One of the most colorful festivals in India is Dussehra, which is celebrated with late-night gatherings, family parties, and brightly illuminated houses. Although lamps, bulbs, and decorative lights add festivity and joy, they also attract unwanted guests in the form of insects, which can be a mood spoiler as moths circle your balcony lamp or mosquitoes buzz around your living room. If you want to keep your home illuminated for Dussehra, here are 5 simple, effective, and safe methods to get rid of insects that are attracted to lights.
1.The easiest trick is to change the color of the lights:
Insects prefer blue and white light because their eyes are more sensitive to short wavelengths, while yellow or warm LED lights are less attractive to bugs, so if you are decorating your balcony or garden this Dussehra, you can get yellow-toned bulbs, fairy lights, or LED strips, which will look warm and festive while reducing insect invasion around the lights.
2. Natural Repellents:
Neem and Citronella Nature has provided some effective repellents; try neem oil, citronella candles and lemongrass oil. Place citronella candles or essential oil diffusers near windows, balconies, or outdoor spaces. Spray a diluted neem oil solution around entry points to deter mosquitoes and flies. Dilute eucalyptus oil in water and use as a room spray to keep insects away. They are an all-natural, chemical-free, and non-toxic solution that is ideal for festive gatherings and safe for kids and pets.
3. Install Fine Mesh Screens on Windows and Doors
Families open windows and doors for fresh air or to let in the sound of festivities during Dussehra, but that is an invitation for bugs. Installing fine mesh insect screens on doors and windows is a long-term investment to keep insects outside while you enjoy the fresh air indoors. It is a small step that can make a huge difference in controlling moths, flies, and mosquitoes that are attracted to lights.
4. Maintain Clean and Dry Outdoor Areas
Insects prefer moist, cluttered areas, so before you hang up your festive lights and decorations, do the following:
Empty out any standing water in flower pots, buckets, or trays that can breed mosquitoes.
Sweep leaves, cobwebs, and trash away from outdoor light fixtures;Make sure garbage bins are tightly covered and away from lit areas;
A clean environment decreases insect activity, and your outdoor Dussehra lights will shine without the bugs.
5.Use Bug Zappers or UV Traps
For large Dussehra parties or community celebrations, it may be worth it to purchase bug zappers or UV insect traps, which attract insects with light and trap or kill them safely; position them a short distance from where people congregate, such as the perimeter of your terrace or backyard, and opt for energy-efficient, low-noise models for optimal results.
✨ Bonus Tip:
Clever Light Positioning If you enjoy using string lights for décor, consider putting them a little bit away from areas where people sit. In this manner, insects won’t bother your family or visitors even if they do gather. Additionally, keeping bright outdoor lights away from entrances helps keep insects from flying inside.