Front-Door Light Location
Place outdoor lights 6 ft. to 10 ft. away from the door, far enough away that swarming bugs don’t sneak inside.
The customary location for exterior entry lights is next to the door. But electricians and builders rarely think about the ramifications of this light location and what happens in summertime when nighttime insects swarm to bright beacons. Every time the door is opened, bugs attracted to the light rush into the house. My old-time electrician friend suggests positioning lights further from the door, at 6 ft. to 10 ft. away. The illumination still brightens up the entry area, but the light is far enough away that swarming bugs don’t sneak inside.
— Mike Guertin, East Greenwich, R.I.
Edited by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #268
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View Comments
That's a Great Idea. Maybe using 2 Lights, one on Each Side of the Door might Look best and a Little Extra Light might Also be a Bonus?
Not to mention that the light is usually positioned on the jamb side of the door. Which usually puts the keyhole in the shadow of the doorjamb.
Don't forget to place the house numbers where they are lit too. Make the house findable at night, particularly for emergency services.
good tip and great comments
If possible, above the door is good.
You can also get YELLOW light bulbs that do not attract insects.