Recently, the northeastern area of Seoul and Namyangju in Gyeonggi Province have seen a surge in sightings of brown mantises, raising concerns among residents.
Reports of dozens to hundreds of brown mantises have circulated on various online communities and social media, particularly around Bulamsan and Suraksan mountains, as well as in urban areas of Seoul. Experts are advising the public to avoid unnecessary contact, as these insects can bite humans.
The brown mantis belongs to the order Orthoptera and the family Tettigoniidae, with adult body lengths ranging from about 3 to 4 centimeters. Notably, they possess strong hind legs that allow them to jump to waist height. While they typically inhabit forests and bushes, they have been reported to move into agricultural areas, hiking trails, and residential neighborhoods when their population increases rapidly.
Brown mantises are often confused with pillbugs, but their behaviors differ significantly. While pillbugs usually flee from humans, brown mantises may bite if they feel threatened, using their sharp jaws. Although they are not known to be venomous or disease carriers, their bites can be painful, so it is advisable to avoid handling or provoking them with bare hands.
To minimize the risk of bites during hiking or outdoor activities, several preventive measures can be helpful.
The most important step is to wear long sleeves and long pants. Reducing skin exposure can lower the chances of being bitten. Additionally, it is advisable not to reach into areas with dense grass or piles of leaves. If a brown mantis attaches to your body, experts recommend gently brushing it off or shaking your clothing rather than trying to grab it with your hands.
Many people wonder if wearing light-colored clothing can help avoid attracting brown mantises. However, there is currently no scientific evidence that these insects prefer or avoid specific colors. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that wearing certain colors, such as black or white, will effectively repel brown mantises. Experts emphasize that minimizing skin exposure is more crucial.
If a brown mantis enters your home, it is safer to use a bug net or long tongs to remove it rather than trying to catch it with your hands. To prevent them from entering, checking window screens and avoiding leaving windows open for extended periods can be beneficial.
In agriculture, brown mantises are classified as 'emergency pests.' They can damage crops by feeding on the leaves and fruits of fruit trees and oak species. In the past, there have been reports of them piercing bags in orchards to eat fruit. This is why pest control measures are necessary when their populations surge.
Experts advise that while there is no need to view brown mantises as overly frightening, it is best to avoid contact in areas with high populations and to follow basic safety guidelines during outdoor activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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