Wasps are common insects, and understanding what attracts them to humans is helpful. These insects, which include species like yellow jackets and hornets, often interact with people due to various sensory cues they detect. This article explains the factors that attract wasps, including scents, visual signals, and human body chemistry.
Appealing Aromas and Sweetness
Wasps are drawn to sugary substances, a primary energy source for adult wasps. Foods and beverages like sodas, fruit juices, ripe fruits, and desserts are particularly appealing to them. These mimic the natural nectar and fruit sugars wasps seek. In late summer and early fall, as larvae mature and natural food sources like insects and flower nectar dwindle, adult wasps shift their diet more heavily towards carbohydrates, making human food even more attractive.
Scented human products also attract wasps. Perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, hairsprays, and floral-scented detergents can mimic flower smells associated with nectar. Wasps have a sensitive sense of smell, detecting sweet or floral aromas from a distance. This guides them to potential food sources, including those on humans.
Visual Signals and Motion
Wasps have a sophisticated visual system, perceiving ultraviolet light and making them particularly sensitive to certain colors and patterns. Bright colors, especially yellow, white, and blue, attract wasps because they resemble the flowers they forage from. Floral patterns on clothing can also entice wasps, reminding them of the blossoms they seek for nectar.
Human movement also influences wasp behavior. Sudden or erratic motions are perceived as a threat, leading wasps to investigate or react defensively. Flailing arms or running away can trigger defensive instincts, interpreted as aggressive behavior. Maintaining calm and slow movements is less likely to provoke a defensive response.
Human Body Chemistry
Human body chemistry also attracts wasps. Sweat, containing salts and amino acids, can be a minor attractant for wasps. Exhaled carbon dioxide can signal a potential host or food source to wasps. Wasps use these chemical cues to navigate their environment and locate resources.
The general presence and warmth of a human body can also be an attractant. Wasps are drawn to various environmental cues that indicate potential food sources or suitable conditions. The combination of warmth, exhaled carbon dioxide, and the chemical composition of sweat can make humans more noticeable to foraging wasps.
Minimizing Attraction
Minimizing wasp attraction involves practical steps, addressing their sensory preferences. To avoid attracting them with aromas, avoid sweet perfumes, colognes, and highly scented personal care products outdoors. Keep food and sugary drinks covered when dining outside. Promptly clean up spills or discarded food, and dispose of garbage securely. This helps eliminate major attractants and prevents wasps from accessing food waste.
For visual signals, opt for neutral or muted clothing colors, such as beige, khaki, or brown, to be less noticeable to wasps. Wasps cannot see the color red, making it a safe choice for clothing. Avoid bright yellows, whites, and floral patterns to prevent wasps from mistaking you for a flower. If a wasp approaches, remain calm and move slowly; sudden movements can provoke them. Avoid swatting wasps, which can trigger a defensive sting.