Mosquitoes are a common nuisance that can disrupt outdoor activities and even transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Many people wonder if leaving a light on can help deter mosquitoes and allow for more comfortable enjoyment of patio spaces at night. Research suggests that light can influence mosquito behavior, but whether or not it deters them depends on the type of light and other factors.
How mosquitoes use light cues
Mosquitoes use visual cues like light and dark to orient themselves and find hosts to bite. Some key facts about how mosquitoes interact with light:
- Mosquitoes are generally most active at dusk and dawn when there is less sunlight.
- They are attracted to dark colors and shady areas during the daytime.
- At night, they use light from the moon, artificial lighting, and other sources to locate hosts.
- Certain wavelengths of light attract mosquitoes more than others.
Mosquitoes have photoreceptors in their eyes that help them detect light and movement. They use this visual information along with chemical cues like carbon dioxide, sweat, and body odor to find and orient towards hosts.
Does artificial light deter or attract mosquitoes?
Research on how artificial light impacts mosquito behavior has produced mixed results. Some key findings:
- Incandescent bulbs seem to have little effect on deterring mosquitoes.
- Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) may attract more mosquitoes than incandescent.
- UV light traps can effectively capture mosquitoes, indicating UV light is attractive.
- Red light is less attractive to mosquitoes than white, blue, green or infrared light.
- LED lights and bulbs with certain wavelengths like 470nm blue light resulted in fewer mosquito landings compared to 750nm and 2700K warm white light in some studies.
Overall, regular incandescent and Compact Fluorescent Lights provide enough light for mosquitoes to orient towards hosts at night. Red light or specific wavelengths like 470nm blue light may deter them better than other colors. UV light actively attracts mosquitoes. More research is still needed on optimal lighting.
Other factors that impact mosquito deterrence
In addition to light, there are some other key factors that influence how effectively light deters mosquitoes:
Light intensity – Brighter light tends to disorient mosquitoes more than dim light. Bright LED bulbs or lanterns above 500 lumens may be better deterrents.
Light placement – Positioning light sources close to where humans are located is more important than having general yard lighting. Focused lighting right around patios or decks helps make those spaces less inviting for mosquitoes.
Elevation – Mosquitoes fly close to the ground, so positioning bulbs higher up makes the light less accessible. String lights positioned 8 feet up or higher may be better than low pathway lighting.
Air current and temperature – Wind and fans disperse carbon dioxide and scents making it harder for mosquitoes to locate hosts. Cooler temperatures also slow mosquito activity.
Competing light sources – Other outdoor lighting like porch lights, streetlights, or vehicle lights make artificial deterrent lighting less effective. Limiting other lights as much as possible improves results.
Types of lighting to deter mosquitoes
Based on the factors that influence mosquito light attraction and deterrence, here are some lighting options that may help make outdoor patios and decks less inviting for mosquitoes at night:
LED string lights – High intensity LED bulbs in strands above 8 feet high. Blue 470nm wavelength bulbs may work best.
LED flood lights – Bright, 500+ lumen floodlights positioned over seating areas. Blue wavelength recommended.
Citronella candles – The scent may provide additional mosquito deterrence. Place close to seating areas.
Propane patio torches – The light and heat help deter mosquitoes in close proximity. Position around seating/dining areas.
Solar path lights – Low intensity but may create some deterrence when positioned close together around patios.
Bug zapper lanterns – Zaps mosquitoes while providing some deterrent lighting. Place around seating areas.
Tips for using lighting to deter mosquitoes
Here are some useful tips for maximizing the mosquito deterrent effects of outdoor lighting:
– Prioritize focused lighting around seating/dining spaces rather than general flood lighting.
– Position lighting at higher elevations closer to eye/head level of humans.
– Choose LED bulbs rated at 500+ lumens for optimal brightness.
– Use blue 470nm wavelength LED lights were possible.
– Space string lights or lanterns close together – 10 feet or less.
– Position lights on opposite side of seating from building entrances.
– Turn lights on 30+ minutes before going outside.
– Use lighting along with fans to disperse scents and increase air currents.
– Limit competing light sources like indoor lights shining through windows.
– Combine lighting with other deterrents like citronella candles.
– Clean and dust light covers regularly to maintain brightness.
The impact of light color
The color or wavelength of light bulbs can make a difference in mosquito deterrence. Here is an overview of how different types of light impact mosquitoes:
| Light Type | Effect on Mosquitoes |
|---|---|
| Incandescent | No discernible deterrent effect |
| Compact Fluorescent | May attract more mosquitoes than incandescent |
| UV | Attracts mosquitoes |
| Red | Less attractive to mosquitoes than other colors |
| Blue (470nm) | Deterred mosquitoes most in studies |
| Green | More attractive to mosquitoes than red light |
| Infrared | More attractive to mosquitoes than red light |
Thetakeaway is that not all colors deter mosquitoes equally. Choose LED lighting in blue or red spectra for best results. Avoid compact fluorescent bulbs or wavelengths like green, UV, and infrared which are more attractive to mosquitoes.
Impact of light intensity and placement
In addition to light color, the brightness (intensity) and positioning of lighting is also important:
| Factor | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Intensity | 500+ lumen LED bulbs | Brighter light helps disorient mosquitoes |
| Placement | 8-10 feet overhead around seating | Makes it harder for mosquitoes to fly close to humans |
| Height | 8 feet or above | Mosquitoes fly close to ground, so high lights are less accessible |
The key is using intensely bright light focused over seating areas at elevations nearer to human head/eye level – not dim, scattered light down at ground level where mosquitoes fly.
Examples of effective setups
Based on the research, here are two outdoor lighting setups that should provide good mosquito deterrence:
String light canopy
– High intensity 500 lumen blue LED string lights
– Strung in criss-cross pattern 8-10 feet overhead
– Centered over patio seating area
– Turned on 30+ minutes before use
– Combine with citronella candles on table
Flood light stands
– Two 500+ lumen blue LED flood lights
– Mounted on stands 10-12 feet above deck/patio
– Angled inward to shine over seating area
– Place on opposite side of seating from doorways
– Combine with oscillating fans to disperse scents
These configurations focus bright, blue-spectrum light right where people congregate outdoors. The light is less accessible at higher elevations where mosquitoes fly and should make those spaces less hospitable environments.
Limitations and considerations
While research suggests that artificial lighting can help deter mosquito activity in some situations, there are a few limitations and considerations:
– Effectiveness depends heavily on proper light color, brightness, and placement.
– Competing light sources like indoor lights or streetlights reduce effectiveness.
– Large properties or areas cannot realistically be fully illuminated.
– LED lights may deter mosquitoes in close proximity but not elsewhere.
– Lighting alone provides partial protection – should be combined with other deterrents.
– Mosquitoes may adapt to regular use of lighting over time.
– Effectiveness is reduced on windy nights or when temperatures are warm.
– Solar-powered lights may not provide consistent brightness.
– Light pollution may become an issue in some neighborhoods.
– Lighting needs to be constantly maintained and positioned correctly.
While lighting can help make patios and decks less inviting to mosquitoes, it does not completely repel them in most real-world scenarios. People should not rely solely on lighting for protection from mosquito bites. Instead use it as part of an integrated pest management plan that also includes screening, fans, repellents, elimination of breeding sites, and other tactics.
Conclusion
Research indicates that certain types of artificial lighting, if used correctly, can help deter mosquito activity in outdoor spaces at night. The key factors are using LED bulbs with intensities of 500+ lumens and wavelengths in the blue or red spectra. Positioning the lights 8 feet or higher overhead and focused over seating areas maximizes their mosquito deterring effects. Brighter, blue-toned light places seem to be least inviting to mosquitoes. However, lighting works best as one component of an overall mosquito control strategy, not a standalone solution. Targeted, high-intensity LED bulbs can make patios noticeably less hospitable to mosquitoes but homeowners should still take additional protective and preventative measures for best results. With a thoughtful lighting plan, it is possible to enjoy outdoor living spaces more comfortably at night during peak mosquito seasons.
