In Incheon, South Korea, difficult to put your nose outside. During the last days, the Eastern Asia country has been invaded by “Lovbugs”, also called “Mars”, which have been established in each corner of the street.
Upon excursion to Mount Gyeyangsan on Saturday, Kim Jae-Woong told the Korean newspaper that the Korea Herald Herald was “completely covered with insects,” which forced visitors to turn around. The body full of flies has filmed by collecting many dead insects on the ground.
In social networks, several videos show passers -by, to fight under clouds of insects, some equipped with an electric racket or fans. “There were dead flies everywhere on the ground, but what was even worse were swarms flying on my face. I could barely see or breathe,” said a witness, quoted by Korea Herald.
9,296 reports in 2024
Nicknamed “Lovebugs” (“Honeymoon rods”, “inseparable”, note of the editor) due to their habit of flying as a couple, together with each other, these Asia flies particularly appreciate the warm and humid climate of this period of the year. Previously present mainly in southeast China and Okinawa, Japan, Lavugs They have been appearing in large quantities in Seoul since 2022.
“The wet climate is already stressful, and flies are only getting worse. They do not bite, but they constantly fly to people. Way faster these days. If it is not a parasite, what is it?”, Used Seong, 29, who lives in the Eunpyeong-Gugu district, in Seoul, known for his high concentration of flies.
In 2024, the city of Seoul received 9,296 complaints about these flies, against 4,418 the previous year. The city of Incheon declares that it recently received more than 100 reports on the only day.
With a little luck, the terrible coorian experience should soon end. In general, love leaves disappear in mid -July. The useful life of this kind of fly is approximately two weeks, according to the intensity of its activity, the guardian indicates.
“Useful” insects
Although they have a bad press, South Korea encourages coexistence with these insects. “They have a disgusting appearance, but in reality they are useful insects,” Seoul authorities said in a press release, warning the population against the use of pesticides that could kill “other organizations.”
Love flies pollute flowers and their larvae enrich the soil decomposing organic matter. According to US authorities, the United States is also a place of reproduction for the species, it does not represent any risk to the health of humans, despite their particularly invasive presence.
To get rid of it, the authorities recommend spraying water or installing traps around lighting. They also invite Koreans to wear dark clothes, insects that are attracted to bright colors and lights.
In spite of everything, the patience of the population is exhausted. A survey by the Seoul Institute reveals that 86% of the inhabitants consider that love sheets are harmful despite their ecological benefits, classifying them in the third row of the most unpleasant insects after cockroaches and bedbugs.
Source: BFM TV
