Additional Coverage:
Lovebug Invasion Hits South Korea Again
SEOUL, South Korea – They’re back! Swarms of lovebugs (Plecia nearctica), also known as united bugs, double-headed bugs, or honeymoon flies, have once again descended upon South Korea, causing a stir from mountaintops to subway cars.
First appearing in significant numbers in northwestern Seoul in 2022, these amorous insects, often seen flying coupled together while mating, now appear throughout the city and surrounding areas, primarily between late June and early July.
While they don’t bite or spread disease, the bugs have caused a growing number of public complaints due to their tendency to stick to surfaces like car windows, houses, restaurants, and even subway trains.
Recently, Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon, just west of Seoul, experienced a particularly intense lovebug invasion. Clouds of the insects hovered over the mountain peak, swarming observation decks and requiring constant cleanup efforts by workers. A local official, Wang Hyeon-jeong, noted a significant increase in lovebug numbers compared to the past two years.
The Environment Ministry suggests the mountain’s hot and humid conditions likely contributed to the surge in the local lovebug population. While it’s unclear whether the overall lovebug population has increased this year, the ministry plans to assess the situation after the insects disappear, likely by mid-July.
Despite the inconvenience, South Korean officials consider lovebugs beneficial insects that contribute to pollination. They avoid using chemical pesticides to control the population, opting instead for water sprays and sticky pads. Experts believe the influx of lovebugs, possibly from China, is linked to South Korea’s rising temperatures and climate change.