Think about all the things in your home that make life easier: running water, heating and cooling, a fridge stocked with food, and, of course, lights. You flip a switch without even thinking about it, and suddenly, darkness disappears. Whether it’s a porch light guiding you to your front door or a lamp keeping your living room cozy, artificial light is just part of life.
But you’re not the only one who benefits from these lights. Bugs seem to love them, too — so much so that they gather around them like it’s a party. But why are bugs attracted to light? Let’s break it down.
Why Do Insects Like Light?
You’ve probably seen it a hundred times — moths and other flying insects circling a lightbulb, bumping into it over and over again. But what’s going on in their tiny bug brains?
One idea is that many insects use natural light sources — like the moon or stars — to find their way around. But when a bright artificial light appears, it confuses them. Instead of using the sky to guide them, they end up flying directly toward your lightbulb.
There’s also something called the dorsal light response, which is a fancy way of saying that insects use light to keep their bodies upright. When they see a bright light, their instincts tell them to adjust their flight pattern, which is why they end up stuck in an endless loop around your porch light.
What Type of Bug Is Most Attracted to Light?
Some insect species are more drawn to lights than others, and their reasons for swarming around bulbs vary. These three types of insects are some of the biggest offenders.
Moths
Moths are probably the most well-known light-loving bugs. These nocturnal insects are naturally drawn to bright light sources, often fluttering around light bulbs for hours. Their attraction to artificial light makes them easy to spot at night, especially around porch lights and street lamps.
Beetles
Many types of beetles are highly attracted to bright lights. You’ll often find them clumsily bumping into bulbs or gathering near outdoor fixtures. Their tendency to cluster in well-lit areas can be frustrating, especially when they make their way inside.
Flying Termites
During certain seasons, flying termites emerge in search of a new place to start a colony. They’re strongly drawn to artificial light sources at night, which is why you might see these insects flying around windows, lamps, or outdoor lights. If you notice a lot of them, it could be a sign of a nearby infestation.
What Light Attracts Bugs the Most?
If you’re dealing with a backyard bug invasion, you might be wondering what light attracts bugs the most and if swapping your bulbs could help. The short answer? Yes, certain lights are more appealing to insects than others.
White & Blue Light
Most insects are attracted to bright, cool-toned lights, especially those in the blue or UV spectrum. That’s why many bug zappers use UV light — it lures pests in before zapping them.
Incandescent & Fluorescent Bulbs
These bulbs emit a broad spectrum of light, which tends to attract insects. That’s why bugs swarm around street lights and porch lights at night.
LED & Yellow-Tinted Lights
If you’re tired of dealing with bugs, consider switching to yellow-tinted LED lights. Bugs aren’t as drawn to warm colors, so they’re less likely to gather around these bulbs.
How to Keep Bugs Away From Your Lights
If you’re tired of bugs swarming your lights, here are a few tips you can try:
- Use Yellow or Warm-Colored LEDs: These attract fewer bugs than white-light or blue-toned bulbs.
- Turn Off Unnecessary Outdoor Lights: If you don’t need your porch light on all night, switching it off can help reduce the number of bugs hanging around.
- Keep Lights Away From Doors & Windows: Bugs will gather near the light, and if it’s right by your front door, they’ll find a way inside.
- Try Motion-Activated Lights: These only turn on when needed, so bugs won’t have time to gather.
- Check for Other Bug Attractions: Lights aren’t the only thing that attracts bugs. If you have standing water or food scraps around your home, for example, you may be inviting even more pests.
Tired of Bugs? Call Dustin Pest Control!
So, why do insects like light? Many believe bugs mistake artificial lights for natural ones, get confused by brightness, or are simply drawn to the heat some bulbs produce. If you’ve ever wondered why bugs are attracted to light or how to keep them away, switching to warm-colored bulbs and reducing outdoor lighting can potentially help.
A few bugs outside your light might not be a big deal, but if they’re sneaking into your home, that’s a different story. If you’re dealing with termites, are concerned about beetles, or are experiencing a bed bug infestation in California, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Dustin Pest Control can help with everything from Fresno termite control to full-scale pest infestations. Now that you know why bugs are attracted to light, why wait to get the assistance you need? Schedule a service with us today in Central Valley, CA, and show pests the door!