'Love bug' torments residents. Authorities speak of invasion

The insect that has begun to appear en masse in places previously unfrequented by itself is a type of fly from the family Bibionidae. It is called a "love fly" or "love bug."

Previously found only in China, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands (Japan), it has now been present in a new country – it was first spotted in 2022. It is now being referred to as an “invasion.”

Insect invasion. The microbiome of the “love bug” is made up of bacteria. Is it dangerous to humans?

The journalists of the British "Guardian" write about the unenviable situation that the residents of the largest city and capital of South Korea - Seoul - are struggling with. Citing researchers, the editorial team explains the reason for the spread of the "love bug" in urban and foothill areas. This is of course related to the ongoing global warming.

The Seoul authorities receive numerous complaints from residents about these insects. In 2023, 4,400 were received, and a year later - in 2024 - a mere 9,200. This clearly shows that the bug is making life miserable for Koreans.

People are fed up with the "love bug". It stains facades and scares away tourists

What do we know about P. longiforceps? Fortunately, it is harmless to humans. Although these worms like to settle on human skin or clothing, as can be seen in one of the videos published on the X platform, which can be irritating, it is not able to infect someone with a dangerous virus or inject poisonous venom into the body. Studies of the "love fly" microbiome have shown that it consists of about 80% strains that are indifferent to humans. The remaining ones, such as Pandoraea oxalativorans or Serratia marcescens, also do not pose a health risk.

What bothers the residents of Seoul even more, and what is connected with its increased presence, is the dirt that the animal leaves behind, among others on clothes and facades. The swarms of worms that cover the walls do not look aesthetically pleasing or inviting – even for tourists who visit Korea.

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