Use mosquito repellents
One of the most effective ways to get rid of mosquitoes attracted to light is to use mosquito repellents. There are many types of repellents available, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 provide the longest protection. Apply repellent to exposed skin when you are outdoors at night when mosquitoes are active. Reapply as needed, usually every few hours. Using repellents can help reduce mosquito bites by up to 98%.
Set up fans
Mosquitoes are relatively weak flyers, so setting up fans around outdoor lights can help deter them. The breeze from the fan blows the mosquitoes away and makes it harder for them to land on you. Use high velocity fans and aim them towards the light source where mosquitoes congregate. The stronger the fan, the further away mosquitoes will be blown. Box fans, attic fans or commercial outdoor fans work best for this. Make sure to position the fans so they cover the area around the light but do not blow directly on the light itself, as this could damage the lighting.
Use yellow or sodium vapor lights
Not all light bulbs attract mosquitoes equally. Standard incandescent bulbs emit light across the spectrum, which includes ultraviolet (UV) light that attracts mosquitoes. Switching to yellow “bug lights” that do not emit UV light makes lights less attractive to mosquitoes. Sodium vapor lights also limit UV emissions. Replace outdoor lighting around entryways or patios with yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights to reduce mosquito interest. This approach prevents drawing mosquitoes close while still allowing safe illumination.
Set up traps
Mosquito traps can help capture and kill mosquitoes attracted to lights. Propane mosquito traps use light and carbon dioxide to lure mosquitoes into a vacuum where they are trapped. Electric zappers also attract bugs via UV light and kill them with an electric shock. While traps alone will not eliminate all mosquitoes, they can reduce numbers, especially when placed near light sources. Position traps about 25-40 feet from outdoor lights for optimal effect. Monitor traps regularly to dispose of collected mosquito carcasses.
Use citronella candles or torches
The natural oil from citronella plants has mosquito repellent properties. Placing citronella candles or torches around outdoor lights can help repel mosquitoes in the immediate area. The smell confuses mosquitoes and makes it harder for them to land on humans. Position candles or torches within 3-6 feet of lights for best results. However, citronella oil wears off fairly quickly, so vigilance is needed to maintain effect. Extinguish candles before bed and reignite if sitting outside again. Be sure to place candles safely away from flammable materials.
Keep lights off when not needed
One of the simplest ways to reduce mosquitoes attracted to lights is to keep lights turned off when illumination is not required. Avoid having outdoor patio or porch lights on all night long. Instead, only turn them on when you are outside and turn them back off when returning indoors. You can also put lights on timers or motion sensors so they are only on when needed. The less time lights are on, the fewer bugs they will attract.
Manage standing water sources
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water sources. Eliminating standing water around your yard will give mosquitoes fewer places to breed. At least once a week, dump or drain water from flower pots, buckets, tires, gutters, pool covers, pet dishes and other containers where water can collect. Protect stored water barrels with tight covers. Fill holes and depressions in trees or landscaping where water pools. Managing standing water reduces the number of mosquitoes that become attracted to lights.
Use ceiling and pedestal fans
Running ceiling fans or pedestal fans indoors creates air currents that make it difficult for mosquitoes that get inside to land and bite. The blowing air creates a barrier between you and the mosquitoes. Direct the fan breeze so it flows over areas where you are seated or sleeping. Start fans anytime you have doors or windows open to help keep bugs away from you. Fans are a helpful addition to other mosquito exclusion techniques.
Wear protective clothing
When spending time outdoors around lights, cover up with long sleeves, pants, socks and closed toe shoes. Loose fitting, light colored clothing provides the best protection. Avoid dark colors, which can attract mosquitoes, and short sleeves or shorts which leave skin exposed. Tuck pants into socks to keep ankles and calves covered. Consider wearing a mosquito head net if spending extended time outdoors at night to protect the face and neck. The less skin that is exposed, the harder it is for mosquitoes to bite.
Use mosquito netting
Install mosquito netting around outdoor lights to create a physical barrier against the insects. Netting with fine mesh holes smaller than mosquitoes works best. Attach the netting to poles or frameworks around lights to keep it upright. Ensure netting completely encloses lights with no gaps where mosquitoes can enter. Openings can be added to allow entry/exit of people. Re-treat netting with permethrin periodically for added mosquito protection. Mesh netting provides excellent protection while still allowing light passage.
Apply permethrin
Permethrin is an insecticide that can be sprayed onto clothing, shoes, backpacks, bed nets and other fabrics to kill and repel mosquitoes. When applied correctly, permethrin bonds to fabric fibers and retains insecticidal effect through multiple washings. Use permethrin sprays to treat clothing that will be worn outdoors around lights to deter mosquitoes. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin, always follow product instructions. The insecticide offers additional protection against mosquitoes on top of repellent used on skin.
Install screened porches
Screened porches allow enjoying the outdoors without excessive mosquito exposure. They create a physical barrier with screen walls and roof that prevents mosquitoes entry while letting air flow through. Enjoy spending time on the screened porch in the evenings instead of open patios to avoid mosquitoes attracted to lights. New porch screens should utilize mesh no larger than 18×14 strands per square inch to effectively block mosquitoes. Check existing screens for holes and repair any tears or gaps that allow bugs inside.
Use oscillating sprinklers
Mosquitoes prefer still air while oscillating sprinklers generate movement. Position an oscillating sprinkler near outdoor lights to create a gentle, continual breeze that deters mosquitoes. Aim the sprinkler so it blows across the light area without directly hitting the bulbs. Set the sprinkler on the lowest, widest dispersal pattern. The constant motion of the air and water droplets makes it difficult for mosquitoes to fly and land near the lights. Just a light misting helps curb mosquito activity.
Conclusion
Mosquitoes attracted to lights can be very bothersome when spending time outdoors. Take advantage of fans, yellow bulbs, traps, citronella, protective clothing, netting and permethrin to discourage mosquitoes around lights. Eliminating standing water and keeping lights off when possible reduces the number of bugs. Screens, netting and fans provide barriers against mosquito bites. Employing multiple deterrent and barrier methods provides the best defense against mosquitoes swarming lights. With some diligent effort, you can significantly reduce mosquito problems near lights and enjoy outdoor living.