A phenomenon might sound like a grandiose term for something involving a windscreen, but it’s a very real thing amongst drivers around the world. In this article, the team at The Windscreen Company are going to delve into the fascinating nature of the windscreen phenomenon and what we can learn from it.
When we’ve been driving for extended periods of time or driving at certain higher speeds, we tend to see the faint marks or remains of insects who have made the fatal mistake of flying head-first into our windscreens. The windscreen phenomenon is the growing trend of not seeing these marks after driving at certain speeds anymore. We don’t mean that drivers are refusing to acknowledge the marks, we mean that there is a marked decrease in the amount of insects hitting our windscreens.
Believe it or not, this isn’t just a whimsical observation that only motorists will appreciate; it’s actually being treated as a worrying sign of decline in our insect population. The lack of insects on our windscreens is being noticed around the world, and this means that there are all kinds of insects whose numbers are falling, and this can have a severe knock-on effect for humans, animals and the natural world.
It’s interesting that this is happening on a scale large enough for people to actually notice it, never mind that it’s so widespread that scientists are concerned about the cause of such a phenomenon. While we might normally treat insects on our windscreen as an annoyance, we may be facing a situation where splattered flies on the glass would be welcomed as a sign of positive change.
You might think that a reason for the decrease in windscreen-insect collisions is the aerodynamic shape of modern cars. However, it’s actually the opposite – research by the Kent Wildlife Trust found that modern cars killed more insects than older cars with a less aerodynamic form.
There’s no cut-and-dried reason for the phenomenon, but scientists have some ideas as to why we’re not seeing so many insects on our windscreens. Changes in agricultural practices and the increasing levels of agricultural production mean that insects’ habitats are being destroyed, and therefore species decrease in number.
Climate change is also playing a part – as our environment gradually changes, insects are displaced. Whether it’s plants and crops being harvested, transforming climates or the use of pesticides killing off insects, there are threats to the insect population from all angles.
The Windscreen Company are a leading provider of windscreen repair and replacement for all manner of vehicles. Whether you need a windscreen chip repairing on your personal vehicle or your commercial fleet needs new windscreens, you can trust us to provide the perfect service. With 24-hour mobile service available, we can come to you whenever and wherever you need us. For more information, please get in touch with us today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
© The Windscreen Company 2025. All Rights Reserved.
The Windscreen Company is a registered company in England.
Registered Number: 3545701 VAT Number: 720 0628 78
By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.