I'm really frustrated with the porch light being installed right in front of my back door. Every time I open it to let my dogs outside, I'm met with a cloud of bugs. I'm looking for a simple solution that doesn't involve hiring an electrician to move the light or doing it myself since it's a rental. The light is a bright, uncovered fluorescent bulb. I've considered not using it and getting a portable work flood light to place away from the door, but I'm worried that won't work well since I still need adequate lighting for my dogs (who, by the way, tend to munch on random things!). Any help would be appreciated!
4 Answers
Since it’s a rental, consider getting a battery-powered light with a remote. You can place it anywhere you want, and it’s easy to take with you when you move. Just remember, modifying a rental might cause issues, so this is a safe, temporary fix!
One option is to swap out the fluorescent bulb for a yellow bug light. It won't fully eliminate the bugs, but it should significantly reduce the number that are attracted to the light. I've done this with my outdoor lights, and it really helps.
If you must keep that light on, definitely switch to a yellow bulb. Bugs aren't drawn to yellow light, so it could save you from the bug Armageddon when you let your dogs out. I've done the same and noticed way fewer bugs around my outdoor lights at night.
You might also want to look at getting a magnetic screen door. They attach to your door frame and allow your dogs to enter and exit while keeping bugs at bay. It's an easy way to avoid swatting at bugs every time you let them out.