Why Flies Are Attracted to Humans and How to Keep Them Away

Flies are true masters of annoyance. With their persistent buzzing near our ears and the agility with which they avoid attempts to shoo them away, they often become a source of our frustration. But why are these insects so attracted to humans? The answer depends on the species of the fly. Some of them are interested in us because we are warm-blooded mammals from which they can feed. This applies to species like mosquitoes or deer flies, which are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale when we breathe, explains entomologist Jonathan Larson from the University of Kentucky. But even flies that don't drink blood find us interesting. Our bodies constantly emit scents such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and acetic acid, which attract these insects. These odors can vary greatly between individuals, depending on genetics, diet, and what a person has been doing throughout the day. Some people, for example, may attract flies much more than others. Flies are also attracted to our sweat, as our skin contains carbohydrates, proteins, and other substances they can "drink." "For flies, our skin is like a little store," says Larson. "They quickly get everything they need just by running their lips over our skin." However, flies are not only interested in our smells or sweat. When they are searching for more nutritious food, they may be attracted to food remnants. This is especially true for flies like houseflies, which are not picky eaters and can consume just about anything. To digest food, they use special enzymes that they regurgitate and lick. Flies have an incredible ability to find food. They use specialized receptors on their antennae that can detect even the faintest smells, and their eyes allow them to see almost 360 degrees. This not only helps them find food but also avoid danger that may be lurking at any moment. Flies, such as houseflies, are curious by nature, and their tendency to explore often leads them to land on us and other surfaces. This, in turn, makes flies excellent carriers of various diseases, such as cholera, typhus, or tuberculosis. Although there is no universal way to get rid of flies, some measures can help. For example, wearing long clothing and using repellents such as DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil can reduce their attractiveness to certain species of flies. Flies are not just annoying insects. They play their role in the ecosystem, but sometimes their presence in our lives becomes a real challenge.