Lamps are often associated with attracting bugs.
However, does the same apply to a traditional salt lamp? Do salt lamps attract bugs?
Salt lamps do not attract bugs. The reason has to do with the bug’s response to sodium chloride (salt). They don’t like the taste of salt and will steer clear of it. This is why bugs that are attracted to light sources still avoid salt lamps.
This type of behavior does not change and most bugs will simply head in the opposite direction.
In some cases, property owners even set up salt lamps as a way to repel bugs. By having a light source that’s high in sodium chloride, it’s possible for the bugs to not want to be in the same room as the lamp.
This article will assess the reasons bugs do not like salt lamps.
Table of Contents
Best Globe Lava Lamp (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
No products found.
Reasons Bugs Are Not Attracted To Salt Lamps
1. Don’t Like Salt
The most common reason mosquitoes don’t like salt lamps has to do with the extreme levels of salt.
Mosquitoes, flies, and other similar bugs do not respond well to salt. They do not enjoy the scent or sight of a salt lamp, which is why they prefer to steer clear of it.
Most people assume any light source is going to welcome a horde of bugs. However, this is not always the case as is often seen with the average salt lamp.
Most bugs will notice the salt lamp and maintain a distance of a few feet.
If the salt lamp has a greater projection and/or is larger than the average fixture, it is common for the room to be clear of bugs.
It ends up acting as a natural repellent, which is never a bad thing for homeowners. You will not mind setting up a small salt lamp that will project and keep the bugs away.

2. Prefer Traditional Light Sources
While flies don’t like salt lamps, this doesn’t mean they avoid other light sources.
This includes traditional lamps with light bulbs.
Keeping this in mind, you are going to wonder why the light coming from a salt lamp doesn’t attract the bug. In most cases, bugs don’t enjoy the scent and will always make that a priority even if there is light coming from the same direction.
Most bugs are not as clever to determine why the smell is coming or even what it’s coming from. After all, they can’t smell anything. This means they will only get a general idea of the salt and assume it is unsafe to go in that direction.
This does not apply to traditional light sources including the lighting on your ceiling. Due to this, it is normal for a bug to want to head towards those light sources in the property.
3. Salt Lamps Have Reduced Projection
Bugs do not like salt lamps because of the reduced projection.
The main reason is going to be the salty taste of a salt lamp but also the projection. Since insects have a unique perception of what’s happening around them, they will often zone in on the light that’s coming.
This is normal for them to want to head towards the light source whether it’s a lamp or a ceiling fixture.
Keeping this in mind, you are going to want to observe why the light of a salt lamp does not attract insects even when they don’t notice the sale.
The issue has to do with the reduced projection.
The salt lamp cannot project enough light to attract bugs from far away. This leads to a situation where only a few bugs will notice the salt lamp and acknowledge its presence by avoiding it.

4. Self-Preservation
Studies show insects only respond well to sweet tastes.
This is why they don’t prefer bitter foods or even salty foods.
As a result, the salt lamp is not going to attract the average bug. They do not want to have to deal with a sudden burst of salt that is commonly found in salt lamps.
This often comes down to self-preservation and that will remain a priority for the insect. It will not go in a potentially dangerous direction.
Final Thoughts
Do salt lamps attract bugs?
Salt lamps do not attract bugs. The reason has to do with bugs not liking the taste of salt and deciding to keep away from a salt lamp.
It is always best to set up the salt lamp in a room where bugs trouble you. This can act as a safe and natural repellent to keep bugs away at home.
Anyone that is thinking about a salt lamp doesn’t need to worry. The bugs are not going to start swarming your salt lamp.
Read More About Lamps: