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If you’ve ever let your dog out at night only to have half a dozen moths and several mosquitoes follow you back inside, you know the struggle is real. Outdoor lighting can be a major magnet for bugs. Since it’s not exactly practical to spend every evening in total darkness and because you actually need outdoor lights sometimes, is there anything you can do to avoid having swarms of bugs around your doors and windows on fall nights? The good news is that there are lighting options to help reduce fall bugs and beetles around your Tennessee home.
Why Do Outdoor Lights Attract Bugs?
We all know that bugs seem drawn to lights, but do you know why? Many insects have a navigational instinct called the dorsal light response. They naturally keep their backs to a steady light source, like the sun or moon, to fly in straight lines. The problem is that artificial lights confuse them, and instead of flying straight, they end up looping around the light in endless, dizzying circles.
It’s not just flying insects that hang out near artificial lights. Spiders aren’t necessarily attracted to the light itself, but they are attracted to food, and insects are their favorite meal. Knowing that bugs tend to gather around lights, spiders take advantage by spinning their webs nearby, setting the perfect trap for their next snack.
Which Types of Light Bulbs Attract the Most Bugs?
Some light bulbs are basically an open invitation for bugs. The first are incandescent bulbs, which give off a lot of heat. That warmth, combined with a small amount of UV light, makes them irresistible to insects.
Fluorescent bulbs are also on the list because they emit UV light too. Most are coated to block UV rays, but if that coating cracks, the light will leak through—and the bugs will come running (or flying).
Finally, bright white LED lights can also draw in bugs. Since many insects use white light to navigate, they’re naturally attracted to bulbs that shine cool white or blue-white tones.
What Kind of Outdoor Lighting Keeps Bugs Away
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to sit outside in the dark to avoid bugs. There are several types of lights that are designed specifically to keep them away. “Bug lights,” for example, are yellow bulbs that bugs tend to ignore because the yellow light spectrum doesn’t attract them like blue and white lights do.
Many warm-toned LED lights also do the trick. They don’t give off much heat or UV light, so bugs aren’t nearly as interested.
Another option is sodium vapor bulbs. These highly efficient bulbs are often used in streetlights and industrial areas, but they can also work well for large outdoor spaces, like backyards, basketball courts, or playing fields that need bright nighttime lighting.
Where Should Outdoor Lights Be Placed to Reduce Pests?
To help keep bugs away from your home’s main entry points, it’s best to avoid placing lights right by your doors. Of course, that’s easier said than done since those are usually the spots where you need lighting the most.
If you do need lights near your entryways, try angling the beams downward instead of outward. This reduces how far the light travels and attracts fewer bugs. You can also choose shaded or covered fixtures, which make the lights less visible to insects flying by.
Should I Turn Off My Porch Lights at Night?
It might be second nature to flip on your porch light every evening or to have it set to turn on automatically. But if you can, consider changing that habit or at least adjusting your timer. By turning off porch lights when you don’t need them, you’ll notice a big drop in the number of bugs hanging out near your doors (and sneaking inside).
Another great option is to install motion-activated or timed lights. That way, the lights only turn on when you actually need them, keeping everyone safe from trips and falls without creating a glowing beacon for bugs.
Can Outdoor Lighting Help With Spider Problems?
Absolutely. By turning off your porch lights at night or switching to bug-deterring bulbs, you’ll also make your home less appealing to spiders. It might take a few days to notice the difference, but as the bug population around your entryways drops, spiders will eventually move on in search of better hunting grounds.
What Other Steps Can Keep Bugs Away From Lit Areas?
Lighting plays a big role in keeping bugs away from your house, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are plenty of other simple steps you can take to minimize pests around your home. All-American Pest Control recommends:
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Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation
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Screening vents near entry points
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Eliminating standing water and clutter around the perimeter of your house
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Getting routine pest control to stop pest infestations before they start
Get Pest Control to Keep Bugs Away From Your Outdoor Lights
Preventing pests before they become a problem is the best way to protect your home. When you combine professional pest control from the pros at All-American with the lighting tips above, you’ll have the best defense possible. All-American Pest Control offers the pest control options you want—from green pest control services to perimeter pest control treatments—all backed by our non-stop commitment to your satisfaction.
Make this fall the season when opening your door at night doesn’t invite a swarm of bugs inside.
Reach out today to request your free home evaluation
Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Cane Ridge Farms, Crieve Hall, Forest Hills, Green Hills, Hillwood, Lenox Village, Old Natchez, Sylvan Park, West Meade, White Bridge, Antioch, Donelson, Donelson Hills, Hermitage, Inglewood, Lockeland Springs, Maplecrest, Maplewood Heights, Nashboro Village, Neely's Bend, Priest Lake Park, Stewarts Ferry, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation today!