Spending time outdoors seems to help the soul and that does not stop when the sun goes down. However, there is one big problem with many outdoor lighting types that simply cannot be ignored. They attract bugs. Bugs flying around you and your guests are certainly no way to enjoy the evening and an insect attack is a quick way to instantly stop the party, but what can you do? The trick is not just relying on standard citronella in hopes the pests stay away, but actually preventing them from being attracted to the light.
Why Do Lights Attract Bugs?
Insects swarming light sources at night can be phenomenally annoying, but there is actually a term for the action. Phototaxis is a phenomenon that occurs in certain animals in which they are either attracted or repelled by light sources. Insects that are attracted to light are referred to as positive phototactic. The reason behind the action remains up for debate, but currently, there are 2 theories.
The first theory suggests that light is a navigational tool. Before the invention of artificial lighting, insects navigated via the fixed position of the moon. They worked to keep the moon in sight so they could ensure they had adequate light and knew where they were going. Artificial light is just another moon to positively phototactic creatures.
The second theory involves predatory evasion. The insect desires to stay out of reach of predators, so they venture toward the light source, or, in the vision of an insect, the moon. Although one might think an insect would realize the light source is not the moon, moths and other insects tend to be more focused on staying as close to the light source as possible, so when certain lights are lit, they will attract more insects.
What Outdoor Lights Don’t Attract Bugs?
If you find your outdoor light is attracting more than your fair share of bugs, you are using the wrong lighting. To understand what light works best for your needs, you must first understand the mind of a positively phototactic insect.
Animals and humans are a lot alike, but they do have some distinct differences. Possibly one of the largest differences is our eye’s interpretation of color. Humans can see most spectrums of the rainbow. On our visual spectrum, we have primarily red, green, and blue colors that make it possible to see almost all aspects of the rainbow. However, our visual downfall is ultraviolet lighting. This is why you cannot look at the sun.
Insects have different systems in their eyes and they can see ultraviolet light. Actually, it is UV lighting that attracts them most. Blue and violet are on the shorter wavelength of the spectrum making them easier for insects to see. However, most insects cannot see longer wavelength patterns. Yellows, oranges, and reds are more difficult for insects to see, so these colors tend to be better at keeping bugs away from our outdoor lighting.
There is another important factor for reducing the number of bugs that are attracted to your outdoor lighting. It involves the instinct of a bug to want to remain warm. Insects of all types are attracted to heat sources and naturally, lighting that generates more heat will attract more bugs. This is why LED lighting has become so popular. LEDs produce far less heat than a traditional incandescent or halogen bulb.
Although we would love to state there is a light that eliminates all bugs, we cannot. Like humans, insects are different and are attracted to various lighting. It is important to do a little research on insects in your general region before deciding on lighting. Depending on where you live, you may have more mosquitos or moths to contend with. The time of year can also dictate the type of lighting you require. Some bugs are less prevalent during the colder months and very active during the summer.
Outdoor Lights That Kill Bugs
When pests are swarming your outdoor space, elimination is often the goal. The use of proper lighting and specific scents such as citronella can be a significant help in reducing the number of bugs invading your space, but no matter what you do, some will still breach the perimeter. The best solution for this ongoing issue is a bug zapper.
Standard bug zappers can be plugged into your existing outdoor electric socket. They emit a blue or violet light to attract bugs. The natural attraction to this particular hue of lighting makes the bug go directly to the light. However, when the bug touches the light, as insects tend to do, they are zapped ridding you completely from the bug.
The problem with traditional bug zappers is their lack of portability. Although much of your outdoor entertainment might be spent in close proximity to the bug zapper, it would be nice to venture out. That is why we recommend a portable bug zapper.
With the Outdoor Bug Zapper Camping Lantern, you get the best of everything the outdoors has to offer. Its ultra-portable design allows you to place it everywhere and the rechargeable battery is great for continued use. A portable bug zapper, such as this one frees you from remaining in one place giving you the ability to entertain on your terms without contending with a huge bug problem.
Outdoor Lights That Attract Less Bugs
Sometimes, we may feel a little guilty for zapping the bug population and if this sounds like you, the solution to your nightly bug problem is simply attracting fewer bugs. These lights with a yellow or orange glow, such as Dimmable Warm White String Lights with Globe Bulbs, are among the best for attracting fewer bugs. These string lights provide adequate illumination for your outdoor space with warm white and gentle lighting and also attract significantly fewer insects.
If you prefer string lights with different colors, including warm white light, consider Dimmable 3-in-1 Solar String Lights. These lights come in three light colors: warm white, neutral white, and cold white. You can choose different illumination options based on your preferences and the surrounding conditions.
Take back your outdoor space and keep bugs from invading it with the right lighting. Remember, you are in the bug’s environment, but that does not mean they have to come and ruin your party. Light your space appropriately to keep you bug-free all evening long.
