Are Bugs Attracted to Holiday Lights?

October 26, 2020

Home for the Holidays

We all know bugs like lamps and bright lights. All you have to do is look up at a streetlight after sunset to see a swarm of insects gather. Typically, you only have to worry about the porch light, and even then, there are outdoor lighting options that will not attract bugs. But there’s one time of year when lights could pose an issue. Yep, we’re talking about holiday lights and whether or not bugs are attracted to them.

The Weather is on Your Side. One thing that works in favor of homeowners is the weather. The holiday season is smack dab in the middle of the coldest season. Most insect species are hunkered down for the winter and aren’t very active during the holidays.

Use LED Lights. The bugs that are around during the winter may be drawn to a bedazzled house. That is, unless you use LED lights. In recent years there has been debate over whether or not LED lights are the best option for holiday decorations. While it’s true LED lights aren’t bug-proof, they do emit very low UV levels, which attracts fewer insects.

Light Color Matters. These days you can get holiday lights in any color. The color you choose for your illuminated decorations could make a difference in how many bugs are attracted to the display. Have you ever wondered why most bug lights are yellow? A study from the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, Pakistan found that insects prefer cool colored lights compared to warm colored lights. The research showed that up to 70% of insects went for lights at the blue end of the spectrum.

Why Christmas Tree Lights Aren’t the Biggest Concern. Even the simplest Christmas trees are wrapped in at least one or two light strands. Lights are one of the last things you have to worry about on a Christmas tree. The tree itself is going to attract pests that are looking for a home or wood to chew on. They may have even hitched a ride to your house from the tree farm. Decorations made of food and candy are also more likely to attract bugs.

We’re not professional holiday decorators, but the technicians at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. are expert exterminators. We can help you get rid of yard pests before you put up the decorations so there are fewer bugs to worry about during the holiday season!