What kind of light attracts mosquitoes?

March 17, 2025

Mosquitoes are a well-known nuisance, especially in summer. But did you know that some lights can attract them more than others? If you're looking to limit their presence in your home or garden, understanding their attraction to light is essential.

Are mosquitoes attracted to light?

The question of whether light attracts mosquitoes is often asked. Unlike many nocturnal insects such as moths, mosquitoes are not irresistibly drawn to just any light source. What motivates them most is the carbon dioxide (CO2) we exhale, as well as heat and certain body odors.

However, certain wavelengths of light can influence their behavior.

What color of light attracts mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are more sensitive to certain wavelengths. They react more strongly to ultraviolet (UV), blue, and violet light. These colors are often used in mosquito lamps to trap these insects.

For what ?

Mosquitoes are better at perceiving short wavelengths, especially blue and ultraviolet.
These colors help them to better distinguish their environment, especially to spot their prey.

On the other hand, red, yellow and orange lights are less visible to them, which means they can be used to limit their presence.

What light does not attract insects?

If you want to reduce the presence of mosquitoes around your house or terrace, opt for bulbs emitting a warm light (predominantly yellow or orange) and prefer LED bulbs which emit little heat and UV.

Some recommendations:

Use warm LED bulbs (2700K to 3000K).
Opt for amber or yellow lamps.
Avoid fluorescent or halogen bulbs, which emit more UV.

Some light bulbs are less attractive to insects. Discoverwhich types of light bulbs to choose .

How to avoid mosquitoes using lighting?

To limit their presence in your home, here are a few tips:

Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.
Opt for yellow LEDs on your terrace or balcony.
Use repellent lamps, which combine lighting and diffusion of anti-mosquito essential oils (such as citronella or lemon eucalyptus).
Install illuminated mosquito nets , which attract and capture mosquitoes with a specific light.

Other factors that attract mosquitoes

Although light plays a role, other factors influence mosquito attraction:

1. Heat

Mosquitoes are sensitive to temperature variations and are attracted to heat sources, including the human body and certain light bulbs that heat up.

2. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Human exhalation releases CO2, which serves as the primary signal for mosquitoes to locate a potential target.

3. Body odors

Sweat and pheromones also influence their behavior. Some people are more prone to stings due to their body chemistry.

Additional solutions to keep mosquitoes away

If you want to avoid mosquitoes without completely changing your lighting, here are some additional solutions:

1. Use fans

Mosquitoes have difficulty flying against an air current. Installing a fan on your patio or in your bedroom can reduce their presence.

2. Install repellent plants

Some plants, such as citronella, basil, or lavender, give off scents that naturally repel mosquitoes.

3. Opt for specific light traps

Some devices use UV lights combined with fans to capture mosquitoes.

4. Apply natural or chemical repellents

Sprays based on DEET or essential oils (lemon eucalyptus, geranium) are effective in repelling these pests.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes aren't irresistibly attracted to light, but certain wavelengths like blue and ultraviolet can influence their behavior. To keep them away, opt for warm lights and avoid bulbs with high UV emissions .

If you are looking for suitable and aesthetic lighting, discover our collection of bedside lamps, ideal for a soothing atmosphere while minimizing the attraction of insects.