Which Colors Are Flies Attracted To?
Scientists think that flies are attracted to certain colors, which they associate with food. But they aren’t sure how the fly does this. It has a special pathway in its visual system for processing ultraviolet light, which is blinding to humans. This pathway is not found in humans, but it may be common in other insects, including flies.
Insects are attracted to dark colors, so you should avoid wearing dark colors when outside. The color blue is one of the strongest attractants, but other colors are also attractive to them. Insects use heat receptors to find your body, which means that wearing dark colors on a hot day will make you sweat more. This will attract flies to you and your clothes.
Researchers at the University of Florida used behavioral tests to determine which colors flies respond to. They recorded the flies’ reactions to colored lights using electroretinograms, which measure the amount of light reaching the retina. Blue and yellow are more appealing to flies, and researchers have made fly traps with these colors.
The color blue is a favorite among adult fruit flies. Other colors that attract adult flies include red and yellow. Flies also like the smell of humans and food. People who eat sweets will also attract fruit flies.