What Color Outdoor Lights Don T Attract Bugs

What Color Outdoor Lights Don't Attract Bugs

Summer evenings are a time to enjoy the outdoors, but pesky bugs can quickly ruin the fun. Certain colors of light can attract bugs, making them more likely to swarm around your outdoor space. If you're looking for a way to keep bugs at bay, choosing the right color of outdoor lighting is crucial.

Why Do Bugs Get Attracted to Light?

Bugs are attracted to light for various reasons. Some insects, such as moths and beetles, use the moon and stars as a navigational aid. When they encounter artificial light sources, they become disoriented and may circle the light, mistaking it for the moon.

Additionally, some bugs are simply attracted to the warmth emitted by light bulbs. These "heat-seeking" bugs, such as mosquitoes and midges, may gather around outdoor lights, making them more likely to bite.

Which Light Colors Attract Bugs?

Not all light colors are equally attractive to bugs. In general, the shorter the wavelength of light, the more it attracts insects. This means that lights in the blue, violet, and ultraviolet range are more likely to draw in bugs than lights in the yellow, orange, and red range.

Here's a breakdown of the colors that attract the most and least bugs:

Most attractive: Blue, violet, ultraviolet
Least attractive: Yellow, orange, red

Best Light Colors for Bug-Free Outdoor Lighting

If you want to minimize the number of bugs in your outdoor space, choose lighting fixtures that emit yellow, orange, or red light. These colors are less attractive to bugs and will help keep them away from your patio, deck, or garden.

Some specific recommendations for bug-repellent outdoor lighting include:

Incandescent bulbs
Sodium vapor lights
LED lights with a warm white or amber color temperature

Additional Tips for Keeping Bugs Away

In addition to choosing the right color of lighting, there are a few other things you can do to keep bugs away from your outdoor space:

Keep your yard clean. Remove any standing water, debris, and overgrown vegetation that may provide hiding places for bugs.
Use bug-repellent plants. Plants such as citronella, lavender, and rosemary emit natural scents that can deter bugs.
Install bug zappers. Bug zappers can attract and kill insects, but they should be placed away from areas where you spend time outdoors.

By following these tips, you can create a bug-free outdoor oasis where you can enjoy the summer evenings without being bothered by pests.