Do LED Lights Attract Spiders? 3 Ways to Keep Them Away
LED lights are becoming a popular choice for many homeowners due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. But with this new technology comes a new question – Do LED lights attract spiders?
Yes, LED strip lights do attract spiders, While spiders aren’t the only creatures that are naturally attracted to LED lights, they are indirectly responsible. Many bugs prefer brighter environments and will, therefore, gravitate toward LEDs. Spiders follow their food source (which is usually insects), so it’s only logical that they would want to build a home where they can find an abundance of prey.
There are some things you can do to keep spiders away from your LED lights. In this article, we will explore the possible connection between LED lights and spider populations, and provide some tips on how to keep your LED lighting installation spider-free.
Why do you find more spiders near LED strip lights?
LED lights emit a brighter light than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. LED strip lights can also run cooler than other lighting options, which is why they are often used to illuminate outdoor spaces such as gardens and walkways. But these same characteristics can also make LED strip lights an ideal habitat for spiders.
Spiders need three things in order to survive: warmth, shelter, and food sources (insects). LED strip lights provide the perfect combination of these elements and are thus irresistible homes for arachnids. Additionally, LED strip lights do not emit UV radiation like some traditional lightbulbs; this means that insects will be more attracted to LED lighting because it does not repel them away.
For the most part, spiders are mostly seeking out blue light wavelengths. The average human eye sees within a range of 300-420 nanometers, which also just so happens to be where ultraviolet light falls on the spectrum of colors. Read our detailed guide here about why LED light attracts insects.
What Color LED Lights Attract Spiders The Most?
Studies have found that LED lights emit a blue light wavelength and this is what attracts spiders the most. LED strip lights, in particular, are very attractive to spiders because they are so energy efficient and run cooler than other types of lighting options. LED strip lights also do not emit UV radiation like traditional incandescent bulbs, which means insects will be more attracted to LED lighting because it does not repel them away.
Many insects are attracted to light sources because they use them to help navigate at night. However, these same bugs are generally not as interested in warm colors that simulate the midday sun. You may see fewer insects and spiders if you use warm yellows, reds, and whites. Bugs are attracted to bright lights in general and to the warmth of a light bulb.
You won’t be able to completely avoid bugs by using yellow light in your home, but it will help.
Yellow LED lights may not completely repel spiders, but they can make your LED lighting installation less attractive to them.
How Can I Avoid LED Lights Attracting Spiders?
1. Make sure LED lights are pointed away from the ground. LED strip lights should be installed in such a way that they’re not pointing straight at the ground, as this will attract more insects and spiders to your LED lights.
2. Try using LED dimmers or using lower-wattage LED bulbs. LED dimmers are an effective way of controlling how bright your LED lights can get, which can help reduce their attractiveness to spiders and other insects. Additionally, using lower-wattage LED bulbs may also help reduce the amount of light emitted and make them less attractive to pests.
3. Try yellow-tinted LED lights or motion-activated LED lights. 4000K LED light bulbs emit a warmer color than regular LED lights, which can help repel insects and spiders. Additionally, motion-activated LED lights will only light up when movement is detected nearby, which can also help reduce their attractiveness to pests.
Final Words
In conclusion, the relationship between LED lights and spider attraction is not directly about the spiders being drawn to the light itself, but rather to the insects that are attracted to these lights. LED lights, particularly those emitting blue or ultraviolet light, tend to attract flying insects, which in turn can lure spiders seeking prey. This indirect consequence makes it important for homeowners and facility managers to consider the spectrum of light emitted by their LED installations if they wish to minimize both insect and spider populations in and around their properties. Implementing LEDs with warmer, yellow-toned lights, which are less attractive to most insects, can be an effective strategy in reducing the likelihood of attracting spiders that prey on these insects.
Additionally, beyond the choice of lighting, there are practical steps that can be taken to further discourage spiders from taking up residence in areas illuminated by LEDs. Keeping outdoor lighting fixtures clean and free from insects, using physical barriers such as screens and seals on windows and doors, and regular maintenance of garden and yard areas to remove webs and disrupt spider habitats can all contribute to a reduction in spider populations. Moreover, strategic placement of lights away from direct entry points to the home, such as windows and doors, and using motion-activated lights can limit the continuous illumination that draws insects and, consequently, spiders. These integrated pest management approaches, when combined with selective lighting choices, offer a comprehensive strategy for homeowners looking to enjoy the benefits of LED lighting without the downside of increased arachnid visitors.
If you’re still having trouble, try changing the color of your LED light. Insects aren’t attracted to warmer colors like red, orange, and yellow as much as they are to cooler colors.
