Yeongdeungpo-gu Takes Proactive Measures Against "Lovebugs"... Intensive Pest Control Through July

Pest Control Teams Expanded to Four
200 Eco-Friendly Traps to Be Deployed

On May 14, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, announced that it will take proactive pest control measures to prepare for the mass emergence of lovebugs (Plecia nearctica) during the summer.

Although lovebugs do not transmit infectious diseases, their distinctive appearance and mass outbreaks cause inconvenience to daily life. The district expects their emergence to occur earlier than usual due to the early onset of hot weather this year and has designated May through July as the intensive pest control period.

Lovebug Response Notice. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District.

This year, the district has expanded its pest control teams to a total of four by adding one more private pest control team. The district's pest control teams and resident volunteer teams will cooperate with the private teams to focus on areas with frequent complaints, such as Anyangcheon and Dorimcheon.

Efforts to improve breeding environments will also be carried out in parallel. The district will remove fallen leaves and leaf litter, which are ideal for lovebug egg-laying, in advance, and keep drainage systems and flowerbed undergrowth clean. In June, when adult lovebugs become most active, a "joint public-private pest control day" will be held.

This year, Yeongdeungpo-gu will operate 200 lovebug traps that use natural, non-toxic attractants. The district plans to minimize environmental impact by using eco-friendly methods such as water spraying instead of chemical control.

Residents will also be provided with guidelines for daily life: minimizing nighttime lighting, checking doors and window screens, cleaning dead insects off vehicles, and refraining from using insecticides. The district will inform residents of response measures through its website, social media channels, and public notices.

The head of the Yeongdeungpo-gu Health Division said, "By combining proactive measures to address lovebug outbreaks with public guidelines, we aim to minimize inconvenience for residents."

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