What Are Lovebugs?
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The official scientific name is Plecia nearctica, commonly known as lovebugs.
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Originally native to the southeastern U.S. (e.g., Florida, Texas), they are a type of small fly.
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They are around 6–9mm in size, and their most notable feature is that male and female pairs fly while mating, staying attached for hours or even days.
Why Are They Appearing in Korea?
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They typically appear from mid-June to early July, though some sightings can occur between May and September.
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After reaching adulthood, they usually mate and lay eggs within 1–2 weeks, then naturally disappear.
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Cities are ideal for them due to urban heat islands, artificial lights, and higher CO₂ levels.
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This year, a combination of environmental factors seems to have triggered a larger outbreak.
Are They Harmful or Helpful?
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They do not bite, have no venom, and do not spread diseases to humans.
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In fact, they play beneficial ecological roles:
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As larvae, they help decompose organic matter and fertilize the soil.
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As adults, they aid in pollination.
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How to Deal with Them (Without Panic)
1. Physical Removal
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Use water hoses to wash them off cars and buildings.
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Use vacuum cleaners or sticky traps indoors.
2. Prevention
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Keep window screens closed and sealed.
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Use dim or yellow lighting at night to reduce attraction.
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Wear darker clothes, as light colors tend to attract them.
3. Natural Repellents
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Spray mixtures of vinegar + water, lemon juice, or peppermint/lavender essential oil diluted in water.
Tip: Since they naturally die off after a couple of weeks, the best strategy may be to wait it out while reducing inconvenience.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | Mid-June to Early July |
| Trait | Flies in male-female pairs while mating |
| Harm to humans | None – no bite, poison, or disease |
| Ecological role | Organic matter breakdown + Pollination |
| Coping tips | Physical removal + prevention + natural repellents |
| Duration | Disappear within 1–2 weeks |
Final Thoughts
Although lovebugs may be annoying or unpleasant in appearance, they pose no threat to humans and are technically beneficial to nature. This phenomenon is seasonal and short-lived, so try not to stress. With a few simple tricks, you can greatly reduce their impact on your day-to-day life.
Don't worry if you see many small black-and-red insects flying in pairs — they're called lovebugs. They don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases, and are completely harmless to humans. They only appear for a short time in summer and naturally disappear after a week or two. Though they may look strange, there's nothing to be afraid of!
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