Why Are Bugs Attracted to Light?

The proliferation of 24-hour electric light in our modern world has harmed many flying insects, especially moths. Although much research remains to be done to fully understand insect behavior, scientists know that light bulbs have caused a break in the evolutionary programming of some flying insects.

After much research, the most conclusive hypothesis that many experts have arrived at is that nocturnal insects are generally attracted to the light of incandescent bulbs because they confuse this brightness with that of the moon. This type of orientation is also known as transverse orientation. Transverse orientation is similar to orienting ourselves to the North Star, which is in a specific location, so that we know where we are. It is thought that moths also hold the light source in a certain position relative to their body to orient themselves.

There is also a phenomenon called phototaxis, a property by which some cells align themselves to light. Their opposite effect, flight from light, is called negative phototaxis or photosocking. These cells have cellular photoreceptor elements that can detect light and are considered nature's simplest eyes. Although not all insect species have cells of this type, they are more common in nocturnal and flying insects.

In the eyes of moths and other insects, there are elements that are tuned to dim light and function like miniature telescopes. So when they perceive intense artificial light, it can act like a superstimulant. In fact, very bright lights are almost irresistible to some of these insects, and they may stay near the light until they starve.

Another theory as to why insects are attracted to light is that light in the wild signals insects to flee from potential danger. When an insect sees light, it may tell it that a path is not blocked by a predator or obstacles. This may explain why pests fly directly into light sources and seem to crash into light bulbs and lanterns unknowingly.

Finally, many moths feed on the nectar of flowers, which are known to reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. Some bulbs emit a small amount of ultraviolet light, which can cause hungry insects to mistake a bulb for a flower.

If you like insects and want to learn more about them, do not miss the following article about the biggest insects in the world.

Not all insects are attracted to light, at least not in the same way. As we have already explained, nocturnal and flying insects in particular are attracted to light because they can orient themselves in the dark with the help of light, especially moonlight. Insects most attracted to artificial light include moths, but also, to a lesser extent, certain species of bees and butterflies.

Are mosquitoes attracted to the light?

Mosquitoes are attracted to light to some degree, but even more so to food sources, namely you! Mosquitoes are usually not attracted to light, but to the smells of our bodies and the heat we give off. Mosquitoes are also attracted to released Co2. So if you breathe faster because you are sick or pregnant, it is logical that you will be bitten more.

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but can also transmit various diseases to humans, such as dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus. There are also several dangerous mosquito-borne diseases that can also be transmitted to your pets. Continue reading this other article to learn how to repel mosquitoes naturally.

While it is not the same for all insects, those that are attracted to light are usually attracted to UV light and white light. That's why hundreds of bugs swarm around your bright white fluorescent lights, but few come to a campfire.

Most flying insects are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light because their eyes are more sensitive to light of this wavelength.

The absolute intensity of the light is a secondary factor in attraction, while the relative intensity in relation to other light in the environment plays a fundamental role. The crucial element is the wavelength. Light with a wavelength outside the spectrum visible to humans is more attractive to flies. Conventional lights produce intense UV-A light rays that penetrate further into the environment, and although their wavelengths are outside the light spectrum visible to humans, they are more attractive to insects.

What you can do to prevent insects from flying into the light

If you want to keep the bugs away at night, try yellow or red lights. A few insects will still be attracted to these lights, but not nearly as many as to the white lights.

Another option to keep insects away is by using LED lights. LED lights are already familiar to most of us. We have read or heard about the many advantages they have over traditional light sources: how little energy they use, how much they illuminate, and how long they last. In addition to these advantages, LED lights have been found not to attract as many insects as conventional lights. This is because the LED lights do not have an ultraviolet component and therefore do not attract as many insects as conventional light sources.

If you want to read similar articles to Why Are Bugs Attracted to Light?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.