Want To Enjoy A Nighttime Backyard Adventure?

In the dark of the night when we’re safely inside our homes, there is a world of adventure going on outside that is seldom seen or experienced. Wherever we live, raccoons, skunks, and other creatures roam our neighborhoods. While bats emerge from their daytime hiding spots, they can be seen illuminated in streetlights, feasting on the insects attracted to the light.

Anyone who’s been close to a summer porch light at night will testify to the many insects attracted by the glow. Scientists speculate that since time began, insects used the light of the moon as a navigational aid. With the introduction of artificial lighting came mass confusion for night flying insects.

Studies have shown that this attraction to artificial light is having long-term negative effects on insect populations. But done in moderation, using bright lights to attract them closer to view is a great way for us to study and learn more about them. While turning on our porch lights and standing outside is one way of viewing the countless insects attracted to the light, there’s a better way.

Locate a piece of old white linen or white poster paper. If you use linen, there’s sufficient grip for the insects that it can be suspended vertically from something like a clothesline. If you use a piece of poster paper, you’ll want to incline it a bit to make it easier for the insect to grip. Place it where it’s easy to watch without crouching or standing on your tiptoes, especially if you’re doing this with children.

Now all you need to do is shine a bright light directly on to the linen or cardboard from a few feet away. Something like a halogen work light or some other type of shop light works great for this. Then just sit back and enjoy!

Windless nights work best, but habitat, location, time and weather all play a factor in what you’ll see. So you’ll want to experiment with different locations in the yard and at different times of night. Don’t be surprised when dozens and even hundreds of insects in every color, shape and size imaginable are attracted to the light and land on the white viewing “platform.” Have a magnifying glass available for close viewing, and you might even try taking some photos with your digital camera! Two cautions – first, the light is hot! Second, keep your mouth closed and breathe slowly through your nose when you get near the light. I’ve inhaled some foul tasting bugs!

If you’re willing to take it further, I challenge you to try and identify the insects you attract. I use a combination of field guides and various Internet resources like www.bugguide.net. Don’t get too hung up on the identification though. Minute visual differences and the fact that so little is known about many species often make identification difficult if not impossible. For those insects you do identify, I encourage you to keep a list or journal of your sightings! I’d love to hear what you’re seeing!