Light pollution - the bright madness for nocturnal insects
Part of our lifestyle is to always be illuminated. Whether street, display or garden lighting - the main thing is not to be left in the dark.
But one man's joy is another man's sorrow... light pollution, as this phenomenon is called, not only has a negative effect on the day-night rhythm of humans, it also costs the lives of countless nocturnal insects.
Research has even shown that species diversity is 25 percent lower in illuminated locations.
The pollination performance is thus reduced by over 60 percent and the resulting reduction in fruit per year is around 13 percent.
These figures are alarming.
The moth, for example, is mainly active at dusk to collect food from plants such as evening primrose.
It therefore plays an important role as a pollinator for night-flowering plant species.
But not only that, it is also a source of food for other highly endangered species such as the bat. Together, they play an essential role in the local ecosystem.
What is deadly about light?
Light sources are particularly attractive to insects in the dark.
They are captivated by them, where they become easy prey or buzz around the lights all night until they are exhausted.
What to do?
- Avoid permanent lighting in the garden
- Even decorative solar lamps that we set up without any bad intentions cost insects their lives - please refrain from using them
- If so, we recommend motion detectors, timers or temporary use only (i.e. only at the time of the garden party)
- Install light sources for path lighting low to avoid large light beams
- Avoid wide-area façade lighting - reflection is added here!
- Use lamps with a closed housing so that insects are not trapped
- Do not illuminate ponds, trees or other natural areas - even though it would be so nice. They are home to many (diurnal and nocturnal) insects
- Especially avoid lamps with UV and high blue content
- Prefer warm white and yellow light (color temperature up to 3,000 Kelvin - ideally with blue filter)
pro.earth conclusion:
A moonlit garden including original small or even larger night music also has its charm - let's give it a chance. 💚
