As the red-backed velvet lovebug has begun to appear in earnest, a "lovebug map" has also emerged to share sighting reports, mainly in Seoul and the capital region.
According to the National Institute of Forest Science and others on the 22nd, the main activity period of adult lovebugs is from the 15th to the 29th of this month. In particular, the number of active individuals is expected to peak around the 24th.
Because of this, reports of lovebug sightings are coming in from various parts of the capital region. According to the lovebug map, which marks lovebug activity, there were 5,419 lovebug-related reports over the past seven days.
Based on the index (maximum 100%) calculated from reports on the lovebug map, Seoul's Jungnang District and Guri, Gunpo, Danwon District in Ansan, and Jungwon District in Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province had surpassed 60% as of this morning.
In a public perception survey conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government last year, 90.7% of respondents said they felt disgust toward lovebugs.
However, lovebugs do not bite people or transmit diseases. They are also known to decompose fallen leaves and organic matter, helping to enrich the soil.
Experts advise that using water is effective in controlling lovebugs. When their wings get wet, their flight ability declines, so spraying water and then sweeping them away with a broom works.
Since lovebugs are relatively well attracted to bright colors, wearing dark-colored clothing rather than bright ones also helps avoid them.