Sunday, April 14, 2013

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.


10 comments:

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I have always wondered whether those yellow bulbs worked or not....colorblind insects? I always enjoy the art that accompanies your blog posts.

Judy Adamson said...

That sounds like a very 'bright idea', Crystal - and I love your illustration :)

Christine said...

I didn't know you could get those lightbulbs either. It's so dry in Alberta and the summer so short that insects are generally not a problem. I was amazed when I went to Kentucky in 2001 and saw cicadas and a big swarm of crickets! Would love to go back...but not in July (that was a mistake!)

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Congrats on your daughter's graduation, too! History was my favorite subject. I hope you share what you make for her when you can.

Christine said...

Hope the bug lights do the trick!

Magic Love Crow said...

Very interesting! I have never heard of this! Guess what, something else I have to share with mom ;o) Thanks Crystal ;o) Much appreciated ;o) Hugs ;o)

Magic Love Crow said...

Your art pieces with your posts are fantastic!

illy said...

Great idea :)

My nail polish blog nails-and-more.blogspot.com

Wanda said...

Love your illustration and info. I have bought candles in the past that are suppose to keep mosquitos away. Sometimes they work..I need to try the yellow bulbs.

maddyrose said...

I have used the yellow bulbs for years and I think the insects must be immune to them because there are always webs with moth wings hanging from the light fixture.

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