Comprehensive Guide for Bug Light Bulbs | LEDVANCE


What Are Bug Light Bulbs?

 
It can be quite unpleasant to have a swarm of insects ruin your summer vacation enjoyment. To tackle this problem, many garden and outdoor designers now consider incorporating bug lamps in their designs. But what exactly are bug light bulbs, and how do they work? In this blog, we'll provide detailed information about this solution. Keep reading to find out more.

Part 1. What is Bug Light?

 
A bug light bulb is a yellow bulb that provides an effective solution to repel various bugs. Additionally, this type of light bulb can also serve as a decorative element, adding aesthetic appeal to its practical functionality.
bug light bulb

Part 2. How Do Bug Lights Work?

 
In general, the color temperature and light wavelength have an inverse relationship: as wavelengths get longer, the colors become warmer. The lowest color temperatures are in the red and yellow spectrum. So, if you wonder what color light bulbs repel the bugs more effectively, try a yellow bulb!  When a light bulb gets colored yellow, the bulb’s color temperature immediately decreases. That makes it harder for insects to see the light.

That's how bug lights work: creating wavelengths that aren't detectable by their vision.

Note: A bug light won't solve every problem. Some insects are naturally attracted to the yellow light wavelength, which means some will still fly toward the source. 

FAQs Related to Bug Lights

1. What makes blue bulbs more appealing to bugs than yellow bug light? 
The attractiveness of light to insects is influenced by the wavelength they can detect due to their eye structure. Insects have difficulty perceiving longer light wavelengths, such as yellow, orange, and red. As a result, blue bulbs, which emit shorter wavelengths, tend to be more appealing to bugs. Therefore, blue bulbs attract insects more effectively than yellow bulbs, given their unique eye sensitivities.

2. Are UV lights more attractive to bugs?
In reality, bugs can perceive a portion of UV light that is not visible to humans (within the 300-400 nm range). So, the lighting fixture that emits UV light will attract more bugs than the one that doesn't.
Incandescent bulbs emit UV light, whereas LED light bulbs emit minimal or no UV light. As a result, bugs are more attracted to incandescent bulbs. 

Note: For more information on the relationship between color temperature and light color, refer to the chart below
 
LED COLOR TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE SCALE WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THIS LED LIGHT COLOR
Daylight Temperature Daylight Temperature5,000K to 6,000K This LED light color provides a crisp white light with its location on the Kelvin scale. It works well for general indoor settings, including home offices, garages, or workshops.

Outdoor lighting fixtures use products in this spectrum, but not as bug lights.
Natural Temperature 3,500K to 4,500K With this LED color option, you receive a clean tone that mimics natural sunlight with its Kelvin position. It's helpful for most residential situations, including dark areas where natural light isn't available. It still attracts insects with its wavelengths.
Warm Temperature 2,700K to 3,500K This color rating provides a yellower, relaxing atmosphere because it generates a soothing effect without attracting as many insects. It's suitable for most outdoor applications and indoor lighting needs.
Amber Temperature 2,200K and Under
The color options in this category provide the best bug lights. With this Kelvin temperature rating, you'll get a soft illumination result that feels comfortable in almost any setting. It delivers a cozy mood, with orange tones at the lowest end of the spectrum that resemble a fireplace.