In the summer, the species and number of insects in the shade of trees and lawns in the community and park have increased significantly.

Some netizens have posted that when wearing yellow or green clothes on the street, they are always "favored" by small flying insects. "It is recommended to wear less yellow and green clothes to go out in spring and summer.". Why are yellow and green clothes easy to attract small flying insects? How to avoid or reduce the intrusion of flying insects?

This is actually closely related to a magical behavior of insects - "taxis". Today, let's explore this scientific phenomenon, see why some colors of clothes attract insects, and learn how to take care of yourself in the active season of insects.

  What is insect taxis?

Source | Baidu

Taxis refers to the directional response of insects to certain external stimuli. These stimuli can be light, temperature, smell, etc. For example, many insects have phototaxis, and they will be attracted by light. This is why on summer nights, we often see a large number of small flying insects gathered under the street lights.

   Why do certain colors attract insects?

This is related to the wavelength and reflection of light. Different colors reflect different wavelengths of light, and some wavelengths are more attractive to insects. For example, ultraviolet light has a strong attraction for many insects. Although we humans can't see ultraviolet rays, insects can. Therefore, when we wear clothes that reflect ultraviolet light, we may attract a large number of insects.

In addition to ultraviolet rays, some bright colors, such as yellow and green, may also attract insects. The color tropism of different insects is called color tropism. Insect color taxis have specific choices and hobbies, such as aphids, leaf miners, whiteflies, etc., and have a strong tendency to yellow, while thrips have a strong tendency to blue. This is a biological behavior formed in the long-term evolution of insects, and its essence is a phototaxis. Color is the light wave reflected from the object surface, which can be keenly perceived by insects. Chromotaxis plays an important role in insect foraging, courtship, habitat selection and avoiding enemies.

In general, most insects tend to yellow, followed by blue and green. The study found that the color with different saturation had a significant impact on the attraction effect of insects. Yellow clothes may attract a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, aphids, bees, etc.

Knowing this, we can understand why scientists would recommend that we avoid wearing clothes of certain colors in the season when insects are active. Because these colors may make us the "target" of insects. The surrounding of a large number of insects will not only bring inconvenience, but also may cause allergic reaction or risk of being bitten.

  The Application of Insect Color Tendency in Agricultural Management

Insect chromotaxis is a kind of tendency reaction made by the photoreceptor cells in the visual organs to respond to specific light waves, which has many uses in practical applications.

   Color palette traps pests

Using the tendency of pests to specific colors, color plates can be made for trapping. For example, most thrips have a preference for blue light waves. Using a blue board can effectively trap and control their number.

   Colored materials to avoid insects

According to the repellency of pests to some colors, for example, aphids have a negative tendency to silver gray, silver gray plastic films can be used to avoid pests and reduce the harm of pests to crops.

   Trapping and killing pests with complex technology

Combine color with other technologies such as light, frequency wave, sex attractant, etc. to improve the effect of trapping and killing pests.

   How to protect yourself from insects outside?

Source | Xinhua

In addition to avoiding wearing yellow, blue and green clothes that attract insects, we can also take other measures to protect ourselves. For example, in outdoor activities, you can choose to wear long sleeved trousers to minimize the exposed part of the skin; Wear goggles to prevent insects from entering the eyes; Insect repellents such as mosquito repellent liquid and mosquito repellent incense can also be used to drive away insects.

In addition, we can better prevent insects by understanding their habits. For example, many insects are most active at dusk and dawn, so you should be careful when going out during these two periods. In addition, insects like humid environment, so keeping the living environment dry and ventilated is also an effective way to prevent insect breeding.

By understanding the tendency and habits of insects, we can better protect ourselves from the "harassment" of insects. This will not only make us more comfortable when we are outdoors, but also cultivate our respect for the laws of nature and curiosity in nature.

So, before going out next time, you might as well check whether your clothes are suitable!