What Crazy Things Drive Bugs Wild

Given human nature, you might find some of these amusing but not surprising. Did you know that weird attractions exist in the insect world also? Yes, it’s true. Bugs can be attracted to some very odd things—stuff way beyond the apparent attractants. We’re willing to bet that you are not a formicophiliac and do not want bugs on your person or in your home, so we thought you might like to know some of the stranger things that attract common insects. Let’s take a look.

Bed Bugs have favorite colors. Just like a broody teenager going through a goth phase, Bed Bugs are attracted to dark shades, predominantly black and red. They dislike brighter colors, such as greens and yellows. Scientific studies also show that they have a preference for your dirty laundry, most likely because it contains higher carbon dioxide traces from having been worn. (Carbon dioxide, emitted by most living creatures, is their most significant typical attractant.)

Ants are drawn to electronics and electricity. Shocking, right? And while science hasn’t quite been able to identify the exact reason conclusively, evidence shows this to be true. Some theorize that they are attracted to the warmth and enclosed space that electronics provide. Some think that the magnetic field created by the electricity itself is a lure. One thing is sure, however—when an ant comes into contact with electric current, it reacts as if it is being attacked and releases a pheromone that draws a horde of other ants. They rush to its defense, and within minutes, you have a very buggy appliance—literally.

Your friends may not be enthused, but crickets like your perspiration. Crickets feed on more than just vegetation and other insects. They love to feast upon fabrics, including your soiled, dirty clothing, and the stinkier and sweatier, the better.

Cockroaches have an ear fetish. (Yes, you heard that right.) Roaches are attracted to the cheesy, slightly fermented odor of human earwax, which emits a chemical smell that they find irresistible. They crawl in looking for an unsavory snack and then get stuck in the ear canal and eventually die, leaving a decaying corpse teeming with dangerous bacteria in your ear. Horror stories abound on the net about people who have suffered severe infections and hearing loss resulting from this disturbing phenomenon.

And speaking of ears… earwigs like—Chinese food? Well, not exactly, but they are attracted to soy sauce, so much so that people have baited earwig traps with it for ages. An interesting fact: although these supremely creepy-looking creatures are notorious for allegedly burrowing into people’s ears, that legend is mostly unfounded. You are much more likely to find the cockroach, as mentioned earlier, in your ear than an earwig.

Spiders like the color green. They are mostly colorblind, but they have dichromatic vision, and they can see ultraviolet and green wavelengths. Accordingly, studies show that they are particularly attracted to anything in that color. So, if you happen to have a green shirt on, that may not be all you’re wearing.

Mosquitoes love a good chardonnay. Not only that but if you’ve been drinking, they can smell the alcohol on your skin and will highly favor you over a less-appetizing teetotaler. The truth is, many different bugs, including bees, wasps, and flies, are attracted to alcoholic beverages. Studies show that they will flock to it enthusiastically like partiers at an open bar and will even become intoxicated from overindulging, just like us.

Now, of course, many factors can attract bugs to our home or business. Most of the time, they are merely seeking food, water, and shelter. No matter what you may or may not have done to attract them, pest problems are often simply unavoidable. It happens regardless of how clean your home is, and despite the precautions you take. If you are experiencing an issue in Belford, New Jersey, or the surrounding areas, Elite Pest Control is the answer. With over a decade of experience, we are a five-star rated, family-owned company that prides itself on excellent service, affordable prices, and modern, state-of-the-art pest control. Give us a call today and let us know how we can help.