Last June, Lee Ki-jae, the mayor of Yangcheon District in Seoul, actively participated in pest control efforts targeting “lovebugs.” (Image courtesy of Seoul Yangcheon District)
SEOUL, April 10 (Korea Bizwire) — As insect populations like the so-called “lovebugs” increasingly swarm urban areas during early summer, South Korean authorities and scientists are convening to explore environmentally friendly strategies to manage the phenomenon without disrupting the ecosystem.
The National Institute of Biological Resources, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Sahmyook University, will host an academic forum on April 10 at Seoul City Hall’s Seosomun building to address the growing presence of mass-occurrence insects in cities.
The conference will focus on non-chemical methods—such as the use of lighting and attractants—to control insect numbers and examine long-term strategies for coexistence with beneficial insects.
Over the past several years, urban centers like Seoul have witnessed recurring surges in species such as Plecia nearctica (commonly referred to as “lovebugs”) and Cloeon dipterum, nicknamed “Tinkerbells.”
While these insects do not transmit disease, their sudden proliferation has caused public frustration. Complaints to Seoul city offices about lovebugs more than doubled, rising from 4,418 in 2022 to 9,296 in 2024.
In response, Seoul launched a comprehensive management plan earlier this year titled the “Integrated Nuisance Insect Control Strategy.” The city council also passed a new ordinance aimed at supporting insect control and mitigation. However, these efforts have faced swift backlash from entomologists and environmental advocates.
Critics argue that the targeted species are not harmful pests but beneficial insects, or “익충” in Korean. They contribute to decomposition, pollination, and serve as a food source for other animals. City documents created prior to the ordinance acknowledge this classification.
The rationale for control efforts, according to city reports, is primarily to address public discomfort and minor hazards—such as insects impairing driver visibility or causing corrosion and radiator issues when their bodies accumulate on vehicles.
However, many experts question whether devoting significant manpower and resources to manage what is often just a one-week annual surge is justified.
Although Seoul’s ordinance includes language recommending “eco-friendly methods” for insect management, it lacks enforceable standards or specific guidelines. Environmental groups warn that aggressive chemical or physical interventions could destabilize urban ecosystems and inadvertently trigger new insect outbreaks.
As Seoul and other cities continue to adapt to the ecological challenges of urban living, the focus now shifts to balancing public comfort with ecological responsibility. The upcoming forum is expected to set the tone for future insect management policies, emphasizing sustainable coexistence over eradication.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
