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Are tsetse flies attracted to denim?

For whatever reason, tsetse flies seem to be attracted to specific colors, in particular black and most shades of blue (including denim).



Yes, tsetse flies are famously and aggressively attracted to blue and black colors, including the specific shades of denim. Scientists believe these biting flies, which are found in certain woodland areas of sub-Saharan Africa, perceive dark blue and black as high-contrast targets that resemble the hides of the large animals they typically feed on. In fact, many tsetse fly traps are specifically made using dark blue and black cloth to lure them in. For travelers on safari, wearing denim jeans or dark blue shirts can make you a "magnet" for these flies, which deliver a painful, horsefly-like sting and can carry Sleeping Sickness (though the risk to tourists is very low). The "gold standard" for safari attire—khaki, tan, and olive green—is not just for style; these neutral, light colors are the least attractive to the flies and help you blend into the environment. If you must wear denim, it is highly recommended to stay inside the safari vehicle or use a heavy-duty insect repellent, though many find that the flies are persistent despite traditional sprays.

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Clothing fabric should be at least medium weight because the tsetse fly can bite through thin fabric. Wear neutral-colored clothing. The tsetse fly is attracted to bright colors, very dark colors, metallic fabric, particularly the colors blue and black.

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Bug repellents containing DEET (30% or less DEET recommended) are the most effective against tsetses. The fine-mesh bug screens on all nyumba camp tents will keep out those pesky flies, but remember to always keep your tent zipped!

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Can you wear white on safari? White stands out more than any other colour in the African bush and so isn't suitable for safari activities.

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Resembling a regular house fly, the tsetse fly is a species of biting insect native to Africa. They not only have a painful 'bite', but have also been known to transmit the thus far incurable African Sleeping Sickness.

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Jeans are okay to wear, but when you're limited in luggage weight and planning to have laundry done in camp, a lighter weight zip off pant will be easier to carry and dry faster. While Africa is comprised of a lot of desert and can get very hot at certain times of year, it's not always hot. The idea is to layer!

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Shorts and shirts are quite comfortable on a safari especially during the day, but sometimes during the game drives and short walks in the bushes you might wish you had covered up a little more. So light weight pants in light colors like cream,khaki and Chinos or grey are good for the game drives and walks.

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Colors: While on a safari it is better to somewhat blend with your surrounding, so focus on earthy neutral colors, rather than flashy colors and prints. Avoid navy blue and black colors, that attract mosquitos, and the Tsetse fly in particular.

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