Mosquitoes Attracted to Light? Keep Your Backyard Pest-Free

Warmer weather brings longer days and more time spent enjoying the great outdoors. However, with the arrival of summer also comes the presence of mosquitoes - pesky insects that can put a damper on your outdoor fun. 

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Are you tired of constantly swatting away mosquitoes and other pests while trying to relax on your porch or deck? Do you wonder if mosquitoes are attracted to light as they continuously circle your outdoor lighting fixtures? 

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If so, then a professional mosquito control service may be just what you need to take back your outdoor spaces and enjoy a mosquito-free summer. 

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This article will explore how to prevent mosquitoes in your yard, around porches, decks, and lights, and explain if mosquitoes attracted to your light fixtures is an issue you’ll need to address. 

Why do Some Insects Love the Light?

Have you ever wondered why insects are so drawn to lights at night? It turns out that many types of insects, including moths, beetles, and flies, are "light-seeking" creatures. They use light to navigate and find their way around in the dark.

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But here's the thing: they can get confused and disoriented when encountering artificial lights like streetlights or porch lights. They're so attracted to the light that they circle it until they either get exhausted or meet an unfortunate end.

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These pests may mistake artificial light for natural light sources like the moon. Lighting could also be an essential navigational tool for these insects, with artificial light disrupting their internal compasses.

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Whatever the reason, it's important to note that these light-seeking insects can be quite a nuisance, especially when they gather in large numbers. So, if you want to avoid having swarms of bugs around your home, consider using yellow or red lights instead of white or blue ones, which are less attractive to these little critters.

Mosquitoes & Light

Ah, mosquitoes. Those annoying little bloodsuckers seem to come out of nowhere and ruin a perfect summer evening. But have you ever noticed that mosquitoes aren’t as attracted to light as other insects? 

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Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide, heat, and certain scents our bodies give off. They don’t turn to light sources like other outdoor pests but rely on these factors to help point them toward their next blood meal.

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 When we exhale, we release carbon dioxide, and mosquitoes can detect it up to 50 meters away. However, mosquitoes may be more attracted to certain types of light, such as ultraviolet light, which makes skin and clothing more visible to mosquitoes during the evening hours. You may see mosquitoes flying around lights, but they’re likely using them as a visual reference point as they navigate the environment.

Preventing Mosquitoes and Staying Safe this Summer

Mosquitoes are the bane of summertime outdoor fun. They buzz in your ear, leave itchy bites all over your skin, and can even transmit dangerous diseases like the Zika virus and West Nile virus. 

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With some knowledge and simple preventative measures, you can make your yard, porch, deck, and outdoor lighting less attractive to these pesky insects.

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So, how can you prevent mosquitoes from invading your outdoor spaces? Here are some tips:

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• Eliminate standing water: This is the most crucial step to reduce mosquito populations in your yard. Empty containers collecting water, such as buckets, flowerpots, or birdbaths, and keep your gutters flowing freely. If you have a pond or other water feature, consider adding a fountain or aerator to keep the water moving and discourage mosquitoes from breeding.
• Keep your yard well-maintained: Mosquitoes like to rest in tall grass and overgrown vegetation, and keeping your lawn and plants well-trimmed can help reduce their numbers. Remove debris, like fallen leaves or branches, that could collect water and serve as breeding sites.
• Use mosquito-repelling plants: Citronella, lavender, and marigolds can repel mosquitoes. Planting these in your yard or pots on your porch or deck could keep these pesky insects at bay.
• Install screens: If you have an outdoor porch or deck, consider installing screens to help reduce the number of mosquitoes entering your outdoor space and create a comfortable and bug-free area for you to relax in.
• Use mosquito repellent: When spending time outdoors, it's always a good idea to apply mosquito repellent to your skin and clothing. Look for products that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, as these are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes.

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Now, let's talk about outdoor lighting. As mentioned earlier, mosquitoes are not attracted to light. However, they are drawn to contrasting colors and movement, which can be more visible at night. 

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By using yellow or amber bulbs, which are less attractive to insects, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your outdoor lighting.

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Place your outdoor lighting away from areas where you and your guests will spend time to reduce the number of pests around your seating areas. 

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If outdoor lighting stays on all night, consider replacing it with motion-activated lighting. These gadgets only brighten up your backyard once they sense movement, so you can reduce the number of bugs around your lights, save energy, and shave a few bucks off your electricity bill.

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Don't let mosquitoes ruin your summer fun - take back your yard with our expert mosquito control service!

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Call us today to schedule your mosquito control treatment and enjoy a summer free from pesky mosquitoes. Our team of experts will help you identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use effective repellents, and provide ongoing maintenance to keep your outdoor spaces mosquito-free. 

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Let Zunex keep your yard free of mosquitoes!

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