RED camera attracts mosquitoes and flies

[Radim Schreiber]

You might be expecting some prank, metaphor or something like that, but I mean what I am saying. When we shoot outside in an area full of mosquitoes and flies, the camera attracts them. Not sure if it is because of the extra heat, or because it is black, or it is just juicy expensive gear The camera attracts mosquitoes perhaps more than the camera operator, because often we leave camera alone and the problem does not improve much.

The result are large, out of focus, black shapes flying by in extreme speeds and making footage look less professional.

Do you have experience with this? How do you solve it?
I have tried spraying repellent around the camera, but it helped only slightly. I thought about adding a blanket soaked in repellent, but that would perhaps kill the operator as well ;-)

thanks,
Radim

 

[Elsie N]

A friend told me that he learned at an outdoor picnic from his table partners that when flies get bad to hang a plastic bag full of water over the area. He said they did that and theirs was the only table without flies. Had some swarming outside my front door and hung a quart bag (he suggested a gallon bag) and I seldom see a fly now. Did not have a control area so take this as anecdotal evidence only.

Try a citronex? candle for the mosquitos.

 

[Zac C]

Haha, I was helping shoot some stock footage for a friend, as soon as the sun started setting, the flies (or No-see-ums) attacked, literally. Our arms and legs were covered in them, and they just loved the red. I spent alot of time with a air blower sitting beside the lens blowing them away. OFF! seems to work best for us... but didn't attempt to spray on the Red :biggrin:

 

[Stuart English]

Fly suppressant

Fly suppressant

A friend told me that he learned at an outdoor picnic from his table partners that when flies get bad to hang a plastic bag full of water over the area

Rudy's BBQ here in Austin also places water filled plastic bags around the perimeter of their outdoor eating areas....

 

[Frank Cueto]

They say that flies see themselves reflected, but much bigger, due to the curvature of the bags (or in our case, 2 litter sprite bottles).

Thats why they run away.

Just heard...

 

[Radim Schreiber]

water bags. I've never heard about it. Not sure how easy it will be to hang one over the camera on a location, but might be worth trying.

 

[Frank Glencairn]

So would a chrome/mirror ball or some x-mas ornaments do the trick to?

Frank

 

[J Davis]

maybe leave an HMI on nearby, they will fly over there instead

also helps if you pay a PA to stand under it with his shirt off

 

[hans de vries]

water bags. I've never heard about it. Not sure how easy it will be to hang one over the camera on a location, but might be worth trying.

Be sure it's a strong bag!

 

[Tim Duran]

Is this water bag sealed or open at the top?

 

[Johnny Friday]

fan blowing near the camera works for me in these cases.

 

[David M]

Depends what you mean by attracted.

Female mosquitos are the only ones that bite, and they home in on the carbon dioxide in your breath. (If you hold your breath and move to another spot, the mosquitoes will not find you until you exhale).

Both male and female mosquitoes mostly live on plant sap and nectar; the female only needs the blood for protein to make eggs.

The most likely explanation is that there is some sort of lubricant or other chemical used by RED that they mistake for some sort of plant fragrance.

 

[Elsie N]

Is this water bag sealed or open at the top?

Sealed, and should be strong enough if using Freezer Bags... although it appears the less thick Storage Bags are clearer and that may be important.

 

[Elsie N]

Rudy's BBQ here in Austin also places water filled plastic bags around the perimeter of their outdoor eating areas....

Glad someone with some creds verified this.:smile5:

 

[Richard Foster]

Depends what you mean by attracted.

Female mosquitos are the only ones that bite, and they home in on the carbon dioxide in your breath. (If you hold your breath and move to another spot, the mosquitoes will not find you until you exhale).

Both male and female mosquitoes mostly live on plant sap and nectar; the female only needs the blood for protein to make eggs.

The most likely explanation is that there is some sort of lubricant or other chemical used by RED that they mistake for some sort of plant fragrance.

FWIW

David is right but there are other variables. Basically the mosquitos are attracted by warm CO2 breath but we found some interesting things when we lived in the Virgin Islands. People who live there are seldom bothered by mosquitos. When we first moved there we were bothered, but after a few months we were never bitten or buzzed. I put it down to toxins creating a smell the mosquitos are attracted to. In the islands there is very little pollution and fresh food and you drink rainwater. It appears that after a while your system cleanses of toxins, and of course you learn not to wear colognes and perfumes. It was really amusing to see how annoyed guests could get at this when they stayed with us.