Mosquito Activity Speeds Up in Hot Weather
Emart's Insect Repellent Sales Up 191%
LED Bug Zappers and Traps Popular
Insect repellents and mosquito nets are selling like hotcakes. This is because mosquitoes have started their activity earlier than usual due to the noticeably warmer weather.
According to Emart on the 1st, sales of all insect repellent products increased by 191% compared to the same period last month, from the 20th to the 26th of last month. During the same period, Lotte Mart saw a threefold increase in sales of insect repellent products. Traditional mosquito repellent items such as mosquito coils, sprays, and mosquito nets sold particularly well. At Emart, sales of mosquito coils and sprays increased by 186% compared to the previous month, while at Lotte Mart, regular mosquito coils (750%), mat-type mosquito coils (300%), and insecticidal sprays (500%) showed high growth rates.
People who avoid using chemical products purchased mosquito nets or insect screens. At Lotte Mart, sales of mosquito nets increased 40 times compared to the previous month, and insect screens and repair tapes surged by 60%. Reflecting this trend, new mosquito repellent products using milder ingredients or completely free of chemical components are also being launched.
With the increase in camping and outdoor activities, mosquito repellent products have also evolved. At Emart, sales of LED insect traps, electric mosquito swatters, and catchers increased by 206% compared to the previous month. These generally attract mosquitoes using ultraviolet wavelengths they prefer, then trap or electrocute them. At Lotte Mart, sales of mosquito repellents sprayed on skin, clothes, and shoes increased by 500% compared to the previous month.
Convenience stores have also seen a significant rise in mosquito repellent sales. Each company sells mat and liquid mosquito coils, spray insecticides, and mosquito repellents. At CU, sales of insect repellent products increased by 62.5% compared to the previous month, at GS25 by 268.3%, at 7-Eleven by 400%, and at Emart24 by 259%.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s mosquito forecast, the first level 2 (interest) alert of the year was recorded on March 13. This is two days earlier than last year and more than a week earlier than in 2021. On March 21-22, the small red house mosquito, a vector for Japanese encephalitis, was also found in Jeju and Busan. As of the 23rd, a nationwide Japanese encephalitis advisory was issued, 19 days earlier than last year.
An official from the distribution industry said, "As the heat started early, demand to purchase insect repellent products in advance is increasing," adding, "We are strengthening the display and assortment of insect repellent products in stores and preparing various promotional activities to match the full heat season."
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