Eradication of Urban Horn Flies and Termites? "Fumigation with Diluted Cinnamon Scent"

"Mayflies Are Not Pests... Population Expected to Decrease in June"
Concerns Over Damage to Cultural Heritage Sites by Invasive White Termites

Recently, large swarms of mayflies, hoverflies, and invasive white termites have been discovered in urban areas, causing inconvenience to citizens. Experts advise that fumigating the crevices where these insects are found with diluted cinnamon or eucalyptus oil can help eradicate them.

The large swarms of mayflies appearing in the eastern part of Seoul and the southern Gyeonggi region are not pests as they do not transmit diseases. Yang Young-cheol, adjunct professor of Health and Environmental Safety at Eulji University, explained in an interview on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 24th, "The Oriental mayfly has a degenerated mouth, so it neither bites nor eats, resulting in a short lifespan. It lives for about a day after emerging as an adult." He added, "Because they appear in large numbers, they cause discomfort and disgust, but they are not actually related to diseases."

Professor Yang said, "The Oriental mayfly has been appearing for over 10 years," and added, "About 6 to 7 years ago, there was a big outbreak in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul." He continued, "Since the Han River basin and tributaries of the Bukhan River are protected water source areas, it is not easy to eliminate Oriental mayflies through artificial pest control. However, population control can be achieved by improving the environment, such as encouraging natural predators to thrive." He further explained, "The number of individuals will gradually decrease after June."

Oriental mayfly stuck on the window. [Image provided by Namyangju-si]

The hoverflies found in an apartment in Incheon also do not transmit diseases. Professor Yang explained, "Hoverflies belong to the order Diptera but differ in size from common flies. They are about 1 mm in size, making them difficult to see with the naked eye." He added, "They were found in an apartment furnished with MDF (medium-density fiberboard) furniture."

However, the invasive white termites recently discovered in a residential area in Gangnam, Seoul, are pests that can damage wooden structures. Professor Yang expressed concern, saying, "Most houses in Korea are made of concrete, so it may not be a big problem, but in Gangnam, there are places like Bongeunsa Temple and other temples. If white termites invade these areas, it could be problematic." He added, "There have been many cases where white termites have damaged cultural heritage sites such as temples."

For eradicating hoverflies and white termites, fumigation was recommended. Professor Yang advised, "Since there are pets and children in homes, it is difficult to spray insecticides in the space. Diluting cinnamon oil or eucalyptus oil and spraying it thoroughly into the crevices where ants appear, then sealing the area with plastic or tape and leaving it for 2 to 3 days, can help completely eliminate them."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.