Why Are Flies Attracted to Light?
Scientists have recently discovered that flies are attracted to light for a variety of reasons. This discovery could help develop a better fly killer and prevent outbreaks of fly-borne disease. It has also revealed that some insects instinctively gravitate towards sources of light, often on higher ground.
The reason for this is that insects use light as a way to navigate. Flying insects, for example, judge direction by observing the light of a natural source of light. However, this light source must be constant and at a far distance. In this situation, incandescent porch lights can be confusing for insects. Nevertheless, flies and other insects continue to circle light sources until they find one that is close enough.
In an attempt to avoid attracting flies, you need to remove the source of light. A source of light can be anything that reflects light. Flies are naturally drawn to bright light. Therefore, it’s best to turn off any outdoor lights at night. Additionally, if you’re in a home with bright lights, seal off any entrances.
While flies are drawn to light, their preferences may differ among different types. Some species prefer a particular wavelength over another. For example, some flies are attracted to green light, while others are attracted to blue.