Why South Korea is dealing with swarms of flying ‘lovebugs' this summer

Indian Express

2 days ago

South Korea is dealing with a fresh outbreak of lovebugs, pesky flying insects that have appeared in large numbers in and around Seoul and Incheon amid rising temperatures. Videos on social media this week showed hikers at Mount Gyeyang struggling through swarms of small black insects along popular mountain trails.
One clip showed a person covered in the bugs, while another showed someone clearing thousands of dead insects from the ground. In a YouTube video, a man even collected the bugs and made them into burgers, which he appeared to eat.
On Friday, the environment ministry called the situation an 'extremely severe outbreak' and sent dozens of workers to the area to respond, according to CNN.
South Korea is facing an annual surge of lovebugs, first seen in 2022 and now swarming Seoul and nearby areas. Though harmless and helpful for pollination while feeding other animals, their growing numbers have led to thousands of pest control requests. #Lovebugs #SouthKorea pic.twitter.com/0EMj2DPQ2I
— CGTN America (@cgtnamerica) July 4, 2025
Lovebugs, or Plecia longiforceps, are small flying insects that often stick together during flight as part of their mating behaviour, leading to their name.
They are commonly found in warm regions such as southeastern China, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, and parts of Central America and the southern United States.
They were first found in South Korea in 2015 and are believed to have arrived from southern China, the environment ministry told CNN. Since 2022, they have been seen more often around Seoul and port areas during the summer months.
Experts say climate change and rising temperatures are helping the bugs move further north into urban areas.
Seoul is warming faster than many other regions, partly due to the 'urban heat island' effect — where buildings and roads trap more heat than surrounding rural areas. This creates conditions that suit the lovebugs' growth and movement.
'With climate change increasing ecological instability, we must remain vigilant throughout the summer,' said Kim Tae-o, a director at the environment ministry, speaking to CNN.
Lovebugs do not bite or spread disease. However, people have complained about the insects gathering on cars, buildings, restaurant walls and even inside trains.
Officials have advised using water sprays and sticky pads to manage the insects, rather than chemical pesticides.
Officials in Gyeyang district say the number of lovebugs has increased sharply compared to previous years. Where the insects might go next is uncertain, but areas with warm and humid weather could attract them.
'Compared with the past two years, the number of lovebugs sharply surged last weekend at the mountain,' Gyeyang district official Wang Hyeon-jeong told CNN.
The Seoul city government says the bugs pose no threat to human health. Their larvae help break down plant material and contribute to pollination, so they are considered part of the local ecosystem.
However, the number of public complaints has more than doubled from over 4,000 in 2023 to more than 9,000 last year, according to city records seen by CNN.
After the latest outbreak, the environment ministry said it will improve early response efforts and coordinate more closely with local governments.
'We will closely monitor the situation and work with local authorities from the early stages of any outbreak,' said Kim.
Nature may also help. According to local reports, birds like sparrows and magpies are starting to eat the lovebugs, which could help reduce their numbers naturally.