month, so drivers might want to wait on the car wash.