What colors are horse flies attracted to?

Horse flies are big, nasty and they bite! Nobody likes horse flies buzzing around their horses or themselves. As summer approaches, many people start wondering what colors attract these pesky insects? Here’s a humorous take on this question.

Introduction

If you’re anything like me, then you probably spend a lot of time outside during the summer months. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or just lounging by the pool, one thing is for sure – horse flies are always lurking. These blood-sucking pests can quickly ruin any outdoor adventure if they decide to show up uninvited.

Why Should We Care About What Colors Attract Horse Flies?

Before we dive into the answer to this million-dollar question (yes I mean literally because who knows how much people would pay for this information) let’s consider why we should care about what colors attract horse flies.

Firstly, nobody wants to be bitten by an insect regardless of its size. Not only are their bites painful and irritating but they can also result in infections which can lead to serious health problems such as Lyme disease.

Secondly, animals such as horses become agitated when swarmed with biting insects causing them unnecessary stress that may impact their performance negatively.

Lastly and most importantly apart from being downright annoying having these winged vampires swarming around us serves no aesthetic purpose for our precious surroundings especially when picnicking (who likes eating sandwiches accompanied by hoards of bugs).

Therefore understanding what attracts these flying monsters might help keep them away so that we can enjoy being outside without screaming every 5 minutes while waving wildly at non-existent enemies.

Do Color Preferences Differ Among Species Of Horseflies?

As difficult as it is to believe not all horse fly species look alike nor do they have similar preferences.
There are roughly 3500 known species of horseflies worldwide (in case you needed any more heartwarming news) each with unique preferences regarding environmental conditions and hosts.

For example, some species prefer to feed on humans while others prefer other warm-blooded animals such as horses or cattle. Also, some horseflies are even fancy and choose preference over the colour red.

With that in mind let’s focus on common types of horseflies found around humans:

Tabanus Atratus

Tabanus atratus is a biting fly commonly found throughout North America. They are attracted to dark colors such as black, brown and navy blue which make them less visible targets for predators.

Chrysops Callidus

Chrysops callidus which is also known as ‘The Redfly’ beneath its playful name it can cause significant stress because who likes being bitten? It naturally prefers warmer climates but thrives in cool damp areas prevalent during spring time characterized by wet soil frosts etc.
The feeding habits of chrysops involve flying noiselessly (as if they’re ninjas) underneath their prey before sinking them down with a bite .
As far as color preferences go this variant seems impartial towards all shades from greenish grey hues

Haematopota Pluvialis

Haematopota pluvialis or ‘the rain pool fly’, fish fly,’ comes up increasingly after light summer rains following slightly higher humidity and cooler temperatures than what’s typical during prolonged droughts.

This predatory fly drinks sweat or drops of moisture off human skin, so it will be most active when people engage in outdoor physical activity; for instance sports, running biking (basically anything sweating)
Luckily for sufferers out there Haemotapota has no apparent color preference should you choose to cut back on laundry days.

What Colors Repel Horse Flies?

Although the heading suggests answering what quashes hay flies truth be told different things work best against different subspecies hence it’s important to tailor solutions accordingly (and don’t expect to get the same results on two different species by trying one single method)

For Tabanus Atratus

Prevention is better than cure and equally cheaper for both horse flies and couch potato populations. One of the best defenses against tabanus atratus is wearing light-colored clothing that makes you easier to spot.
Horseflies being visual hunters select potential human or animal victims based on color hue and brightness meaning people in light colors are less appealing as they appear unattractive unlike those dressed in darker shades.

Other options include:

  • Applying insect repellent sprays or lotions
  • Burning citronella candles
  • Covering up with mesh nets or bug jackets

For Chrysops Callidus

Human sweat, respiration, and heat emanation all play a role when Horseflies pick their next prey however research has shown that wrapping your feet loosely with plastic wrap may help deter these pests.(please note though this does not work for long periods)

For longer term longer lasting suggestions;

  • Use insect repellents containing DEET which diverts biting insects such as bandits safely away from skin surfaces (it’s like a superhero cloak but nothing near as elegant)
  • Wearing clothes made in high-tech moisture-wicking fabric meant specifically for outdoor athletes repels chryopos callidus keeping them off humans.

For Haematopota Pluvialis

Haemotapota may have no noticeable tendency towards color preferences but hates banging into bright things!. So put reflective stickers on bikes incorporating these suggests ensures the invisible ninja predator gets visible intel before deciding to attack.

Conclusion

So what do horseflies really love? Dark colours especially dark blue, purple ,black ,brown . However some subspecies convey preference over red colour so avoid wearing anything resembling flowers reddish hues anything seen reflecting blood.

Keep in mind not all species have this same preference which means different measures need to be taken accordingly.

As with most insects, prevention is the best way to avoid being bitten. Wearing light-colored clothing and using insect repellent can go a long way toward reducing your chances of getting bitten by horse flies.
If you do happen to find yourself under attack from these pesky pests, just remember there’s always plastic wrap for your feet or reflective stickers on bikes try it out! Now go forth into summer equipped with newfound wisdom that only comes once every 3500 known fly variants (now you’re prepared!)

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