Swarms of lovebugs return to South Korea, covering mountain peak and nearby areas

 SEOUL, July 1 — Swarms of "lovebugs" have made a return to South Korea, covering mountain peaks, getting into homes, and sticking to car windows.

These insects, scientifically known as Plecia nearctica, are often seen flying in pairs while mating, which is why they're nicknamed “honeymoon flies,” “double-headed bugs,” or “united bugs.” First spotted in Seoul in 2022, they now appear in large numbers across the city and nearby areas every year from late June to early July.

While lovebugs don’t bite or spread disease, people have been complaining more frequently about them clinging to windows, walls, restaurants, and even inside subway trains.

Recently, large swarms were seen at the top of Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon, just west of Seoul. Videos aired by local TV stations showed workers clearing piles of dead insects from observation decks.

“There was a noticeable increase in the number of lovebugs last weekend compared to the past two years,” said Wang Hyeon-jeong, a local official from the Gyeyang district. Authorities aren’t sure why the mountain has seen such a surge, but the area’s hot and humid climate is ideal for the insects, according to the Environment Ministry.

It’s still unclear if other parts of Seoul are experiencing more lovebugs than in previous years. The ministry says it will assess the situation once the insects disappear, which is expected around mid-July.

Despite the nuisance, South Korean officials consider lovebugs to be helpful because they pollinate flowers and their larvae break down plant material, turning it into organic matter. Instead of using chemical pesticides, authorities are managing the outbreak by spraying water and using sticky traps.

Experts believe the increase in lovebugs may be linked to rising temperatures and climate change, suggesting that the insects are possibly migrating from China due to warmer conditions.

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