12 replies to this topic

[Saltynuts]

I would like to set up a black light in my back yard to try and attract mated queens.  Anyone have any suggestions?  I was thinking maybe one of these two:

 

https://www.amazon.c...wer black light

 

https://www.amazon.c...STR75C5BZJD1P8M

 

 

 

The first one apparently comes with alternative different watt settings, with the more powerful ones costing more money.  Is it worth the extra money?

 

Thanks for any help!

[123LordOfAnts123]

I have more than enough luck with these bulbs, which I keep on most of the time on my driveway.

https://www.1000bulb...2/FC65-S65.html

[Saltynuts]

Thanks Lord of Ants!  That's no a black light it looks like.  From reading around, it looks like black lights/UV is what primarily attracts them?  I have a strong regular light bulb on my back porch which I keep on all the time, and while it attracts bugs like crazy, never seen any queens walking around on the ground.  

[123LordOfAnts123]

Insects are both highly attracted to UVA and UVB. Different insect orders may have a preference for one or the other, likely both in the case of Hymenoptera. (which includes ants) LED black lights rarely emit UV below 380 nanometers which excludes the UVB spectrum, making them less than ideal choices for insect lures.

Your average black light is simply a low wattage fluorescent bulb tailored for mostly UVA and some UVB production with a coating to block out most visible light. The black lights used for insect attractants are essentially the same save for the fact that the coating is omitted to allow for some visible light, which in itself also acts as a lure. Many lights emit UV radiation, not just black lights. The most common lights that do includes - from least to most powerful - fluorescents, CFLs, and mecury vapor/metal halides. Higher wattage CFLs (the bulb I linked to) will emit high amounts of both UVA and UVB, and within the correct color spectrum 6500k-7500k they may be more effective due to the increased amount of light, which acts to call in insects from a distance. MV/MH bulbs are similiar, but overall much more powerful and hotter.

Edited by 123LordOfAnts123, June 13 2017 - 11:10 AM.

[Saltynuts]

Wow, thanks Lord of Ants!  I'll order that bulb then.  Do I need to put a sheet in front of it or anything to prevent them from hitting it and potentially burning themselves?  Or just put it in the socket, and come outside from time to time and see if I see any queen ants without wings crawling around on the drive way?  Thanks!

[123LordOfAnts123]

Wow, thanks Lord of Ants! I'll order that bulb then. Do I need to put a sheet in front of it or anything to prevent them from hitting it and potentially burning themselves? Or just put it in the socket, and come outside from time to time and see if I see any queen ants without wings crawling around on the drive way? Thanks!

The sheet would be preferred if the light is not above ground where queens are easy to spot, and it would certainly reduce the occurrence of cooked ants.

It might also be worth it to note that many winged queens that appear near a light are not necessarily infertile.

Edited by 123LordOfAnts123, June 13 2017 - 12:09 PM.

[Saltynuts]

Got it.  Thanks Lord of Ants!

[VoidElecent]

I have more than enough luck with these bulbs, which I keep on most of the time on my driveway.

https://www.1000bulb...2/FC65-S65.html

 

Sorry, stupid question. What kind of stand are you using to hold the bulb?

[Saltynuts]

Actually, good question Void!  I was simply going to replace the existing bulb in my porch light socket (and hang a very thin sheet in front of it).  Sound good Lord?

 

Thanks!

[123LordOfAnts123]

I have more than enough luck with these bulbs, which I keep on most of the time on my driveway.https://www.1000bulb...2/FC65-S65.html

 
Sorry, stupid question. What kind of stand are you using to hold the bulb?

It's an old camera tripod.

[VoidElecent]

 

 

I have more than enough luck with these bulbs, which I keep on most of the time on my driveway.https://www.1000bulb...2/FC65-S65.html

 
Sorry, stupid question. What kind of stand are you using to hold the bulb?

It's an old camera tripod.

 

 

So for the socket where you'd put the bulb, is it just an old light fixture?

[123LordOfAnts123]

This particular CFL takes a standard E26 medium socket. A porcelain socket will be needed for any higher wattage bulbs that may get real high temperatures.

[VoidElecent]

This particular CFL takes a standard E26 medium socket. A porcelain socket will be needed for any higher wattage bulbs that may get real high temperatures.

 

Awesome, thanks Lord. It doesn't seem to expensive, which I like!