Bugs come in all shapes, sizes and colors. From tiny ants to large cockroaches, bugs can be found in almost every environment on Earth. But while humans may have color preferences, do bugs have a least favorite color? Research suggests that some colors do deter bugs more than others.
Bugs see color differently than humans
To understand if bugs have color preferences, we first have to understand how they see color. Bugs do not see color the same way humans do. Many bugs, like flies, mosquitoes, and beetles, have compound eyes made up of thousands of tiny lenses. This gives them a mosaic-like vision very different from human eyesight.
Bugs also see a more limited color spectrum. Humans have trichromatic vision with retinal cone cells that detect red, green and blue light. Many insects, however, have dichromatic vision and can only see blue and green portions of the light spectrum. This means they see a range of colors from blues to yellows, but reds may appear dark or black to them.
Some colors deter bugs
Even though bugs see colors differently, research has identified certain colors that seem to deter some insects:
- Yellow – Yellow lights have been shown to attract fewer insects than other colors. Yellow sodium vapor lights attract less mosquitoes, moths and other night insects.
- Green – Some shade of green can repel aphids, thrips and whiteflies. Reflective mulch in light green colors can deter these soft-bodied insects.
- Red – Red is thought to be less visible to many insects. Red tents and backpacks have been found to have fewer mosquitoes than other colors.
- Blue – Some research found blue light attracts fewer insects like mosquitoes and midges. Blue Bug Bulbs with a 440-460 nm wavelength work as bug zappers.
Researchers believe these colors may be less stimulating or attractive to insect vision. The wavelengths of light may not excite their photoreceptors as much as colors like yellows, oranges and violets that more closely match insects’ color vision.
Color preferences vary by species
Different bug species do show some color preferences or aversions:
| Species | Deterrent Colors |
|---|---|
| Mosquitoes | Yellow, green, red |
| Moths | Green, yellow |
| Thrips | Blue, gray |
| Aphids | Aluminum, yellow |
| Beetles | Green, yellow, white |
Mosquitoes and moths, for example, are less attracted to yellows and greens. But aphids avoid aluminum and yellows. There is no one bug repellent color that deters all insects.
Other factors influence color deterrence
While some hues may discourage bug activity, other factors also play a role:
- Brightness – Shiny or glossy surfaces in light colors reflect more light which can deter insects. Matte and darker finishes attract more bugs.
- Pattern – Solid colors work better than patterns which can mimic foliage and attract rather than repel.
- Location – Bugs rely more on smell and location than color when seeking food sources or habitats.
- Temperature – Warm colors tend to attract more while cool blues and greens deter. Darker colors also absorb more heat.
So a glossy, light green surface without patterns may deter certain bugs better than a textured, dark green with the same hue. The repellent effect depends on multiple interacting factors.
Color is secondary to smell for finding hosts
While some wavelengths of light may be less stimulating and attractive to insects, most bugs do not rely heavily on visual cues when finding plant hosts or animal prey. Most insects like mosquitoes, ticks and bed bugs locate hosts through smelling carbon dioxide, sweat and other animal-specific chemical signals. Visual cues are secondary when finding a blood meal or plant to feed on.
This is why many commercial insect repellents contain DEET or other chemicals that block insect olfactory receptors. Masking human scents is more effective than simply deterring with color.
Dark, muted colors recommended for clothing
Though color is not a perfect bug repellent, lighter and cooler colors tend to attract fewer insects in nature. Some general tips on using color to deter bugs:
- Clothing – Dark browns, blacks, grays work better than light yellows, reds and oranges.
- Structures – White or light green exteriors over darker wood tones.
- Landscaping – Silvery-blue plants like artemisia over red flowers.
- Lights – Yellow bug lights fewer insects than brighter white bulbs.
- Textiles – Solid pale green bedding over darker patterned blankets.
Dark, muted cool tones seem to attract the fewest insects in most situations. But colors should be used alongside other deterrents like insecticides, cleanliness, and scent masking.
Conclusion
Research shows some shades like yellows, greens, blues and reds can deter some insects. But bugs do not see or respond to color the same way as humans. Smell and other factors are more important for finding hosts. While muted cool colors can help, they should not be solely relied on as bug or mosquito repellents. Strategic use of color along with other deterrents is best for discouraging insect pests.
