Are There Any Exterior Paint Colors That Repel Bugs?

People living in areas riddled with insects are always searching for unobtrusive solutions to the problem. While using different colors of house paint doesn't seem like a feasible way to get rid of bugs, a more detailed look proves this approach could be workable.

Not only can exterior paint help drive off bugs, but specific colors will be more effective with particular species. Insects and even birds are quite responsive to various colors.

When it comes to bugs, they are somewhat limited in their sensory capabilities and heavily rely on sight. That's why it should be unsurprising that specific colors can repel bugs and small insects, as they might be susceptible to them or associate a color with a natural predator.

What Colors Are Best For Repelling Bugs

Certain shades of blue and green reportedly don't suit bugs, which will often avoid them, provided their eyes can register the color on the visible or UV spectrum.

Alternatively, some colors don't repel bugs as much as they won't attract bugs because bugs can’t see some colors clearly. In essence, these colors would hide the house from bugs rather than stave them off. Commonly, warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red will fulfill this purpose.

When it comes to small insects, there are different solutions for such pests as mosquitoes or flies. Mosquitoes are naturally well-suited to notice darker colors, so the most effective exterior paint against them should be bright. Yellow or white walls could prove a good deterrent for mosquitoes, and since those are relatively common exterior colors, they won't stand out in a neighborhood.

Although white apparently doesn't have the same effect on flies, they do seem to react to the color yellow similarly to the way mosquitoes react to white.

How Different Colors Affect Birds

Keeping bugs and insects away is beneficial for everyone. However, birds also react to specific colors and many people find them endearing.

Unfortunately for bird lovers, colors that affect flies are known to scare off birds as well. White, yellow, and black facades will prevent birds from coming into your garden in large numbers. This might be good news for those who are already experiencing bird-related problems.

The color white is especially problematic for birds because it's a danger signal, even appearing in the plumage of certain species as a warning tactic.

The good news is that warm colors that stave off mosquitoes can attract some birds like jays, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and others.

Paint the Bug Nuisance Away

Although a particular color can't guarantee that your home will be free of bugs or insects, a fresh paint job will certainly contribute to an extent. And if it's time to repaint the house, there's no harm in giving the method a try. The most important thing is to ensure the job is done properly, and a professional painting service could be the best choice.