The colors that most attract insects

The colors that most attract insects

one mosquito sit on skin isolated red background

Yes, colors attract insects. These are definitely not only attracted by the smell, but they see the colors and go especially towards some of them. It is useful to know this to decide which colors are preferable to avoid if you do not want to be bitten by mosquitoes or wasps or, also, to become the center of their attention if you are a lover of this type of living beings. Pay close attention to this article, because we are going to tell you what they are. the colors that most attract insects.

We knew that there are some animals that can be attracted to certain colors. Or do they see in black and white? Or do they only see some colors as it has been claimed to happen to dogs? The truth is that there is no unanimity in the scientific field either, but there are studies that seem to show some data and endorse some realities that, for the moment, seem to remain possible. 

According to these analyses, insects have preferences, firstly for the places to go to look for food and, then, preferences for what type of victims have better blood, in the case of mosquitoes. But, apart from this, both the most famous summer suckers and other equally fearsome insects focus on colors. 

Preferred colors by insect family

The colors that most attract insects

We have to see each type of insect to know what colors attract their attention. For example, a ladybug is not the same as a mosquito, or an ant is not the same as an aphid. Up to this point, I'm sure you agree with us and I'm sure that you also feel more predilection or aberration for one animal or another. 

Let us guess: the ladybug It is a nice little animal that you wouldn't mind having in your garden (as long as it doesn't completely invade your space either, but this is another question). However, if it is aphids, flies or mosquitoes, things change. For the latter, like many others, the further away the better, right?

In that case, avoid red and blue. Unless you want to have an army of flies and mosquitoes on you. But be careful, then you will also be giving up ladybugs and ants from approaching you, because the former love red, while ants appreciate the color blue.

On the other hand, don't wear anything yellow Do not place it in your garden, orchard or near flower pots if you want to avoid the danger of being attacked by aphids, fleas and other family members. 

More precautions regarding color and insects

This information can be especially useful if you are going on a trip to countries where dangerous insect bites proliferate, such as yellow fever mosquitoes. Put green, blue, white and purple clothing in your luggage. But never dress in clothes red and don't wear anything toned either oranges, cyan and black

The colors that most attract insects

If you tend to be cannon fodder for wasps and bees every time the heat starts to appear and you don't dare leave the house without epinephrine or hydrocortisone cream, don't even think about wearing bright colors, strong or vibrant. Better, opt for clothing and accessories in light tones, the more the better. You'll even be right if you wear white. 

But, attention, special attention to the area of ​​your wrists and neck!! Because that is exactly where they will go to attack you, since they know (their intuition is strong and instinct even stronger), that the wrists and neck are our weak point. Therefore, sleeves, scarves, wrists, watches and decorations in this area are a real decoy for them to hunt you down. Never carry objects of attractive colors to them.

As for spiders, we must differentiate by species. Because spiders usually distinguish red, blue and green in their trichromatic vision. But there are other spiders, such as wolf spiders, that identify violet and green. Just in case, choose other colors when you know you will go to places where spiders may live. 

Why are insects attracted to some colors and not so much to others?

The first thing is to warn that these rules are not golden, that is, just because you avoid these colors that we have explained to you, you will surely avoid the bite or the presence of certain insects. There are other factors that also influence its presence and bite, as we are going to see now. What we can tell you is that there seems to be an explanation for the fact that there are positive and negative colors for them. Or several explanations really. 

Sometimes, Insects have a predilection for certain colors because, simply, They are the only colors that can be visualized. This is the case of spiders that, we mentioned just a few lines ago, have trichromatic or dichromatic vision, in wolf spiders. 

Another accepted explanation is that there are colors that can be remembered by insects as the colors of other animals that pose a danger or threat, that is, they see certain colors and become defensive, believing that they may be in the presence of predators and Logically, they seek to defend themselves, which is why they sting. 

Not just colors, other factors that attract insects

Indeed, in addition to colors, there are people who are more attracted to insects than others and are more exposed to their bite or, at least, to their threatening presence. Have you never wondered why you get bitten and your partner doesn't? For example, insects are also very guided by smells. 

We cannot guarantee anything, but if you want to avoid all dangers and take maximum precautions, in addition to wearing or not wearing certain colors, try to avoid certain fragrances. Especially flower perfumes are irresistible to any insect, especially bees. And the flowers are their main food and they take their nectar from them. If you smell like flowers you will be sending an invitation to the insect: “I am here!”

Now you know what they are the colors that most attract insects. Will you avoid them from today? What is your experience?


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