What happens in South Korea? Seoul is affected by the undesirable love virus
What happens in South Korea? Seoul is affected by the undesirable love virus
In South Korea, a new invasion of love flying (lovebugs) caused excitement. The temperatures rise due to climate change, which favors the spread of these annoying insects. In the past few weeks, the residents of Seoul and the neighboring city of Incheon have been affected by these pests, which led to a massive disorder of everyday life.
The latest spread of love flying
Last Friday, dozens of government employees were sent to the Gyeyangsan Mountains, west of the capital, to deal with an “extremely difficult outbreak”, according to the country's Ministry of Environment. Videos were circulating on social media that converted picturesque hiking trails at the summit into chaotic summary. In the recordings, hikers can be seen that fight through the ravages of thumb -sized insects. One person was surrounded by the black -winged creatures, while another thousands of tiny carcasses lifted away.The origin of love flying
Scientifically known as Plecia Longeforceps , the love flies got their nicknames due to their striking mating behavior, in which they fly closely together during the flight. They can be found primarily in the subtropics, including South China, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. They also occur in parts of Central America and in the south of the United States, including Texas and Florida.
South Korea first spotted in 2015, it is assumed that they were introduced from southern China. According to the Ministry of the Environment, they have performed in and around Seoul since 2022, especially in port areas, between June and July.
causes of the spread
Experts report that climate change and rising temperatures lead to love flying north, areas such as Seoul and Incheon. While global warming is a worldwide phenomenon, scientists have found that the temperatures in Seoul rise faster than in other regions worldwide. This is reinforced by the city's "heat island effect", where the temperatures due to human structures are significantly higher than in rural areas.
"In view of the ecological instability increasing through climate change, we have to remain vigilant in summer," said Kim Tae-O, director of the Ministry of the Environment.
concern and measures
love flying does not transmit diseases and do not stab people. Nevertheless, there are increasing public complaints about the insects that stick to car windows and walls of houses, restaurants and subway trains. So far, the authorities have advised local employees and residents to spray swarms with water or use sticky pads instead of chemical pesticides.
possible further spread
The populations of love flying spread out in the northwest of South Korea, but a possible further distribution remains uncertain. "Compared to the past two years, the number of love flying rose in the mountains last weekend," reported Wang Hyeon-Jeong, an official of the Gyeyang District. Areas with warm, damp climate could attract you, which would create favorable conditions for your survival and reproduction.
future prospects for South Korea
The city administration of Seoul considers love flying as "ecologically advantageous" because they do not represent a health risk for people and help dusting flowers, while their larvae convert vegetable materials into organic components. However, the complaints to the city have been more than doubled, from 4,418 in 2023 to 9,296 last year, according to the Seoul.
On Friday, the environmental ministers agreed to strengthen the reaction procedures and to invest more in them after the recent outbreak was described as "extremely difficult". "We will monitor the situation carefully and work with the local authorities from the start at every outbreak," said Kim. According to reports, however, a natural control of the population begins, since birds such as sparrows and magpies learn to eat the insects, which leads to a decline in their numbers.
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