Why Flies Are Attracted to My Bedroom Lamp and How to Keep Them Away
Ever noticed an excess of flies hovering around your bedroom ceiling lamp, even in a newly built apartment equipped with screens? You're not alone. In this article, we explore reasons why flies are drawn to light and present effective solutions to keep them at bay.
Are Flies the Culprits?
Many people assume that the swarming bugs are flies, but sometimes termites could be mistaken for them. Both insects are attracted to light sources, which might explain the persistent presence of bugs in your newly built apartment.
Bugs and Light
It's a widely known fact that bugs are naturally drawn to light. Traditional incandescent light bulbs with their warm, yellowish glow were less appealing to insects compared to the bright white light of modern LED bulbs. The white light is more attractive, leading to more bugs being drawn to your bedroom ceiling lamp.
New Building Atrributes
Newly constructed buildings emit different odors due to off-gassing. This process involves the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, which can serve as a food source (phytocides) or attractants for pests and bugs. In a spacious and potentially more odorous new building, the scent of wet paint, glues, and other materials can lead to a higher concentration of insects and pests.
Screening Out Bugs
One effective way to reduce the number of bugs around your bedroom ceiling lamp is by ensuring that your balcony door is screened. If screens are not an option, try turning off the light after you've gone to bed. However, this might not be a practical solution.
For those who love their pets, but have a fly problem, finding alternatives can be challenging. Our cat, for instance, used to go through a window on our storm door that had a screen, damaging it multiple times. To solve this, we hung screening material like a curtain over the opening to minimize gaps. This method has proven to be effective in keeping bugs away, even if it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing.
Bug Zappers: Do They Work?
Bug zappers can seem like a straightforward solution, but not all zappers are created equal. Despite the claims, LED bug zappers do not work as effectively as fluorescent light bulb versions. The insects are attracted to the glow of fluorescent lights rather than the LED ones. Investing in a zapper with fluorescent lights might be a better option if you're serious about reducing the fly population.
Conclusion
To summarize, the attraction of flies to bedroom ceiling lamps is a result of both light and environmental factors. By improving your home’s screening, reducing the use of LED lights, and considering more effective bug zappers, you can significantly reduce the number of flies in your new apartment. Experiment with these methods and find what works best for you and your living space.