Chairman Hojeong Choi of Seoul Metropolitan Council Inspects Eco-Friendly Lovebug Collection Site Using Light

Pilot Project for the "Ordinance on Support for Management and Control of Mass-Occurring Insects"

Hojeong Choi, Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, visited the Lovebug eco-friendly collection site, which is currently being piloted at the entrance to the Baekryeonsan Mountain trail in Eunpyeong-gu, on June 27.

The Lovebug (Plecia nearctica), known in Korea as the "red-backed hairy fly," is considered a beneficial insect because it feeds on decaying weeds and helps pollinate flowers. However, it is also regarded as an unwelcome summer visitor due to the discomfort it causes. Large swarms typically appear in urban areas from mid-June to early July.

Chairman Hojeong Choi (second from left) examining the Lovebug eco-friendly light source collector. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Council.

In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Council enacted the nation’s first ordinance on the management and control of mass-occurring insects, titled the "Ordinance on Support for Management and Control of Mass-Occurring Insects in Seoul Metropolitan City," in March. The council is prioritizing eco-friendly control methods and has established and implemented a systematic management plan.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is piloting eco-friendly light source collectors that use LED bulbs to capture Lovebugs. Additionally, another pilot project is underway that utilizes the insects’ attraction to floral scents by using fragrances to lure and collect them.

Chairman Choi stated, "For the first time this year, eco-friendly collection methods are being piloted thanks to the ordinance established by the council. We will do our utmost to ensure that citizens can enjoy a pleasant environment by finding ways to reduce public inconvenience without disrupting the ecological balance."

Attendees at the site visit included Seongbae Lee, floor leader of the People Power Party; Heumje Seong, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea; Youngok Kim, chair of the Health and Welfare Committee; as well as officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Eunpyeong-gu Health Center.

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