The city of Seoul announced on the 18th that they are actively promoting eco-friendly pest control without the use of chemicals to address the inconvenience faced by citizens due to the massive outbreak of nuisance insects such as midges and lovebugs.
Last year, there were 240 complaints related to midges in Seoul, and 9,296 complaints about lovebugs, more than double the number from 2023 (4,418 complaints). The city has been strengthening its response system by establishing relevant regulations and holding a joint response strategy symposium to tackle the recurring insect outbreaks.
The city has introduced an eco-friendly strategy focusing on monitoring outbreaks, non-chemical control, education and publicity, and building cooperation systems to manage insect populations. District health centers monitor complaint situations daily and respond immediately, while also conducting field responses and pilot projects.
In Ttukseom Market in Seongdong-gu, lights with reduced blue light have been installed, and floating traps are in operation on the surface of the Han River at Yeongdong Bridge. According to research by the National Institute of Biological Resources, lighting with reduced blue light achieves an attraction reduction effect of about 80%.
From the end of June, when large outbreaks of lovebugs are expected, traps using light sources and attractants will be operated around Baekryeonsan in Eunpyeong-gu. These insects have been continuously occurring in large numbers, mainly in the northwestern region since 2022.
Seoul is working on developing insect management plans based on pilot projects in cooperation with related agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and district health centers. Insect guide videos are also being produced and distributed to enhance citizen understanding.
As a result of these efforts, as of June 16 this year, there were 37 complaints about midges, showing a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
Kim Tae-hee, Director of the Seoul City Citizen Health Bureau, said, “The city of Seoul will continue to manage epidemic insects using non-chemical methods to reduce citizen discomfort,” adding, “We will enhance citizen response capabilities through video content and create a living environment where humans and insects coexist.”