Wasps, like bees, hornets, and other stinging insects, can be quite a nuisance during the summer months. Their vibrant yellow and black striped bodies buzzing around are enough to send many people running in fear of getting stung. But what many don’t realize is that wasps themselves can actually be afraid of certain colors as well.
Wasps Have Color Vision
While wasps do not see color in the same way humans do, they are capable of distinguishing between different colors. Wasps, like bees, can see in the ultraviolet spectrum. Their eyes contain photoreceptors that are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light as well as light in the human visible spectrum. This allows them to use vision to identify flowers, landmarks, and even other wasps.
Research has shown that wasps react differently when presented with different colored targets. For example, one study found that wasps were able to learn to associate a particular color with a sugar reward. The wasps were slower to learn to associate green or purple targets with the reward compared to blue or yellow targets.
Another study tested how wasps responded to feeding dishes that were different colors. The researchers found that fewer wasps fed from dishes that were red compared to dishes that were blue, black, or white. This indicates that wasps can innately prefer or avoid certain colors.
Red Light Makes Wasps More Aggressive
So which color are wasps most afraid of? Research suggests that wasps exhibit an aversion to the color red. Red light seems to trigger aggression in wasps and make them more likely to sting.
In one experiment, researchers observed wasp behavior under red, blue, and green lights. The wasps were significantly more aggressive under the red light compared to the blue or green light conditions. The number of attacks on a target was increased under the red light.
Another study looked at how paper wasp behavior changed in response to colored dots placed on their nests. When red dots were added, the wasps reacted aggressively by swarming around the dots. They did not have the same response to blue or black dots.
Why Are Wasps Aggressive Towards Red?
Researchers have proposed a few possible explanations for why wasps become more aggressive under red light or when seeing the color red:
- Red may trigger a territorial response. Since wasps have good color vision, red colors may signal a threat or the takeover of their nest by another insect.
- Red light may simulate light conditions at dusk or a darker environment. In lower light conditions, wasps may have a harder time seeing and become more defensive as a result.
- The color red may look dark or black to a wasp’s visual system. Dark colors may trigger a reaction similar to an attack on the nest.
More research is still needed to fully understand the neural mechanisms behind wasps’ reactions to the color red. But the existing evidence clearly points to red as a color that aggravates wasps and makes them more prone to stinging.
Other Colors Wasps Avoid
While red seems to be the most aggravating color, some research indicates there may be other shades that wasps tend to avoid as well. Here are a few other colors that may deter wasps:
Yellow
Since wasps themselves have yellow and black patterns, plain yellow may indicate caution or signal a predator to them. One study found that wasps landed on yellow targets significantly less often than on blue or purple targets.
Green
Green is another color that wasps may innately avoid. Research shows they have trouble learning to associate green with food rewards compared to other colors. This suggests an innate aversion, possibly because green foliage indicates areas without food to a wasp.
Purple
Purple is also not preferred by wasps. They were slower to feed from purple dishes and slower to learn to land on purple-colored targets.
Black
While dark colors like black may trigger aggression in some cases, black is also commonly used as a warning coloration in nature. Dark black patterns signal venom and danger to predators. So black may signal a threat to wasps as well.
Using Color to Deter Wasps
Knowing that wasps react negatively to red and other colors, this information can be useful for safely deterring wasps from areas where they are not wanted:
- Place red, yellow, or purple objects around outdoor seating areas.
- Use red, green, or black paper to cover up visible wasp nests.
- Paint flags or tape near nests with colors wasps avoid.
- Wear red, yellow, or purple clothing instead of darker colors that attract wasps.
- Use colored lights or filters over outdoor lights to reduce attraction.
Here is a table summarizing some of the research on wasp color vision and color preferences:
| Color | Wasps’ Response |
|---|---|
| Red | Triggers aggression and stinging |
| Yellow | Avoided – may indicate caution |
| Green | Innate avoidance, harder to associate with food |
| Purple | Slower to learn association, less feeding |
| Black | Some evidence it may deter wasps |
Conclusion
Wasps have the ability to see in color, including ultraviolet spectrum. Research shows they react negatively to long wavelength colors like red, purple, and yellow. Red light, in particular, has been shown to elicit aggression and increase stinging behavior. So to discourage wasps it is best to use their color preferences against them by displaying red flags, using red filters over lights, and wearing red clothing. Understanding wasp color vision can help prevent unwanted encounters with these summertime pests.