Moths, moths, fireflies, flies, mosquitoes and other flying insects that go to the light can die of exhaustion spinning around the bulbs and can even end up burning their wings when in contact with this blistering sun. Keep in mind that artificial lights are one of the main causes of death in nocturnal insects.
In this article on our site we explain the reasons why insects go to the light, as well as what color of light attracts more insects or if there is a light that does not attract them. Keep reading!
Flying insects going to the light
Why do mosquitoes go to the light? Surely you have asked yourself this question millions of times. In this section we are going to solve this doubt:
Mosquitoes are not attracted by light but by the odors of our body, as well as by the heat we release. Mosquitoes are also attracted to released Co2, so if you're breathing faster because you're sick or pregnant, it makes sense to be bitten more. If you want to know how to drive away mosquitoes, don't miss this article on our site.
On the other hand, other flying insects that go to the light such as moths, bees or butterflies are attracted to the bulb.
Why are insects attracted to light?
Flying insects that go to light, such as moths, fireflies, bees or butterflies, are attracted for two reasons:
- They confuse artificial light with that of the moon, which allows them to orient themselves
- To insects, a light source is the signal that the way is clear
According to many investigations, the most conclusive hypothesis reached by many experts is that nocturnal insects, in general, are attracted to light from bulbs because they confuse this brightness with that of the Moon. This method of orientation is also called cross-orientation, but the arrival of the light bulbs completely unsettled these insects. Exhaustion in a frenzied deadly dance around a 12-watt light bulb. Also, once you go to bed, the infrared radiation from the bulbs is still active and will continue to attract the attention of insects.
Some experts explain that light is, for insects, synonymous with free and clear form,which would explain their stubbornness to rush at full speed in our light bulbs.
Which color of light attracts insects the most?
If you have white or yellow lights in your garden or if you are walking down the street, you will have noticed that flying insects that go to the light are attracted to white lightsand not yellow. This can be very annoying if we are enjoying a pleasant summer night under the light, since thousands of nocturnal insects will spoil that long-awaited moment by taking in the fresh air. Thus, yellow lights have been found to reduce the rush of flying insects going to the light.
Light that does not attract insects
After knowing why insects are attracted to light and what color of light attracts insects the most, we must highlight the type of lighting that attracts the least insects.
An American study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Conference has concluded that the light bulb that attracts the fewest insects is the LED bulb of warm color.