Are you tired of getting bit by mosquitoes when you take an evening walk or lounge on your balcony outdoors? Then, you may be considering investing in a mosquito zapper. But with how many different colored mosquito zappers are out there, you may ask - are mosquitoes attracted to blue/UV light?
There is a broad spectrum of light; shockingly enough, some mosquitoes are attracted to the whole range, while others are only attracted to specific types of light at certain times of the day. This can be incredibly confusing and requires research to figure out what mosquito zapper would be the most effective.
That’s why we went ahead and did the research to save you time---and a headache! This article will discuss whether mosquitoes are attracted to UV and blue light and what products work best to deter these pesky insects. First - what is UV light?
What is UV Light?
Before we answer the question - are mosquitoes attracted to UV light? - we need to go into detail on what UV light is.
UV, also known as ultraviolet light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light. These light waves are invisible to the human eye though some insects, like bumblebees, can see UV light as it is visible within their range of sight.
The source of ultraviolet light originates from the sun, which presents a range of ultraviolet radiation. UV-B rays are the types of rays that cause sunburn and can increase cellular damage to living organisms. In addition, prolonged exposure to UV light extends to various risks, including blinding eye diseases and skin cancer.
So, Are Mosquitoes Attracted to UV Light?
Interestingly enough, it depends on the species of mosquito!
Astudy was done on day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, also known as the Yellow Fever mosquito) and night-biting mosquitoes (Anopheles coluzzii, the primary vector for malaria). Through the study, it was discovered that there were distinctly different responses to ultraviolet light as well as other colors of light.
Other factors joined in preference of light attraction other than a difference in species, like sex, the time of day, and the color of the light.
It was through this study that it was found that day-biting mosquitoes are strongly attracted to a large spectrum of light spectra during the day. On the other hand, night-biting mosquitoes are photophobic (meaning they have a strong sensitivity to light) to short-wavelength light (blue light) during the day.
Regarding sex, female day-biting mosquitoes are attracted to light during the daytime regardless of the light spectrum. Yet, for night-biting mosquitoes, this species will adamantly avoid blue and ultraviolet light during the day. At night is a different story.
Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Other Types of Light, Too?
Day-biting mosquitoes are attracted to a large spectrum of light spectra during the day. However, female day-biting mosquitoes are attracted to light during the day regardless of the light spectrum.
Anotherstudy showed that fluorescent light outperformed ultraviolet light throughout 72 nights of testing between wet and dry seasons. Fluorescent light attracts a majority of flying insects, including mosquitoes. Fluorescent light emits ultraviolet light, as fluorescence can only happen when UV radiation is present. The ultraviolet wavelengths emitted by the fluorescent bulbs attract mosquitoes.
In the same study, the runner-up to fluorescent light was the LED375 UV-LED trap. This trap caught the highest number of mosquitoes, presenting its effectiveness in luring mosquitoes. As LED lights are UV lights, it represents the effectiveness of UV light as a mosquito lure.
Through other studies, blue light wasfound to have lethal effects on insects such as mosquitoes.
Additional Mosquito Management Techniques/Tools
For additional mosquito management techniques and tools, continue reading below!
Insect Repellant
When spending time outdoors, use an EPA-registered insect repellent. An EPA-registered repellant has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These skin-applied repellants require approved registration to ensure they have been “evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label.” Meaning not all insect repellants work or are safe to use.
Mosquito-Repellent Wrist Band
An adjustable band designed to be placed on the wrist or ankle, mosquito bands are treated with dry micro-encapsulated DEET, an active ingredient in insect-repellent products.
This ingredient is slowly released as a repellent vapor to provide long-lasting protection. These bands can repel insects like mosquitoes seven hours a day or up to 14 days. Great for vacations and holiday weekends!
Bug Zappers
A range of bug zappers can be used for indoor or outdoor usage. This mosquito-killing tool can eliminate mosquitoes known to carry diseases in the house and outside from mass-producing.
Bug zappers can be great if you have an issue with other pesky bugs, like gnats or flies, that keep getting into your home or on the patio. If you wish to avoid using harsh chemicals, then a bug zapper is the perfect fit for you!
Mosquito Net Hat
If you enjoy the great outdoors, then a mosquito net hat is an investment you need to make!
An excellent alternative to harsh chemicals, a mosquito net hat can repel unwanted insects like mosquitoes while you bask in nature. This tool can effectively repel mosquitos and prevent any possible bites from these disease-carrying insects.
Make Mosquitos a Nuisance of the Past With Our UV Light Zapper!
Say goodbye to mosquitoes with Ozzi Mozzie’s Next-Gen mosquito zapper!
This on-the-go mosquito zapper is portable, hangable, and compact. In addition, it features a long-lasting rechargeable battery to get the most out of your bug zapper. Made with high-quality materials, our mosquito zapper is guaranteed to provide trouble-free performance for a long time.
Our mosquito zapper uses non-toxic LED light to attract mosquitoes so that you don’t have to apply strong-smelling repellants filled with harsh chemicals. The patented “flash beam” technology utilizes the frequency of UV (365nM), a functioning mosquito magnet that covers a wide range to deter mosquitoes from biting you or anyone in your home and, instead, attracts the mosquitoes to the zapper. No more odors, messes, or bug bites!
And for the outdoorsy people that like hiking outdoors, we highly recommend our mosquito wrist bands and mosquito net hat.
Our mosquito repellent wristband comes in packs of ten. Made with natural oils like lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and geraniol oil, these mosquito repellent wristbands are the perfect on-the-go addition in the great outdoors to deter mosquitoes.
Pair the repellant bands with our mosquito net hat! Easy, removable, and breathable protection from mosquitoes, the net hat is a perfect natural mosquito-repellent for hiking, fishing, gardening, and camping.
Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Blue/UV Light? Wrapping Things Up
So, are mosquitoes attracted to UV light?
Through extensive research, we’ve identified that mosquitoes are attracted to fluorescent and ultraviolet light. However, factors like sex and species can contribute to the effectiveness of luring in mosquitoes, and showed that blue light is the most lethal to these disease-carrying insects.
With Ozzi Mozzie’s Next-Gen mosquito zapper, you can officially annihilate these pests that can get into your home and reproduce. Our non-toxic LED light and patented “flash beam” technology that utilizes the frequency of UV (365nM) is guaranteed to lure mosquitoes, and other pesky insects, to get rid of them for good.
Say goodbye to pesky mosquitoes in your home and on the go with our high-quality mosquito zapper today!