A mysterious invasion of “lovebugs” has taken over hiking trails and urban areas in Seoul, South Korea, leaving residents bewildered. The insects, officially called Plecia longiforceps, are native to subtropical regions but have been expanding northward due to climate change.
The lovebugs’ distinctive mating behavior has earned them their nickname, and while they may be considered pests by many, experts say they play a beneficial role in pollinating flowers and enriching soil. However, complaints to city authorities have more than doubled, with over 9,000 reports received this year alone.
Seoul officials recommend non-toxic methods for controlling the infestation, such as water spraying and installing light traps, but public patience is wearing thin. A recent survey found that 86% of residents consider lovebugs a nuisance despite their ecological benefits.
Government researchers are developing fungal pesticides to target lovebug larvae, while birds have been observed eating the insects, helping to control populations. The lovebugs typically disappear by mid-July as their brief adult lifespan comes to an end.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/30/seoul-lovebug-invasion-insects-south-korea