Lovebug warning in Seoul and other metropolitan areas! We've compiled everything from how to get rid of lovebugs to when they appear, why they're beneficial insects that help the ecosystem, and their short lifespan. Did you know that they may look gross, but they're actually good bugs?

 

Today, we've organized love bugs from A to Z. Check out how to get rid of them, when they appear, their role as beneficial insects, and even their lifespan!

1. What is a Love Bug?

Lovebugs are insects whose official name is the red-backed velvet moth.
Although they are small, measuring about 6mm to 1cm in body length, they are easy to spot because the male and female fly together in pairs, and are quite burdensome to watch.

It appears mainly during the summer rainy season, especially between mid-June and early to mid-July.

 

 

2. How long does a love bug live?

Males usually live a short life of 3 to 5 days, and females live a short life of less than 7 days.
They fly in the air for several days while mating, and once mating is complete, the male dies immediately, while the female lays 100 to 300 eggs before ending her life.

The problem is that one individual does not stay for long, but the population increases rapidly in a short period of time.

 

3. Time of occurrence and reason for mass occurrence

Love bugs are seasonal insects that appear only once a year, around the summer rainy season.
But recently, due to unusually high temperatures and monsoon rains, the emergence period has been brought forward, and large numbers are occurring throughout the city.

 

According to Seoul City data, a particularly large number of civil complaints are received in Eunpyeong-gu, Seodaemun-gu, and Mapo-gu.

 

4. Why are love bugs beneficial?

Love bugs may look disgusting, but they are good insects that help the ecosystem.

 

- The larvae decompose fallen leaves and organic matter, making the soil fertile.
- Adults help pollinate flowers by transferring pollen.
- They don't bite people and they don't transmit diseases.

 

That's why the city of Seoul classifies love bugs as beneficial insects rather than pests.

 

5. A complete guide to getting rid of love bugs

Don't spray pesticides indiscriminately just because they look unpleasant! It can harm the ecosystem and people.
Since love bugs have weak wings and are vulnerable to water, the methods below are more effective.

 

- Wear dark clothing when outdoors
Lovebugs are attracted to bright colors like white and yellow.

- Minimize night lighting
Because they are sensitive to light, it is better to reduce the brightness of the lights at night.

- Check screens and window gaps
Please block the gaps to prevent them from coming into the house.

- Physical removal (spraying water, wiping with tissue paper)
Spraying water or wiping with paper is much more effective than using pesticides.

- Install sticky traps
If you place a sticky tag near the light, you can capture them to some extent.

 

Q&A

Q. Are love bugs biting insects?
A. No! They don't bite people and they don't transmit diseases.

 

Q. Do I have to use pesticides to get rid of love bugs?
A. Pesticides are not recommended. Even if you just spray water on them, their wings are weak and they will fall off quickly.

 

Q. Why do you keep clinging to people?
A. It's because they are attracted to bright colors, warm temperatures, and smells. Avoid wearing bright clothes if possible, and shake your clothes well after going out.

 

Love bugs may look a bit strange, but they are actually quite kind insects.
By the way, how about we also become guardians of the ecosystem?
If you still feel uncomfortable, try dealing with it stress-free using the methods introduced above!

 

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