Spiders can be creepy, crawly nuisances in homes. While most household spiders are harmless, no one wants cobwebs full of spiders taking over their space. Luckily, there are some easy ways to deter spiders without using harsh chemicals – one option is using LED lights!
Do LED lights repel spiders?
The short answer is yes, certain colors of LED lights can help repel spiders. Spiders have many eyes to see well in low-light conditions. Their eyes are specialized to detect UV light and most see best at blue/green wavelengths. Yellow, orange, and red wavelengths don’t register as well. This means spiders may avoid areas lit with yellow/orange/red lights.
How do LED lights keep spiders away?
Here’s how LEDs may disrupt spiders:
- The light interferes with their ability to build webs and see prey.
- Certain wavelengths are unappealing or make it hard for them to navigate.
- The light may make them more visible to predators.
LEDs provide bright illumination spiders don’t like. The colors spiders see best also allow them to see their prey clearly. Yellow, orange, and red LEDs emit wavelengths outside their optimal visual range – making it harder for them to see and want to inhabit an area.
What color LED light is best for deterring spiders?
Research shows yellow, orange, and red lights are your best options for repelling spiders. Here’s an overview of how effective each color LED is:
Yellow LED Lights
Yellow LED lights with wavelengths of 560-590 nanometers are excellent for deterring spiders. Yellow emits wavelengths outside their peak sensitivity range. Spiders have trouble seeing yellow clearly, so these lights make them avoid an area.
Orange LED Lights
Orange lights with wavelengths of 590-620nm also work well. The orange hue is less visible and appealing to spiders. Orange LEDs can effectively repel spiders without being too harsh-looking for humans.
Red LED Lights
Red LEDs with 620-750nm wavelengths can also deter spiders. Red light doesn’t allow spiders to see as well. However, red lights may be more intrusive in a living space than yellow or orange.
Are yellow, orange, and red LEDs safe for humans?
Yes, these LED light colors are totally safe for humans! Here’s why they make good spider repellents:
- LEDs produce virtually no UV/infrared radiation like fluorescent or incandescent bulbs.
- LEDs don’t give off heat, so these lights won’t be hot to the touch.
- LED bulbs are energy efficient and long lasting.
- Yellow/orange/red wavelengths are visible and appealing colors for humans.
Yellow, orange, and red LED lights check all the boxes for being eco-friendly and people-friendly while deterring spiders!
Where are LED spider lights useful?
Here are some prime spots to use yellow, orange, or red LED lights:
- Along the perimeter of a room
- In basements and garages
- On porches and patios
- In storage areas
- Behind furniture
- Along pathways and walkways
LED strip lights are very versatile. They can be installed virtually anywhere. Bathrooms, closets, cabinets, and staircases are other options.
LED strip lights vs. bulbs – which is better?
Both LED strip lights and LED bulbs can work for spider deterrence. Here’s how they compare:
| LED Strip Lights | LED Bulbs |
|---|---|
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In most cases, LED strip lights are the better choice for deterring spiders. They provide uniform lighting across large areas. The flexible strip design can also reach corners, cracks, and crevices where spiders lurk.
Should LED spider lights be left on continuously?
For maximum effectiveness, the LED lights should be left on all night. Darkness allows spiders to move around and build webs more freely. Leaving the lights on 24/7 provides constant exposure to disrupt their activities.
However, the lights don’t necessarily need to be on during daylight hours when rooms are already well-lit. You can conserve energy by setting spider-repelling LEDs on timers or smart controls to turn off during daylight hours.
Do LED spider lights work for other insects too?
Yes, LED lights can help reduce other unwanted insects like:
- Cockroaches
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Moths
- Bed bugs
The same yellow, orange, and red wavelengths that deter spiders will make a space less welcoming to a variety of insect pests. The LEDs disrupt their ability to thrive and prompt them to find other areas to inhabit.
Should natural repellents also be used?
LED spider lights work even better paired with natural repellents. Things like essential oils, herbs, and defensive plants help reinforce the unwelcoming environment.
Some options to use with LED lighting are:
- Citronella or eucalyptus oils
- Dried peppermint or lavender
- Chrysanthemums
- Carnivorous plants like sundews
- Sticky traps
Using LEDs along with plants, oils, and traps that deter spiders can really make an area inhospitable for them!
Are there any downsides to LED spider lights?
LED lights have lots of advantages, but a few things to keep in mind:
- May not eliminate infestations on their own
- Not a foolproof solution for all spider species
- Requires initial installation effort
- Ongoing energy costs, though minimal
While very effective, LED spider lights likely won’t completely rid an area of arachnids on their own. Ongoing web removal and cleaning is still important. And certain hardy species may not be completely deterred.
Conclusion
Installing yellow, orange, or red LED lights is an easy, safe way to discourage spiders from taking up residence in a home or workspace. The lights make environments less hospitable without harmful chemicals or excessive costs. Pairing LEDs with other natural deterrents can reinforce the unwelcoming effects.
Strategically placing LED strip lights or bulbs in prime spider-prone areas creates 24/7 illumination on wavelengths that make it hard for the creepy crawlies to thrive. While not a standalone solution, LEDs are a simple and eco-friendly spider deterrent.