People, that have decks or patios, like to use them during the evenings in the summertime. They are great for entertaining guests and special occasions. However, with lights come the insects. If you live near an eco factory like a pond or wooded area, you are always going to have unwanted visitors. I am here to tell you, that no matter what type of lighting you use, you are always going to have insect visitors.
Years back, I remember going to festivals that had yellow light bulbs everywhere. Their purpose was to cut down on the number of insects in the area. However, as I recall, the insects were flying all over the place.
About 20 years ago, the big thing was to use Electric Zappers. Every once in awhile, a large would land on it and fry. People would make remarks about them meeting their untimely deaths. The problem was that the zappers had to be away from your area and put off very little light.
Citronella candle lights and lamps can be strategically placed to get rid of insects. Many individuals aren’t too wild about their burning smoke. The problem is that they still attract insects through their lights.
Tinted lights, that are used in Japanese Lanterns, provided light, but not enough. They also attracted bugs.
So the question is how do you prevent insects from invading your nocturnal area? You don’t. What you do is control them. You control the number that arrive.
Since you know that lights attract insects, use that to your advantage. Whatever type of lighting that you decide to go with, place it far enough away from your deck or patio to cut down on their numbers.
I am sure that you have noticed lights at the ball park or up high on a light post. Yes they light up more area, but they also attract insects and keep them at bay. You need to do the same with your deck or patio area.
Another idea is to lower your lights closer to the ground. Solar lighting will save you money and still provide enough light for your purposes.
Another way to control insects is to screen in your deck or patio area. This can be rather expensive to do.
All that being said, let’s take a look at lights that you can use for your deck or patio area. One of the best places that I have found for lighting information is www.deckdepot.com. Two other good web sites are www.maximlight.com and www.outdoorlightingpros.com.
Solar deck lighting can give you lights up to 14 hours with no wiring involved. LED lights are small enough to place on handrails, steps (so you don’t trip) and even around furniture. Recessed lights take some carpenter work. This can also be somewhat costly unless you do it yourself. 110 volt lighting is a brighter light. It can be placed in upright posts. They can also be mounted on deck rails. You can also buy kits for your deck,patio, or landscape.
Finally, if anyone has any successful suggestions, please add it in your comments on this article. Goo luck with your lighting.
