We all know the fact that pests are attracted to light, still most facility managers ignore pest control when establishing and maintaining lighting systems on and around their facilities.

The lights placed around buildings attract various nocturnal flying insects, including beetles, flies, and moths. Why? Although there is no clear answer, one argument is that they adapted to navigate by using the sun’s or moon’s natural light. They can keep a straight, steady flying path by focusing this natural light on a single side of their body. They try to use artificial light as a navigational aid, mistaking it for the sun or moon, but they get confused because it emits light in several directions. To know more about how pests are attracted to light, Check it out here. 

Lighting strategies to keep pests away

Insects are more likely to enter a building through uncovered/open doors and windows, cracks, and when the lighting draws them in. Also, insects may attract new pests to a property, such as raccoons, birds, bats, and rats, who are insect predators.

The good news is that pest issues can be reduced by carefully arranging suitable lighting systems. Here are a few ideas for preventing lights from increasing a property’s insect pressure.

Types of lighting

Most insects can see and are attracted to ultraviolet light (UVL). Actually, one of the most significant factors influencing an insect’s attraction to a light is its UV output, which acts as the foundation for insect light traps. Insects will be drawn to any UVL-emitting lights on a property, such as neon and mercury vapour lamps.

The light’s color also affects the attractiveness it is to insects. Insects are especially attracted to the intense white and bluish light that mercury vapour lamps and white incandescent or fluorescent lights release. Halogen lights and sodium vapor emit the least attractive yellow, pink, and orange light. Red light bulbs are not the best for human visibility, but they are much less appealing.

Another thing to consider is the construction of the light fixture. Insects are attracted to the warmth that the lights generate. Therefore, a light fixture that is not dust- or insect-tight could end up providing an inviting place for insects in general. Pests often get hosted by fluorescent light fixtures.

Tips for choosing products

• When possible, use low ultraviolet-light (UVL) generating lights, such as sodium vapour lights, especially in high-risk places like entrances. 
• Since sodium vapour lamps do not release UVL, they attract fewer insects.
• Select lights with orange and yellow hues, as these are less likely to draw pests.
• Avoid bright, flooding lights if at all possible, as they tend to draw insects from both close and far.
• Make sure light fittings are impervious to dust or insects.
• Ensure that outside lighting is protected from flying insects.

Positioning fixtures

Another factor that contributes to pest attraction is the arrangement of lights throughout a home. To prevent pests from having easy access to the building, lights should not be mounted close to the door entry. Lights should be placed on poles away from the building and pointed toward the entrance rather than attached to the structure itself. Place exterior lighting at least five meters from doorways.

The intensity of the light spectrum

Light intensity is another component of light that has an effect on insects. Their capacity to travel, growth, and survival may all be affected. For example, light intensity partially affects thrips’ and whiteflies’ takeoff. Additionally, it has been noted that the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris lays more eggs as the light intensity rises.

Photoperiod

Photoperiod is the final important aspect of light that might influence insect development. It may interfere with their natural cycles, including migration and diapause. For example, when the photoperiod is shortened to less than 15 hours per day, the cabbage whitefly Aleyrodes proletella undergoes diapause.