Why flies are drawn to yellow: The science behind the nuisance

Flies are among the most annoying insects we encounter in daily life. Often, we wonder why they gather around us or our meals outdoors. Research suggests that flies prefer specific colours, which might attract their attention more than others.

Flies are considered a real nuisance, especially on warm days when they breed quickly. We often see dozens of them on fruits, in our summer salads, on sweets, or even in a glass of lemonade.

Flies are often attracted to the colour yellow and bright clothing that we wear in summer, which can be very frustrating.

All insects, including butterflies and moths, are attracted to the colour yellow and generally to bright colours - emphasizes unica.ro.

Flies have compound eyes that allow them to see a broad spectrum of colours. Because of this, they can perceive different colours, which may influence their behaviour. Research suggests that flies prefer specific colours that might attract their attention more than others.

One reason yellow might attract flies is its association with certain types of food. In nature, many flowers and fruits have intense, bright colours, including yellow.

When searching for food, flies might instinctively be drawn toward more vivid colours, associating them with potential food sources.

Numerous scientific studies have examined insects' colour preferences. Some experiments have shown that flies are more active in places where bright colours like white, yellow, or orange dominate. However, other studies do not unambiguously confirm this thesis.

Some theories suggest that the main factor attracting flies is not the colour itself but the reflectivity and brightness of a surface. Bright surfaces reflect more light, which might attract insects searching for food or shelter.