Urgent reminder! Don’t wear these colors when going out

Audit expert: Jiang Tao

Vice Chairman of the Science Popularization Committee of the Chinese Society of Bioengineering

Summer is coming

Beijing entered summer on May 7, 13 days earlier than usual. Since the beginning of summer, the number and variety of insects in the shade of trees and near lawns in residential areas and parks has increased significantly.

Some netizens posted that when they walk on the street wearing yellow or green clothes, they are always "favored" by small flying insects. "It is recommended to wear less yellow and green clothes when going out in spring and summer" became a hot search on Weibo. Why are yellow and green clothes easy to attract small flying insects? How to avoid or reduce the infestation of flying insects?

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

01

What is insect tropism?

Source: Baidu

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

02

Why do certain colors attract insects?

It has to do with the wavelength and reflection of light . Different colors reflect different wavelengths of light, and some wavelengths are more attractive to insects than others. For example, ultraviolet light is very attractive to many insects. Although we humans cannot see ultraviolet light, insects can. Therefore, when we wear clothing that reflects ultraviolet light, we may attract a large number of insects.

Source: AI generated image

In addition to ultraviolet rays , some bright colors, such as yellow and green, may also attract insects. The tendency of different types of insects to color is called chromotaxis. Insects have specific choices and preferences for chromotaxis. For example, aphids, leaf miners, whiteflies, etc. have a strong tendency to yellow , while thrips have a strong tendency to blue . This is a biological behavior formed by insects in the long process of evolution, and its essence is a phototaxis. Color is the light wave reflected from the surface of an object, which can be perceived by the keen vision of insects. Chromatography plays an important role in the process of insects foraging, courtship, habitat selection and avoiding enemies.

In general, most insects have a strong tendency to yellow, followed by blue and green. Studies have found that colors of different saturation have a significant effect on insect attraction. Yellow clothes may attract a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, aphids, bees, etc.

Source: AI generated image

Knowing this, we can understand why scientists recommend that we avoid wearing certain colors of clothes during the season when insects are active. Because these colors may make us the "target" of insects. And being surrounded by a large number of insects is not only inconvenient, but may also trigger allergic reactions or the risk of being bitten.

03

Color attraction of insects

Application in agricultural management

Source: AI generated image

Insects' color attraction is a tendency to move toward specific light waves through the photoreceptor cells in their visual organs. This characteristic has many uses in practical applications.

01

Color plates to attract pests

By taking advantage of the tendency of pests to specific colors, color plates can be made for trapping. For example, most thrips prefer blue light waves, so using blue plates can effectively trap and control their numbers.

02

Colored materials repel insects

Based on the pests' aversion to certain colors, such as aphids' negative tendency to silver-gray, silver-gray plastic films can be used to avoid insects and reduce the damage to crops.

03

Combined technology to kill pests

Combining color with other technologies such as lighting, frequency vibration waves, sex attractants, etc. can improve the effectiveness of attracting and killing pests.

04

How to protect yourself from insect harassment when outdoors?

Source: Xinhuanet

In addition to avoiding wearing yellow, blue, green and other colors of clothing that attract insects, we can also take other measures to protect ourselves. For example, when doing outdoor activities, we can choose to wear long sleeves and long pants to minimize the exposed part of the skin; wear goggles to prevent insects from entering the eyes; and use insect repellent liquid, mosquito coils and other insect repellent products to repel insects.

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

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

So, next time before you go out, check whether your clothes are appropriate!

so

Before you go out next time

Why not check first?

Is your attire appropriate?