Seoul Residents Face Swarms of "Lovebugs" as Climate Shifts Push Insects North
People in Seoul are dealing with an influx of "lovebugs," which have overtaken hiking trails and parts of the city. Experts disagree on how to manage the growing infestations, which are spreading farther north due to changing climate conditions.
Videos circulating online depict trails and viewing areas on Gyeyangsan Mountain in Incheon, near Seoul, covered in dense clusters of the insects.
Scientifically known as *Plecia longiforceps*, the bugs are nicknamed for their tendency to fly in pairs while mating. Males live for three to four days, while females survive about a week, laying hundreds of eggs in damp soil before dying.
Originally from subtropical regions in southeastern China, Taiwan, and Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, the bugs were first documented in South Korea during a major appearance in 2022.
Warmer weather and urban expansion near mountain habitats are believed to be aiding their spread into temperate zones. Experts say Seoul’s higher temperatures, amplified by the urban heat effect, make the city a favorable environment for them.
Reports to city officials jumped from 4,418 in 2023 to 9,296 last year. Incheon recorded over 100 complaints in just one day this year.
The surge has sparked debate over how to respond without causing broader harm.
“They may look unpleasant, but they serve a useful purpose,” city officials stated, cautioning that widespread pesticide use could harm other species and people. The insects help pollinate plants, and their larvae break down organic material in soil.
Lovebugs are not dangerous—they don’t bite, spread illness, or consume much as adults.
Authorities suggest washing bugs off surfaces with water, using light traps or sticky pads near outdoor lighting, and wearing dark clothing since the insects are drawn to bright colors and lights.
However, public frustration is growing. A city survey found 86% of residents view them as pests, ranking them third-worst after cockroaches and bedbugs, despite their ecological role.
Researchers are said to be developing targeted fungal pesticides to reduce harm to other wildlife. Birds like magpies and sparrows have also started feeding on the bugs, helping lower numbers in some areas.
The outbreaks typically fade by mid-July, as the bugs’ short lifespan leads to a quick population decline after roughly two weeks of peak activity.
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.