Can mosquitoes see LED lights? What you need to know – Homes & Gardens

Knowing how in order to mosquito-proof your home comes down to many factors – from keeping your own space clean to growing natural deterrents in your garden. However (and perhaps unsurprisingly), your own choice in lighting fixtures also has an impact on this pest activity throughout your home.  

If you’ve already read up on how to get rid of mosquitoes , then a person may know that mosquitoes don’t hate any kind of light. Though, some tones are less preferred than others. Therefore , your lighting ideas matter when it comes in order to attracting – or deterring the infamous fly.  

So , through the chandelier in your entryway to the lamp on your own bedside table, this is how your decor impacts the mosquito level within your home.  

May mosquitoes observe LED lamps?

‘Mosquitoes aren’t any more attracted to LED lighting than any other kind of lights, ‘ says Charles van Rees (opens in new tab) , Ph. D. Conservation Scientist and Naturalist.  

Although, while mosquitos are drawn to LED lights, Charles explains that mosquitoes aren’t as drawn to light as other insects that may be drawn to a LED glow. ‘Generally speaking, cooler-colored LEDs tend to attract lots of other insects like moths, beetles, and lacewings, ‘ he says. Alternatively, mosquitoes are cued in on red and orange colors (as they are associated with the smell of CO2 from a human target’s breath).  

As the expert explains, this comes down to the colours that attract or repel mosquitoes , with red and orange-toned lights amongst the most sought-after shades. ‘A dark red-colored or orange light might be more attractive to them if they are actively hunting. The LED part doesn’t make a difference, ‘ Charles explains.  

What type associated with light do mosquitoes hate the most?

‘Mosquitoes don’t dislike any type of light. However , some colors avoid seem attractive to them when they are looking for an animal in order to bite. These are dark purples, blues, greens, grays, and other light shades, ‘ Charles says.  

This is because most mosquito targets, such as large mammals, are composed of ‘various brownish or tan shades’ that are a mix of various orange plus red shades – not blues and greens. Consequently , lights that will don’t have an fruit or reddish glow are usually likely to be much less favored by mosquitoes. ‘Yellow might be the good option since it doesn’t distract or appeal to other types associated with non-biting bugs, either, ‘ the professional adds.  

What lights do mosquitoes like the majority of?

‘Colors we know to be attractive in order to mosquitoes include darker colors, like black and deeply saturated darkish colors (dark brown, dark red), ‘ emphasizes Emma Grace Crumbley, an Entomologist with Mosquito Squad (opens in new tab) .  

These colours absorb gentle and heat, as opposed to lighter colors such as white which reflect warmth. Mosquitoes can detect the heat absorbed and held by darker colors and are therefore inclined to investigate for potential hosts (as hosts, like humans, also give off heat).  

When are mosquitoes most attracted to lighting?

While non-LED light sources may appear less attractive, Emma explains that any kind of light used at night (when temperatures are at their coolest) runs the risk of attracting mosquitoes.  

‘Though mosquitoes may be less interested in DIRECTED light resources, they still perceive these lights, ‘ she says. ‘Light perception is only one of many cues mosquitoes use to identify hosts, so multiple aspects (skin odors, CO2 production, exposed skin, etc. ) should become considered when assessing the best ways to avoid mosquito bites. ‘

To discourage the insect from your own home (during the day or night), it is a good idea to invest in mosquito repellent plants (and clean stagnant water to discourage all of them from sitting in your home).