Have you ever been outside and noticed a pesky fly or two followings you around? You may have wondered why flies seem to be attracted to you and what exactly draws them in. The answer is complicated and has to do with a variety of factors, from the food you eat to the chemistry of your body. To fully understand why flies seem to follow you, it’s important to take a look at why insects are attracted to humans in general. From the fly’s perspective, humans are a source of food, warmth, and shelter, making us an attractive target. In addition, some compounds and chemicals we emit can act as a beacon to attract flies and other insects. So, the next time you find yourself being followed by a fly, you can rest assured that it isn’t a personal attack—insects are simply drawn to us for a variety of reasons.
Why Do Flies Follow Me?
Sweat and Bacteria
Most of the time, you will find flies congregating near your food source. However, flies can often be found near the ground as well, and this can be a bit of a mystery. One theory is that the flies are attracted to the bacteria and sweat on your feet. They may be following the path of bacteria as it travels from your foot through the soil. This is particularly likely if you are wearing heavily soiled or wet shoes. If you find you are being followed by flies near your feet, you can try to reduce the bacteria and sweat on your shoes by wiping them with a dry cloth as often as possible. If you are eating near the ground, try to keep crumbs as far away as possible to avoid attracting flies.
Perfumes and Fragrances
Some insects are naturally attracted to specific scents. For example, many species of moths are naturally attracted to light. The same is true for some species of flies. Unfortunately, flies often do not respond to light in a positive way. In fact, they are often drawn to artificial light, particularly scented light like incense or fragranced candles. If you see a large number of flies near you when you are wearing scented products, try to avoid wearing them outdoors. If a fly is particularly attracted to your product, it may be best to avoid wearing it entirely.
Garbage and Decay
Some species of flies are drawn to decaying matter, which can include garbage. If flies are following you near garbage, the best thing you can do is to either move the garbage away from where you are standing or shield it from view as much as possible. If you are eating near garbage and cannot move it, try to keep it as covered as possible and try to eat quickly.
Bright Colors
If you are wearing bright, vibrant clothing, you may find that you have far more flies following you than you would like. Unfortunately, some species of flies are attracted to bright colors. The best solution to this problem is to wear clothing that is dark and muted in color. This can help you avoid having a swarm of flies following you around. If you cannot avoid wearing brightly colored clothing, try to avoid eating near it.
Food
The final reason why flies may follow you is that they may be looking for food. This is particularly likely if you are near a large body of water. If a large group of flies is following you and you are near water, try to avoid eating near the water source.
What Draws Insects To Humans?
- There are a few key factors that draw insects to humans. Firstly, human bodies emit odors and pheromones (chemical lures) that can attract insects. For instance, researchers have found that the smell of acetone, which is the scent of nail polish remover, can attract mosquitoes.
- Human sweat also contains certain odors that can be attractive to certain types of insects. In addition, insects are naturally drawn to the bright light emitted from buildings as well as artificial lights, including flashlights and car headlights. This is because they are looking for warmth and light, which are key to finding food and avoiding predators. Humans are also an excellent source of food for insects.
- Many species survive by eating plants or other insects. We are a large, warm-blooded species of mammal that can provide plenty of nutrients. As such, we are a natural source of food for many different species of insects.
- Many insects also lay eggs on plants, which are then consumed by humans and the growing insect larvae. In a sense, insects are simply taking advantage of the food and resources that humans provide for them.
The Chemistry Of Human Bodies
- The chemicals and compounds emitted by human bodies can also attract insects. One such compound is lactic acid, which is a by-product of the body’s metabolism.
- This compound is naturally released through our sweat, which can attract certain types of insects, particularly species of flies.
- Another compound that can be found in human sweat and can attract certain insects is octanol, which has been found to attract mosquitoes.
- Human skin can also emit a variety of different compounds, including carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane, which can all attract insects. In addition, the amount of salt, sugar, and water found in your blood can also attract certain insects.
How To Prevent Insects From Following You
- If you find yourself being followed by a large number of insects, it can be overwhelming. To reduce the number of insects that follow you, it is important to limit the amount of body heat and carbon dioxide that you give off.
- This can be done by limiting strenuous activities, wearing long pants, and staying in shaded areas. Wearing light-coloured clothing is also a good idea since darker colors are attractive to insects.
- In addition, it is important to avoid standing near trees, large plants, and bodies of water, as these are common areas to which insects are drawn. If you are being followed by mosquitoes, it can be helpful to have a fan nearby.
- This will draw them away from you and toward the fan, which can help to repel them. Having a source of water nearby can also be helpful, as mosquitoes are less likely to approach the water.
How To Keep Flies Away?
1. Reduce the Bacteria Around You – One of the first steps you can take to reduce the number of bacteria around you is to wash your hands regularly. It is also a good idea to wash your hands before you eat, particularly if you are eating near the garbage.
2. Avoid Eating Near Water – As we have seen above, water can be a big attractor of flies. If you are eating near water, try to keep your food as far away as possible.
3. Cover Your Head – If you are in an area with large numbers of flies, it is best to cover your head as much as possible. This can help to keep them away from your face and hair.
4. Seal Openings In Your Clothing – If you are near a large group of flies, they may attempt to get inside your clothing. It is best to wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce the risk of this happening.
5. Avoid Scents – This may seem like an obvious solution, but it is important. If you are near a large group of flies, you should try to avoid wearing scented products. This can be difficult when it is hot outside, so it is best to bring a scented product that will keep you cool.
6. Seal Openings In Your Home – If you have a problem with flies in your home, it can be difficult to avoid them. One of the best ways to keep flies away from your home is to seal all openings.
7. Be Careful Where You Eat – If you are eating outdoors and there are large numbers of flies around, it can be best to eat as far away from them as possible. Try to eat near a tree or other large plant, as this will help to block the flies from getting to your food.
8. Do Not Leave Garbage Near Your Home – This is a major attractor of flies, and you can easily keep them away by keeping your garbage covered and away from your home.
Conclusion
Flies and other insects can be a nuisance, but they are also an essential part of the ecosystem. In order to protect humans, it is important to be aware of how and why insects are attracted to us. This can help us avoid being bothered by insects while also taking steps to protect ourselves from dangerous species. Insects are especially attracted to the food we eat and the chemicals released from our bodies. By reducing our intake of certain foods and taking certain precautions, we can reduce the number of insects that follow us.
