Outdoor seating can significantly impact forensic entomology studies by altering the environmental conditions that affect insect colonization and decomposition rates. Forensic entomologists rely on insect activity to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), but outdoor furniture or seating arrangements may create microhabitats that attract or deter certain insect species. For example, shaded areas under benches or tables may delay insect access to a body, while elevated surfaces might expose remains to faster colonization by flies and beetles.

Additionally, outdoor seating materials (e.g., wood, metal, or plastic) can retain heat or moisture, influencing decomposition speed and insect behavior. These variables complicate PMI estimations, requiring forensic experts to account for such environmental factors in their analyses. Understanding these dynamics improves crime scene reconstruction and enhances the accuracy of forensic entomology in legal investigations.

Further research is needed to quantify how specific seating designs or placements affect insect succession patterns, ensuring more reliable forensic conclusions in outdoor death investigations.