Mosquitoes and LED Light Colors

bajturner

Well-Known Member
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Aug 17, 2010
1,589
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Boat Info
2008 44 Sedan Bridge
2017 Avon 380DL RIB w/ Yamaha 40
2022 Sea-Doo GTX LTD
2020 Sea-Doo RXT-X
Engines
Twin QSC-500 HO
I am trying to figure out what colour of LEDs I should put in the cockpit to attract the least number of bugs, mosquitoes in particular. I found this on the web, may be useful:

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Response of adult mosquitoes to light-emitting diodes placed in resting boxes and in the field.

Bentley MT, Kaufman PE, Kline DL, Hogsette JA.

Source: Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620, USA.

Abstract
The response of adult mosquitoes to 4 light-emitting diode (LED) wavelengths was evaluated using diode-equipped sticky cards (DESCs) and diode-equipped resting boxes at 2 sites in north central Florida. Wavelengths evaluated were blue (470 nm), green (502 nm), red (660 nm), and infrared (IR) (860 nm). When trapping with DESCs, 15 mosquito species from 7 genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, Psorophora, and Uranotaenia) were captured. Overall, approximately 43.8% of all mosquitoes were trapped on DESCs fitted with green LEDs. Significantly more females of Aedes infirmatus, Aedes vexans, and Culex nigripalpus were captured on DESCs fitted with blue LEDs compared with red or IR LEDs. DESCs with blue LEDs captured significantly more Culex erraticus females than those with IR LEDs. Using resting boxes, 12 species from 5 genera (Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex, Mansonia, and Uranotaenia) were collected. Resting boxes without LEDs captured 1,585 mosquitoes (22.2% of total). The fewest number of mosquitoes (16.7%) were collected from boxes affixed with the blue LEDs. Significantly more Anopheles quadrimaculatus females were aspirated from resting boxes fitted with red and IR LEDs than from those with blue or green LEDs, or from the unlit control. Blood-fed mosquitoes were recovered in highest numbers from unlit resting boxes, followed by resting boxes fitted with green, IR, and blue LEDs. Culex erraticus accounted for the majority of blood-fed mosquitoes followed by Coquillettidia perturbans. No blood-fed mosquitoes were recovered from resting boxes fitted with red LEDs.
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According to this, blue LEDs should attact them the least, which is the oppostite of what I would have guessed (based on the UV/blue light bug zappers). Who knows...anyone with real-world experience?
 
They should now do a test with regular colored lights against the Led's and see which attracts the most!
 
I had heard that red is a good color. I put red LED's in my cockpit and, while I haven't done any scientific tests, it certainly doesn't seem to attract them... I've been happy with the reds - it seems that that study backs it up.
 
You need better data. Mosquitos are attracted to heat and movement. Heat and movement typically mean something is alive and has blood, which is what mosquitos want. If you really want to get rid of mosquitos on the hook, then use citronella candles and most importantly use the ThermCell units. We have several of them and they work, they really work. We can stay out on the hook in the cockpit with very few bites in a very mosquito prone area.
 
You need better data.

Yes, I know...that's the reason for the post!


...use citronella candles and most importantly use the ThermCell units. We have several of them and they work, they really work. We can stay out on the hook in the cockpit with very few bites in a very mosquito prone area.

Do you use them both at the same time? Have you used the ThermaCell units in an enclosed cockpit (i.e. with all the canvas up), and if so, do they give off much of an odour?
 
Blue LEDs will most certainly attract mosquitoes.

Last summer I installed Blue LEDs in the arch and turned them on while we wondered off to a dock party. About four hours later we returned to a cockpit infested with mosquitoes.

The previous weekend I had Red LEDs installed, and it only drew a few mosquitoes in. The Red LEDs are not near as bright as the Blue but are very functional.
 
I always assumed since 'bug zappers' were blue they attracted more.. that's how scientific I got with it... ( altho I have installed the Apeiron tricolor lights so I have options) :)
 
Wow, good takes.
Glad we don't have a Mosquito problem here.
 
I have installed the Apeiron tricolor lights so I have options) :)

How do you like them? At $100 ea, I hope the answer is "VERY MUCH"!

I have some blue LED's on the arch. We don't have much of a mosquito problem, but instead "midges / muffleheads" which seem to love blue. The tri-color idea sounds like it would be the perfect solution.
 
I do love them and have had lots of favorable comments. I also ran some blue and red rope lighting (setup on individual separate switches) , hidden underneath the side padding/ storage around the helm to coordinate with the arch lights. Gives a nice soft glow on party nights.
 

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