South Korea is currently experiencing a large outbreak of lovebugs, small insects that have recently invaded Seoul and nearby Incheon. The surge is linked to rising temperatures caused by climate change, which is allowing these bugs to spread further north.
The environment ministry reported an “extremely severe outbreak” on Mount Gyeyang west of Seoul, where government workers were deployed to control the infestation. Social media videos show hikers overwhelmed by swarms of the tiny black-winged insects covering trails and even people.
Lovebugs, known scientifically as Plecia longiforceps, are named for their mating habit of flying into each other mid-air. They are native to subtropical regions including parts of China, Taiwan, and Japan, and were first spotted in South Korea in 2015. Experts believe they arrived from southern China and have gradually expanded into Seoul’s port areas since 2022.
Climate change and urban heat are driving the insects’ spread. Seoul’s temperature is rising faster than many other places due to the “heat island” effect, where buildings and roads absorb and retain heat. This makes the city an ideal environment for lovebugs to thrive.
Though lovebugs do not sting or carry diseases, their presence has caused growing complaints. They tend to stick to car windows, building walls, restaurants, and subway trains. Authorities recommend spraying water or using sticky pads to manage swarms, avoiding chemical pesticides.
The future spread of lovebugs remains uncertain, but warm and humid areas may see increased populations. Some natural control is occurring as local birds like sparrows and magpies have started feeding on the insects, which helps reduce their numbers.
Seoul city officials emphasize that lovebugs are “ecologically beneficial” because they help pollinate flowers and their larvae recycle plant material. Despite this, complaints to the government have more than doubled over the past two years.
In response to the latest outbreak, South Korea’s environment ministers have pledged to invest more resources into monitoring and controlling the insects to limit their impact on residents.
