Now that’s a bright idea!

I live on a cul de sac and since there are no streetlights it’s pretty dark.  I have neighbors all around but  most of the time they don’t even turn on their porch lights.  I guess saving electricity is more important than illuminating their lives. 

Anyhow, I have two lights on my porch and I usually turn them on at dusk and a lot of times leave them on all night.  One problem with these lights is(since they are mostly the lone guardians of light) that they attract a wide assortment of insects.  So when I open the door to let the dog out to do her business I am entering an entomologists dream.

I’m not too squeamish where moths are concerned but the light is a dinner bell for a varied assortment arachnids. (Yes, that means big, hairy spiders)  And when summer is in full swing, hornets will join th party. I don’t get it. I have never seen a hornet anywhere at night except flying around my porch lights. 

So this year, with the extremely warm winter weather the insects are appearing much earlier than usual.  My husband suggested bug light bulbs.  I know I must seem as if I have lived in a cave, but really lights that do not attract bugs?  How can that be?

Well, I went shopping and purchased two yellow tinted bug light bulbs.  I went for the cheaper (under $3) versions. To my surprise they are working amazingly well!  I think I will return to the store and buy the energy efficient bulbs that cost quite a bit more, but worth it since they will last 7 years. 

So to sum it all up, I’m all set.  Although…in a few short weeks the 17-year cicada will be making an appearance.  Those creepy, green-eyed insects will be my daytime nightmare, but at least they won’t be haunting my nights.