Jongno District deploys eco-friendly traps to combat love bug surge

Jongno District is deploying eco-friendly insect traps and stepping up habitat management to address a surge in love bugs, a flying insect that has been appearing in large numbers across the greater Seoul area. Love bugs — the common name for Plecia nearctica-type flies in Korea — do not bite humans or transmit disease and are considered beneficial insects. However, mass outbreaks generate significant resident complaints. Jongno District received 718 love bug-related complaints over the past three years, with most occurring between mid-June and early July. Infestations previously centered on forested areas near Mount Bugak and Mount Inwang, but have recently spread into residential neighborhoods. Through late July, the district will install 150 sets of eco-friendly attractant traps in parks, green zones and walking trails. The traps use phenylacetaldehyde, a naturally derived chemical compound that lures and captures adult love bugs without the use of conventional pesticides. The district will also clear fallen leaves and condition soil in parks and green areas to reduce the breedingWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times