Insects play a crucial role in our ecosystem, but many of them are increasingly threatened with extinction. One of the biggest dangers to insects is lighting: artificial light can confuse and even kill insects. However, insects sometimes react very differently to different types of light. We will show you how you can help protect insects with the right lighting and at the same time achieve economic advantages for your company.
Why are insects attracted to light?
Insects are attracted to light, as anyone who has ever been outdoors at night knows. But why is that? Many species of insects navigate using celestial lights, specifically the moon and stars. However, artificial light is often much brighter than natural light sources and thus affects the orientation of the insects. In addition, many insects use light not only as a guide for their navigation, but also for communication and mating. When artificial light is stronger than natural light, it disrupts biological processes and threatens insect reproduction and survival. This effect is particularly problematic in the vicinity of nature reserves or agricultural areas, where there are naturally many insects. Many insects are already threatened with extinction – this can have dramatic consequences for our ecosystem.
When planning lighting systems, it is therefore not just about putting the room in the right light. The effects on the environment and especially on insects should also be considered. We have many years of experience in planning insect-friendly lighting systems and know exactly what is important. Our experts will be happy to advise you and work with you to find the perfect solution for your needs.
Light also disturbs diurnal bees
Bees rely on visually identifying the location of their hive and the flowers they visit. If artificial light disrupts the natural cycle of day and night, it canaffect the orientation of bees and prevent them from finding their way back to their hive.
disrupt their communication as bees communicate with each other through visual cues such as dance and color communication.
preventing them from recognizing signals to organize themselves, resulting in them being unable to find food.
Different types of insects and their reactions to light
that most insects react less sensitively to yellow-orange colored light than to white or blue light. Therefore, when planning lighting, one should take into account that certain insects are more sensitive to some colors than others.
Butterflies: Butterflies are particularly sensitive to blue and green light. Lighting that is too blue or green can confuse butterflies and affect their navigation.
Bugs: Bugs are attracted to yellow light and are less sensitive to red light. However, yellow lighting can also be attractive to other insects such as bees and wasps.
Moths: Moths are attracted to all types of light, but especially UV light. If the lighting emits too much UV light, moths can be attracted and die near the light source.
Flies: Flies are attracted to bright light, especially high lumen light. This can be an issue around food and restaurant areas.
Ants: Ants are not particularly sensitive to light, but they can become confused by brightly lit surfaces and interfere with their navigation.
Ladybugs: Ladybugs are not sensitive to light, but their food – aphids – are affected by light. Aphids can reproduce in bright light, thus attracting ladybugs.
As experts in lighting planning, we attach particular importance to planning outdoor lighting that is as insect-friendly as possible. Learn our proven best practices to consider when planning and installing outdoor lighting systems.
