What essential preventive measure involves managing outdoor lighting to deter phototactic *Paederus* beetles?

Using yellow or sodium vapor bulbs

*Paederus* beetles exhibit phototaxis, meaning they are naturally attracted to sources of artificial light, which increases the likelihood of accidental human contact, especially at night. Effective prevention therefore targets this attraction. Instead of simply turning lights off, which may not always be practical or safe, the recommended approach is to modify the light spectrum itself. Yellow or sodium vapor bulbs emit light frequencies that are significantly less attractive to these nocturnal insects compared to standard white or blue-spectrum lights. By switching exterior lighting to these less attractive sources during peak activity hours, the frequency of beetle congregation near human dwellings and subsequent skin exposure can be substantially lowered.