Do you know if it is possible to obtain a formal declaration from lamp manufacturers stating the suitability of certain HID lamps to avoid or keep bugs and insects away? Apparently some sodium lamps are specifically designed for insect detraction, is that true?
Answer provided by Alfonso, Technical Engineering Manager for EYE Lighting with experience in Europe and Australasia in lighting, electrical systems, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
As you mention, high pressure sodium lamps (HPS) are one the best solutions if it is required an environment free of insects, e.g. food processing or harbours/ports where goods are generally organic and animals. Insects are attracted at night time by ultraviolet light, the radiation of the spectrum with lower wavelength than the visible: less than 400 nm.
As far as I know there is no specific statement from lamp manufacturers specifying suitability of HPS lamps to avoid insects. The evidence is demonstrated on the Spectral Distribution graphs of the lamps (see figure below as example) in which the Ultraviolet energy radiated from a HPS lamp is extremely low:
Figure 1 Spectral Distribution graph of the visible light in a HPS lamp from IWASAKI. Very low UV radiation around the 400 nm wavelength
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