Bug lights are used by many gardeners to draw in unwanted pests and zap them into oblivion. There are a variety of bugs that are active at night and attracted to light, but not all of them are pests. Some of the bugs drawn to your zapper's light might be the beneficial kind.
It's difficult to enjoy your outdoor space when you're plagued by mosquitoes and biting flies. When you use a bug light, you're likely to attract a few biting bugs into the light for a quick zap. It's more likely, however, that the light will attract the bugs into your yard to investigate the light and that they'll get distracted when they sense you. The bugs would rather fly to you for a quick bite rather than check out the light too closely.
The bug light attracts several varieties of harmless flying bugs in addition to those that bite, including moths, fireflies and beetles. Although some homeowners believe the only good bug is a dead one, that's not necessarily true. Moths, for example, help pollinate at night, and they're often the only creatures that pollinate night-blooming flowers. Beetles tend to eat bugs such as aphids that might be attacking your plants, so reducing the beetle population could cause more harm than good.
Stinging bugs, such as bees and wasps, are often drawn to the bug light as daylight begins to fade. While it's true these bugs can sting you, they are unlikely to seek you out as a target. Killing large numbers of bees and wasps with your bug zapper can hurt your garden; bees help pollinate flowers and vegetables, and wasps hunt pest insects. Wasps help control creatures such as psyllids and caterpillars that might be making meals of your favorite plants.
Bugs that fly aren't the only ones that can make their way to a zapper light. Crawling bugs such as ants and nonflying beetles can be attracted by the light. Designed for flying insects, the zapper probably won't kill enough crawling bugs to significantly affect the population -- the bugs must crawl up the side of the house or a post to where you hung the zapper, then crawl down to the electrified cage. A few will make the trek, but most crawling bugs tend to stay on or near the ground.
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors: Bug Zappers
- Popular Mechanics: 6 Wildest Bug Zappers You Can Buy Now Read more: 6 Wildest Bug Zappers You Can Buy Now
- Science Daily: Snap! Crackle! Pop! Electric Bug Zappers Are Useless For Controlling Mosquitoes, Says UF/IFAS Pest Expert
- Morning Call: Some Shocking News About Insect Zappers
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