If you’ve ever noticed beetles swarming around your porch light or window at night, then you’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as insect light attraction, can be a nuisance for homeowners, especially when it leads to unwanted pests entering your home. Understanding why beetles are attracted to light and learning beetle control strategies is essential to keeping these pests out.
3 Reasons Why Beetles Are Drawn to Light
Beetles, like many other insects, are phototactic, meaning they are insects that are naturally attracted to light sources. While the exact reasons for this behavior are not fully understood, there are several theories that explain why beetles and other insects exhibit this attraction.
- Navigation: One theory suggests that beetles and other nocturnal insects use natural light sources like the moon or stars to navigate. When they encounter artificial lights, they become disoriented and follow the light instead of their natural navigation cues. As a result, they may circle around lights endlessly or congregate near them, increasing their chances of entering homes through open windows or doors.
- Attraction to UV Light: Many artificial light sources, especially incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which is particularly attractive to beetles and other insects. UV light mimics the natural light that insects rely on for navigation, drawing them in even more. Certain species, such as June beetles, are especially attracted to UV light and will swarm around bright lights during the evening hours.
- Warmth: One more reason why beetles are attracted to light is because of the warmth emitted by certain light sources. Lights that give off heat can create an inviting environment for beetles, especially during cooler fall evenings. This warmth can make areas near lights more comfortable for insects, encouraging them to linger.
How to Reduce Beetle Attraction to Light in 4 Ways
If beetles attracted to light are gathering around your home’s light sources, then there are several steps you can take to reduce their attraction and keep them from entering your home.
- Use Insect-Resistant Bulbs: One of the most effective ways to reduce insect light attraction, particularly considering the question of why beetles are attracted to light, is to switch to insect-resistant light bulbs. These bulbs are designed to emit light that is less appealing to beetles and other insects. Yellow or amber-colored bulbs, for example, do not emit as much UV light, making them less likely to attract beetles.
- Adjust Lighting Placement: Moving your light sources away from doors and windows is another simple but effective way to keep beetles from entering your home. By placing lights further away from entry points, you create a barrier between the insects and the areas where they might gain access.
- Install Barriers to Prevent Entry: In addition to adjusting lighting, it’s important to create physical barriers that keep beetles from entering your home. Even if beetles are attracted to your lights, taking steps to seal entry points will ensure they stay outside. Check for gaps or cracks around your windows and doors, and seal them with weather stripping or caulk to prevent beetles from finding their way inside. Use door sweeps to close any gaps under exterior doors.
- Reduce Outdoor Light Usage: Another effective strategy for reducing beetle activity is to limit your outdoor light usage, especially during peak beetle activity times in the evening. While some outdoor lighting is necessary for safety, reducing the amount of time lights are on can significantly cut down on the number of beetles attracted to light lingering around your home. Setting outdoor lights on timers or controlling them with a smart home system can help you manage when your lights are on. This allows you to enjoy outdoor lighting as you need without attracting too many insects.
Keep Beetles Away from Your Home with Aptive
Beetles swarming your lights and outdoor areas can be frustrating, but if you find they are making their way into your home then it may be time to think about Professional help. If you need more help to diminish the beetle population moving into your house, Aptive is here with tailored pest control services. Get a free quote online today to help you resolve the beetle problem.
