Bugs are a nuisance for anyone trying to have an enjoyable outdoor experience. They can ruin picnics, camping trips, and backyard barbecues with their incessant buzzing above our heads.
This is why it’s so important to know the facts about what attracts bugs so that we can be prepared when they come around.
So in today’s topic, we will be answering the question does the adhesive on led lights attract bugs?
The adhesive on the led strip lights itself does not attract bugs like spiders, however, it traps bugs that are attracted by the led strip lights.
Bugs are attracted to the led strip light because some emit ultraviolet rays that they can see, but humans cannot. Once bugs are stuck in the adhesive, they cannot escape and eventually die.
In the remaining parts of this article, I will share with you tips on how to avoid getting bugs stuck in your adhesive. I will also share the best ways that you can clean it out when they do happen to get stuck.
How To Remove Bugs From Led Strip Light Adhesive
There are several different ways to remove bugs from the led strip light adhesive.
1. Vacuum
The first way to remove bugs from led strip light adhesive is by using a handheld vacuum that can be found at Amazon.
Make sure the nozzle on your vacuum is not too large so that you do not damage the led strip lights.
Gently suck up any bugs and their carcasses from the adhesive and dispose of them properly.
While this method is effective, it can be time-consuming and difficult to do on larger surfaces.
2. Use WD-40 Or Rubbing Alcohol To Dissolve The Bugs
You can use WD-40 or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the bugs stuck in your adhesive.
These chemicals break down oil and grease, which make them the perfect solution for any adhesive that has been covered with bug guts.
Take a microfiber cloth and soak it in either WD-40 or rubbing alcohol.
Rub the adhesive with the damp cloth to remove any bugs stuck inside of it. You can use a toothbrush or cotton swab to get in-between the nooks and crannies of your led strip lights.
How To Avoid Bugs From Getting Stuck Around Your Led Strip Light Adhesive
1. Use Led Strip Lights With Channels And Diffuser Caps
The best way to avoid bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive is by using a type of LED lighting that has channels and diffuser caps.
Diffuser caps and channels help to conceal the led strip light and the adhesive that has been used to mount it. Bugs like spiders will not be able to get to the light strip and the adhesive.
Although going for a channel and a diffuser will mean an additional cost, it is still worth it to avoid the hassle of having dead bugs stuck around your adhesive.
2. Use A Protective Coating To Keep Bugs Away
Another way to avoid bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive is by using a protective coating.
A protective coating can be used in conjunction with led strip lights that have channels and diffuser caps to keep bugs away while still making your lighting look great.
The protective coating will be applied right over the adhesive. It can be an oil-based, water-based, or alcohol-based coating that keeps bugs away by either suffocating them or repelling them.
If you are looking for a protective coating, make sure to check if it comes with an ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor to keep the led strip light-emitting its maximum ultraviolet rays.
3. Keep The Lights Turned Off When You’re Not Using Them
Another way cost-effective way to avoid bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive is by turning off the lights when you are not using them.
Spiders and other bugs that may be attracted to the adhesive will likely not go near it if there is no light emitting from it.
Keeping the lights turned off when you are not using them will also help to conserve energy. You can turn your led strip light on or off by just pressing a button.
4. Limit Your Led Light Spectrum
The second best way to prevent getting bugs stuck in your adhesive is to use LED lighting that emits light in the red spectrum.
Bugs are less attracted to lights that emit red rays, so using led strip lights that emit red light will mean fewer bugs around your adhesive.
However, this won’t be the best solution if you are lighting an area outside with led strip lights.
Red light is hard to see in bright daylight, so it won’t be able to provide enough illumination for your outdoor space.
5. Avoid Ultraviolet Emitting Led Strip Lights
Another way of preventing bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive is by avoiding the type that emits ultraviolet rays.
Bugs are not only attracted to ultraviolet rays, but they are also able to see them. This makes it so that ultraviolet-emitting led strip lights will attract more bugs than led strip lights that emit red, yellow, and green light.
But even though ultraviolet emitting LED lighting is one of the most effective ways to get bugs around your led strip light adhesive, it still isn’t the best option for outdoor lighting.
6. Use A Bug Repellant
The final tip to avoid bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive is by using a bug repellant.
This can be anything that emits a strong smell of citronella, peppermint oil, or eucalyptus. Bugs are very sensitive to smells and they don’t like them at all, so using a bug repellant will be very effective in preventing bugs from getting stuck.
But just as with ultraviolet emitting led strip lights, using a bug repellant will not be the best for outdoor lighting.
For your outside space or any other place that you are using led strip lighting, stick with the first three tips that I have mentioned.
Final Thoughts
This blog post goes into detail about does the adhesive on led lights attracts bugs? and how to keep them from getting stuck around your lighting.
There are a few different ways to avoid bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive, such as using protective coating, keeping the lights off when you are not using them, limiting the light spectrum, avoiding ultraviolet emitting led strip lights, and using a bug repellant.
I hope this article has been useful and that you know now how to keep bugs from getting stuck around your led strip light adhesive.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best LED strip light?
A: The best-led strip lights for your needs will depend on what you are using it for. There are different types of LED strips for both indoor and outdoor use.
Q: What is the best-led strip color?
A: There are many different colors of LED strips that you can choose from. The one that is best for you will depend on where you are using it and what color light spectrum that your plants need.
Q: What kind of led strip lights are waterproof?
A: There are waterproof led strip lights that have a protective coating on the outside. You can also find led strip lighting that is designed to be waterproof.
Q: What kind of adhesive should I use on my led strip lights?
A: When you are looking for an adhesive, make sure to check if it comes with a UV inhibitor. If you are looking for something that will stick well in high-temperature conditions, make sure to get an adhesive that is made for hot or cold weather.
Q: Is it important to buy a waterproof led strip light?
A: It is important to buy a waterproof led strip light if you are using it for outdoor use or any other place that may get wet.
