Bugs around outside lights?

Question

We live in southern Louisiana, just across Lake Ponchatrain from New Orleans. If anyone knows anything at all I can do to keep the bugs from congregating around my outdoor lights (and sadly, or perhaps not, dying, and leaving their deris), I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. I just paid a lot of money about one and one-half months ago to have all my windows cleaned, and now I see all these little "buggers" are back at it again. I hosed down part of the house that I could reach....but isn't there something else. Do you have to just work at this ALL THE TIME? Thanks, anyone.

Answer 1

I agree with Ana, that bug zappers are helpful.

Also, try using amber (instead of clear) glass in your lights.  It cuts down on them, too.

I've not had much luck with sprays and citronella candles.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, bugs are naturally attracted to light.  But you could try the new Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL). I bought a yellow CFL bug light for my deck and, to my surprise, there are less bugs around it.

P.S.--The problem with bug zappers is that they are "indiscriminate".  In other words, they kill even the beneficial bugs.

Answer 3

Sadly, all you can do is maybe put up a porch and screen it in, completely. Bugs that come to your lamp by night are bugs that follow the moon for guidance. Imagine trying to use the moon to guide you, and then having the moon change where it is so quickly that you can't adjust! This is why they fly in circles and eventually die at your porch; because they can't seem to find their way to where they need to go to eat, and then back to their hiding places for the day.

Definitely look into screening off your porch though. It helps a lot.

Answer 4

go home depot for thiry dollars get a bug zaper.. it really works.. plug it into electrical extension chord and put outside and zap it goes killing all kinds of bugsss. and you relax bugs are all gone... i have one and it really is recommended