Love Bugs in Korea
Every May–June, millions of these bugs appear. Here's what you need to know.
Harmless
Can't bite, no venom
May–June
2–3 weeks then gone
Annoying
Swarm near lights
What are love bugs?
Love bugs (붉은등우단털파리, Plecia nearctica) are small black flies with a red thorax. They fly in mating pairs — that's why they're called "love bugs."
They appeared in Korea around 2023 due to climate change and have no natural predators here, causing massive swarms every spring.
How to deal with them
Check window screens
Any gap over 0.5mm and they'll get in
Close curtains at night
They're attracted to light — block it from outside
Use a UV light trap
₩20,000–50,000 at Coupang. Place on balcony.
Dry laundry indoors
They stick to wet clothes hung outside
Wash your car immediately
Their acidic body fluid damages car paint within 24h
Good news
Love bug season only lasts 2–3 weeks. Once temperatures exceed 30°C, they disappear completely. No pest control needed — just physical barriers.