Bugs Swarming Instead of People... Passengers on Gyeongui-Jungang Line Face Sudden Nightmare

Oriental Mayflies Appear Earlier Than Usual
Clinging Densely to Subway Walls... Citizens Feel 'Creeped Out'

The Oriental mayfly, characterized by its green wings and commonly called 'Tinkerbell,' is appearing earlier than usual this year due to warm weather. It has even been found inside subway trains running through the city, causing discomfort among citizens.

A swarm of Oriental mayflies stuck inside the subway.
[Photo by X]

On the 12th, posts on the social networking service X (formerly Twitter) reported sightings of swarms of Oriental mayflies inside the Gyeongui-Jungang Line trains. The original poster, Mr. A, claimed, "Right now, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line is overrun by unidentified insects. Maybe that's why many seats are empty."

The insects were identified as Oriental mayflies. In the photos shared by Mr. A, dozens of Oriental mayflies are seen clinging to the interior walls, lights, electronic signboards, and advertisement panels inside the train cars. Some are even densely attached to the seats where people sit.

A swarm of Oriental mayflies stuck inside the subway.
[Photo by X]

Netizens who saw the photos reacted with comments such as "It's so creepy," "I saw Oriental mayflies recently, and even during rush hour, I preferred standing rather than sitting," "There are so many, it's disgusting," "I hope proper pest control is done," and "It's really scary."

The Oriental mayfly is a large mayfly measuring 10?20 mm in body length and 50 mm in wingspan. It is distributed in Korea, Japan, China, and other regions, inhabiting second-class water quality environments. They usually emerge intensively in June and July, but due to the recent mild weather, they seem to have appeared earlier than usual. Their green color has earned them the nickname 'Tinkerbell.'

Oriental mayflies do not transmit infectious diseases such as viruses or bacteria. They focus solely on mating, and after mating, they land on the water surface to lay 2,000?3,000 eggs before dying immediately. Their larvae feed on organic matter in streams, contributing to ecological cycling.

■ How to Control Oriental Mayflies

- Minimize the brightness of nighttime lighting such as street lamps and shop windows.
- Replace white lights with yellow lights to reduce brightness and avoid attracting them.
- If they stick to windows or glass, spraying water from a spray bottle can easily remove them.
- Install insect screens to prevent Oriental mayflies from entering indoors and check gaps around doors.
- Use of insecticides should be avoided or done with caution due to human health risks and environmental pollution. Instead, installing insect-attracting pest control devices is recommended.