Bugs and lights. Arrrrr
Submitted: Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 10:56
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Scoof
We camped at Canarvon
Gorge (Takarakka) a month or so back, we were amazed at the
camp kitchen there were 4 fluro lights 2 white and 2 yellow.
The yellow lights had no bugs around them.The white fluro's were loaded with every bug known to man kind.(almost)
Also all the campers with gas lights had no bugs.(lucky Buggers)
We all had 12volt lights and were swamped with bugs.
Had to sit around in the dark.(probably a good thing after a couple)
Now can you buy a 12 volt yellow light because we reckon that would be the ant's pants.!!
Happy bug
free camping,
Scoof
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 20:43
Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 20:43
Yellow coloured lights to limit the attraction of insects is nothing new.
I'm surprised you are so amazed.
Bear in mind though that the application of a yellow filter, whether it be by paint, cellophane, or any other method, will also reduce the light output.
I discovered by accident that LED lights, even though they are a white colour, do not attract insects to anywhere near the same level.
My 12 volt 60 LED "magic wand" is used near the cooking area of my camper and I have experienced very little problem from insects.
The versalite generally is at the other end of the annex and attracts its fair share of insects, depending on location, conditions, etc.
Oh, and by the way, when I used to use a gas powered lantern, it attracted the same quantity of insects as the vesalite. In the morning it was unbelievable to see the amount of dead carcasses around and on the lantern. So the gas lantern is not the answer.
Yellow filters is one solution.
In my own experience, LED lighting is another very good solution.
I also have a head mounted lamp which I use on occasions. This contains LED's and again I have not experienced a problem with insects being attracted by the light.
Therefore, I have found no need to "disguise" the light output of the versalite fluro.
AnswerID:
269766
Follow Up By: Member - Nutter (QLD) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 20:59
Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 20:59
Totally agree Sand Man, the LEDs do not seem to attract bugs
Nutter
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Scoof (SA) - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 23:24
Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 23:24
I know it's not something new but when the same shed had 2 of each type in it to see the difference so close together was good .
Also we stopped taking gas lanterns years ago because the mantels break and they seam to attracked the bugs just as much, but at Takarakka the gas lanterns were as good as the yellow fluro's.
Might try the LEDs.
Scoof
FollowupID:
532702
Reply By: Member - Duncs - Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:43
Friday, Nov 02, 2007 at 21:43
Thanks for that Sand Man,
Another reason to go chasing some LED's.
We were camped years ago near the Palmer River in FNQ. As it started to get dark we lit a citronella candle to help keep the bugs away.
Talk about bees to a honey pot. The bugs were so thick on the candle that they nearly smothered it.
Thankfully we managed to keep them out of the Trak Shak. An early night was the only solution.
Duncs
AnswerID:
269795
Reply By: Member - Mainey (wa) - Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:38
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 12:38
Scoof,
Have a good look at the "Energiser" Led light head light ( $39 ?? )
They give you the choice of either white or red coloured leds in the same lamp, the red led is fantastic for cooking because it won't attract the bugs, and then you can just switch to the white for reading etc.
They are small and compact lights and easy to wear, you are always looking where the light is shining, because it's worn on the head.
AnswerID:
271468
Follow Up By: Scoof - Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 16:44
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 16:44
Hi Mainy, Yeh I have the same light you are on about but the red light is not that good.
Everything looks under cooked with the red light , LOL.
Did you have a look at the web site some posted a link to, it has yellow filters for the lead lights , thats the way I'am going.
No more *%$#@ BUGS
Cheers Scoof.. :-)
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