Do LED Strip Lights Attract Bugs?
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Do LED Strip Lights Attract Bugs?

January 23, 2022
Richard Park

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Do LED strip lights attract bugs? This is a question that many homeowners are asking these days. With the popularity of LED strip lights growing, more and more people are installing them in their homes. But some people are concerned that the lights might attract bugs. In this blog post, we will explore whether or not LED strip lights attract bugs and what can be done to prevent this from happening.

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LED strip lights have been exploding in popularity with TikTok stars showing off their LED strip laden bedrooms and garages. But as the popularity of these lights grow, some people are beginning to wonder if they attract bugs. Do LED strip lights bring in unwanted guests like spiders and ants?

The answer is a little bit complicated. It depends on the type of LED strip light that you are using and where you are installing it. Some LED strips emit many different colors of light from the invisible to the human eye ultraviolet range all the way up to infrared. If your LED strip light is outside and you are using a strip with a low ultraviolet output, then you may be attracting bugs. If your LED strip light is emitting a lot of heat, you may also be attracting bugs.

Why Are Bugs Attracted To Light?

Before we get into the specifics of LED strip lights and bugs’ potentially affinity for them let’s break down why bugs are attracted to lights in general. It has to do with their natural navigation system.

Bugs navigate by following light sources. They use the moon and stars as a guide when it is dark, but during the day they use light to orient themselves. This is why you will see bugs flying around your porch light or streetlights at night. The more intense the light source, the more bugs you will have basing their navigation bearings on it.

Bugs have eyes specifically for picking up the moon (and other lights unfortunately). Evolution has taught them to keep the moon at a certain angle in relation to them so that they know which direction they are traveling. If you know anything about Honey Bees, you’ll know that it’s quite impressive how bugs can navigate long distances very well.

When a bug gets a light confused for a moon, it will attempt to keep that light at a certain angle from them in order to travel the direction they want. However, as we know that light is indeed not the moon. This is the main reason why you see bugs flying in circles around lights.

What Type of Light are Bugs Most Attracted to?

There are two main factors that come into play for lights that attract bugs: color and heat.

Bugs are attracted to certain colors of light more than others. Blue, white, and green lights tend to attract the most bugs because they are closest to the wavelengths that bugs are most adept at seeing. In the spectrum of colors ranging from 300 to 650 nanometers, including UV light, most insects can see.. This is why you will often see bug zappers with blue lights. Red and yellow lights, on the other hand, have no significant impact.

Heat also plays a role in attracting bugs. Bugs, like most other living beings need to stay warm and within a certain temperature range to survive. The warmer the light, the more bugs will be drawn to it. This is why you often see bugs near streetlights and other sources of heat.

Are LEDs Worse Than Other Lights for Attracting Bugs?

Comparing LED strip lights to traditional light bulbs, LEDs are better than the rest when it comes to attracting bugs. LED lights are much more efficient than halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, and all other types of lights. This means they are better at converting electricity into light.

Because of their increased efficiency, they tend to put out a lot less heat. For example, the normal voltage requirements for a traditional bulb starts around 40-50 volts. Whereas LED lights typically run at 10 volts or less. But, if you’ve seen an LED light you’ve noticed that the light they emit is usually much brighter. So, the ability to use less electricity but still put out more light contributes to less heat.

In addition to decreased heat, LED lights usually have a wider spectrum of light. However, unless you are buying an ultraviolet LED, you won’t be attracting more bugs than a traditional light source. Don’t forget, LED strip lights come with the functionality of changing colors. So, if you really want to be on the safe side you can keep within the white, yellow, red color ranges.

How to Prevent LED Strip Lights From Attracting Bugs

Keep Your Light Fixtures Clean and Free of Dust and Cobwebs

When it comes to keeping bugs away from your LED strip lights, the easiest way is to keep your light fixtures clean and free of dust and cobwebs. If there is no food for bugs to eat, they will be less likely to congregate around your lights.

If you are installing your LED strip lights outside, make sure that you install them in a place that is easy to maintain. Attaching them to the overhang of your roof or under the eaves will not be ideal because you will have a difficult time keeping them clean.

Use a Bug Zapper or Mosquito Repellent Near Your Light Fixtures

If your LED strip lights are outside you may consider using a bug zapper or mosquito repellent near your light fixtures. This will help keep the bugs away from your lights and make sure that they are not attracted to them.

Install a Fan to Help Circulate the Air and Keep the Area Around Your Light Fixtures Cool

Whether you have LED strip lights installed inside or outside, you can install a fan to help circulate the air and keep the area around your light fixtures cool. This will further deter bugs from congregating near your lights.

Final Thoughts on LED Strip Lights and Bugs

Overall, LED strip lights are not as bad for attracting bugs as other types of light bulbs. However, there are some things that you can do to keep pests away regardless.

Remember that the 2 most important factors with all lights and attracting bugs are color and heat. Blue and green lights are the colors that bugs are most attracted to. Bugs can see ultraviolet light waves best. Bugs are also very attracted to heat.

If you are really concerned about bugs being drawn to your lights, try using a bug zapper or mosquito repellent near your light fixtures. And always keep your light fixtures clean and free of dust and cobwebs. By following these tips, you can enjoy your LED strip lights without having to worry about pesky bugs.

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