Wasps are attracted to lights at night because they see the light as a food source. This can be annoying and even dangerous if you have wasp nests near lights on your property. The good news is there are several effective methods to deter wasps from congregating around lights.
Why are wasps attracted to lights?
Wasps, especially yellowjackets, are attracted to the ultraviolet rays that lights emit. They mistakes these lights for food sources like flowers. Lights also attract other flying insects, which wasps prey upon. So lights serve as a double attraction – wasps think they are flowers and they provide access to other insects to eat.
Times of year when wasps flock to lights
Wasps tend to be most attracted to lights in mid to late summer. This coincides with the time when wasp colonies are largest and need the most food to sustain their numbers. Some specific times you’ll notice more wasps around lights:
- July – August: Peak breeding season for wasps across most regions. Colonies are rapidly growing and require lots of food.
- August – September: Late summer into early fall is when wasp colonies start producing reproductive wasps that will start new colonies the following year. Lots of activity during this time.
- September – November: Wasps are most desperate for food sources as the colony starts to decline going into winter months. Lights attract some of the last wasps of the year during this period.
Types of lights that attract wasps
Any outdoor lights can attract wasps, but the following are especially prone to it:
- Porch lights
- Flood lights
- Halogen bulbs
- Mercury vapor bulbs
- Sodium bulbs
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Bug zappers
Basically any bright, ultraviolet light source is going to be a wasp magnet. They are less attracted to weaker, yellow spectrum lights like low-wattage incandescent bulbs.
7 tips to keep wasps away from lights
Here are some simple yet effective ways to deter wasps from swarming around your outdoor lights:
1. Use yellow bulbs
Switching from bright, white bulbs to yellow spectrum bulbs can help. Yellow bulbs give off less UV rays, making them less attractive to wasps.
2. Reduce wattage
If possible, use lower wattage bulbs. The less bright the light, the fewer bugs it will attract.
3. Install recessed lighting
Recessed can lighting has less bulb exposed, focusing light directionally and reducing attraction for insects. Install recessed lighting under porches, patios, and other outdoor areas.
4. Use sodium vapor bulbs
Sodium vapor lights give off a yellow/orange glow that is less appealing to wasps than other bulb types. Outdoor lighting around barns, gardens, and other areas can benefit from sodium bulb conversion.
5. Coat bulbs in petroleum jelly
Coating the outside of light bulbs in a thin layer of petroleum jelly disorients wasps and blocks some of the UV rays. However, this method must be reapplied regularly as the jelly wears off.
6. Install screening or plastic covers
Installing physical covers over lighting can prevent wasps from reaching the bulbs. Insect netting/screening or clear plastic covers work well for this.
7. Use deterrents
There are some commercial deterrents made to repel wasps from light fixtures:
- Citronella oil – the strong scent drives wasps away
- Smoke coils – emit a repellent smoke that deters wasps
- Aluminum foil strips – reflect light and confuse wasps
Reapply these deterrents regularly for best results.
When to call a pest control professional
If you have a major wasp problem around outdoor lighting that isn’t resolved using the methods above, it may be time to call a pest control company. Signs that professional help is needed include:
- Multiple large wasp nests on or near your home
- Evidence of nests in light fixtures or electrical boxes
- Wasp infestations in attics/walls where lights are mounted
- Wasps completely covering light fixtures
- Family members being stung repeatedly by wasps attracted to lights
Professional exterminators have commercial-grade pesticides and knowledge of proper treatment methods to eliminate stubborn wasp problems. They can remove nests and implement preventive treatments to keep wasps away long-term.
Preventative measures to try first
Before resorting to professional help, there are some preventative measures you can try to deter wasps from lights:
Seal openings and cracks
Fix any openings in light fixtures, electrical boxes, attics, roofs, etc near lights. Caulk and seal cracks so wasps can’t enter and build nests in those areas.
Install nest traps
Wasp nest traps like Rescue! attracts wasps looking for a nesting site. Trapping them in these decoys prevents new nests near lights.
Use insecticidal dust products
Puff dust treatments like Sevin and Drione into light fixtures and electrical boxes where nests could form. The dust kills wasps and deters new ones from entering.
Install yellow exterior lightbulbs
| Bulb Type | Color Temperature | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Incandescent | 2700K – Yellow | Very Effective |
| CFL | 2700K – Soft White | Moderately Effective |
| LED | 2700K – Warm White | Very Effective |
Here is a table comparing the effectiveness of different yellow light bulb types at deterring wasps. Incandescent and LED bulbs around 2700K color temperature work best.
Conclusion
Wasps can be a nuisance and safety threat when they congregate around outdoor lighting. But there are many methods you can try to deter them without using pesticides. Start with simple solutions like using yellow bulbs, reducing light brightness, and installing covers. For severe wasp problems that persist, contacting a professional exterminator is advised to remove nests and implement ongoing preventative treatments.