Adjusted street lamps featuring shutters draw fewer insects towards them - Streetlights with openings draw significantly fewer insects compared to their solid counterparts
In various regions across the globe, there is a growing movement towards adopting insect-friendly street lighting as a means to conserve insects and reduce light pollution. This shift in approach is particularly evident in Germany, where the state of Baden-Württemberg has seen significant success in reducing the death of insects along roads through the implementation of insect-friendly lighting.
Annett Storm, project leader in Ahrenshoop, recently stated that insects generally cannot see red light, which has been instrumental in their efforts to minimize attraction to insects. Last year, 15 side-shielded red light lanterns were put into operation on a street in Ahrenshoop, emitting yellow-orange light during twilight hours and red during nighttime hours.
The decisive factor in the trials was the use of shielded LED lighting, which only shone where it was actually needed, such as on a footpath. This approach has been found to significantly reduce the death of insects in Baden-Württemberg. In fact, on a larger scale, this new lighting could contribute to a reduction in artificial sky brightness.
The Cologne Cathedral has also joined the initiative, illuminating the landmark with more than 700 LED lamps since April, aiming to reduce light pollution and protect insects and other animals.
Meanwhile, the town of Heiningen has launched a pilot project that dims lights on the main road based on traffic volume, using cameras, real-time traffic data, high-resolution microphones, and Bluetooth trackers.
The project in Baden-Württemberg addresses a fundamental conflict: ensuring citizen safety at night while minimizing negative consequences for animals. The study involved hanging traps in three nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg to collect data on the type and number of insects flying in. The results showed that the number of insects attracted by light was approximately halved after the test sections were equipped with specially aligned lights.
Other municipalities, such as Pittsburgh in the USA and Banff in Canada, have also taken steps to reduce light pollution and protect nocturnal pollinators like moths. Pittsburgh has implemented ordinances for more efficient lighting in city parks and facilities, while Banff emphasizes the use of warm-colored LED lightbulbs for outdoor lighting.
In Forest Acres, South Carolina, the city focuses on using shielded luminaires to prevent light pollution and reduce backlighting, uplighting, and glare, which can be beneficial for insect conservation.
General principles for insect-friendly lighting include using warmer light colors instead of blue-rich white lights, implementing shielded luminaires to direct light downwards, and opting for energy-efficient lighting solutions. Dominique Erb, who manages the "NaturLicht" project at the Karlsruhe authority, recommends that municipalities choose a shielded LED variant with a low color temperature - warm white or amber - when converting street lights, particularly in close proximity to valuable habitats such as nature reserves.
While specific examples from Baden-Württemberg are not detailed, these general principles and examples from other regions demonstrate how municipalities can adopt insect-friendly lighting practices to reduce light pollution and support insect conservation. The future of insect-friendly street lighting looks promising, with more and more communities recognizing the importance of this initiative for both the environment and animal welfare.
- The scientific community has suggested the use of warmer light colors, such as red, for street lighting as insects generally cannot see red light, thus reducing their attraction to it.
- Adopting environmental science principles, like sustainable living and reducing light pollution, can contribute to the protection of the environment and the conservation of wildlife, such as insects.
- Lifestyle choices at home and in the garden, such as switching to insect-friendly lighting, can play a significant role in promoting sustainable living and supporting the wellbeing of nocturnal pollinators like moths.
