5 Best UV Flashlights For Bed Bugs

Are you deciding to buy a UV flashlight for bed bugs? Well, then this article is for you.

UV flashlight is an amazing tool to detect bed bugs. Choosing the right UV flashlight might seem a little daunting. But don’t you worry, we have included our top picks for the best UV flashlights. In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about. So, read it till the end!

Bed bugs are a never-ending problem. They seem to be with us by the side of our graves. No matter how many precautions we take, it shows up in one way or the other. The first step to get rid of bed bugs is to detect their presence. UV flashlights is an essential tools for finding hidden bed bugs.

Let’s compare the top UV flashlights for bed bugs available in the market against each other.

1. TEKOMI

Review

The TEKOMI UV flashlight is manufactured with a compact design. They have an anti-abrasive surface treatment and non-slip textured grip. This makes it convenient and easy to carry around.

The device is made up of a premium-quality aluminium surface. This makes it sturdy and durable. Powered by 3 × AA batteries, this ultraviolet blue light turns on immediately. The only problem is the battery pack fits too tight in the flashlight. You will have to force them in.

This UV flashlight comes with 51 high-efficient, ultra-bright-intensity LEDs. They provide a great output – and are 40 per cent brighter than other lights. This feature allows the device to cover a large area. You don’t even need to reduce the intensity of the light source. The LED lights are long-lasting. In fact, each LED lasts up to 12 years. What’s more, they have an IPX4 dustproof & waterproof protection glass.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: TEKOMI
• Part Number: TM002
• Item Weight: 7 ounces
• Package Dimensions (L×B×H): 6.18 x 3.23 x 2.6 inches
• Material: high-quality aluminium
• Wattage: 5 watts
• Runtime: 100000 hours (lifetime)

Get the TEKOMI on Amazon

2. Vansky

Review

The Vansky UV flashlight is composed of an ultra-compact design. It is pocket-sized and can be carried anywhere (car, garden, rooftop) to detect bed bug stains. Manufactured with a high wavelength LED light, it is 40 per cent brighter than the normal ones. The device comes with 51 high-illuminating LED lights. This enables you to find stains that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

The light is fantastic but shows EVERYTHING. For instance, it makes white colours appear whiter. And brights appear brighter. Thus, a tiny water droplet can be strongly highlighted with this device. It makes every single stain visible. Thus, making it difficult to discern bed bug stains only.

This UV flashlight is made up of a strong aluminium alloy body, which makes it all the more durable. However, the overall look of the device is somewhat cheap and flimsy. It comes with a 5-Watt power mark – and provides long -lasting performance.

Specifications

• Wattage: 5 watts
• Manufacturer: Vansky
• Item Dimensions (LxWxH): 2.2 x 1.37 x 5.7 inches
• Item part number: 51 LED Black Light
• Item Weight: 307 g
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Voltage: 4.5V
• Runtime: 4-6 Hours on Full Battery

Get the Vansky on Amazon or Walmart

3. Ganeen

Review

The Ganeen mini UV flashlight comes in a pack of 4. This way it is convenient for you to keep them in different places. The UV light is powered by 3 piece AAA batteries. Built with a high-quality aluminium alloy body, the device is unbreakable and scratch-resistant. It can sustain temporary immersion or accidental fall. What’s more, it is lined with a waterproof material. This enables the device to work well in rainy or snowy weather.

These are portable, mini-sized lights (approx. 9.8 cm). They are easy to use and carry. They come with a smart power switch that allows the device to be turned on and off instantly. Moreover, the surface has a non-slip texture, which enables effortless one-handed operation. Besides, the 395 nm UV wavelength makes it an ideal option to detect bed bugs. The compact size fits your palm perfectly. The only downfall of this device is that it’s power hungry. It consumes a lot of power.

Specifications

• Brand: Ganeen
• Manufacturer: Ganeen
• Part Number: Ganeen-Black Light-05
• Item Weight: 8.9 ounces
• Package Dimensions (L×B×H): 7.32 x 4.57 x 1.26 inches
• Wattage: 5 watts
• Material: aluminium alloy
• Runtime: 4-6 hours once charged fully.

Get the Ganeen on Amazon

4. Escolite

Review

Engineered with a well-made aluminium body, this UV light is strong & durable. However, the device is heavy. Therefore, take precautions when carrying it. The Escolite UV flashlight comes with enhanced HQ LED bulbs. These are 30 per cent brighter than the normal ones.

It emits 390 to 395 nm wavelengths. This will light up everything that ever was spilled in your place. Thus, it will be difficult to detect what you want to detect. It will illuminate all the stains – and you can’t detect bed bug stains exactly.

The device is manufactured with a lithium-ion battery. This helps provide a long-lasting battery backup and shelf-life. What’s more, it comprises waterproof, dustproof, and scratch-proof features as well.

Specifications

• Brand: Escolite
• Product Dimensions (L×B×H): 2.2 x 1.37 x 5.7 inches
• Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Manufacturer: ESCO LITE
• ASIN: B07LGT7H17
• Material: aluminium alloy
• Runtime: It can last even more than 6 hours once charged fully
• Wattage: 5 watts

Get the Escolite on Amazon or Walmart or gosupps.com or sears.com

5. LOFTEK

Review

The LOFTEK UV flashlight is a powerful and efficient tool. It is designed with 51 UV LEDs, which provides exceptional illuminating properties. It is 40 per cent brighter than the normal lights available in the market. Built from rugged, machined aluminium with knurled design, this device offers amazing performance.

Furthermore, it comes with an adjustable focus function. This enables the user to see things clearly. It has an 18W power mark and thus, delivers great power output. Besides, this ultraviolet light comes with a 6A battery power supply that lasts up to 24 hours long. It’s only downfall is – it doesn’t work on reflective or fluorescent surfaces.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions : 2.2 x 1.4 x 5.9 inches; 7.2 Ounces
• Item model number : 35-1314-051
• Department : 1
• Date First Available : April 9, 2012
• Manufacturer : LOFTEK

Get the LOFTEK on Amazon or kmart.com or sears.com or rankssecurity.com

Why should I buy a bed bug light?

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects. They hide in the tiny cracks, crevices, gaps etc in your house. This makes it difficult to find them. You can inspect a bed bug infestation with your eyes or use a flashlight. Yet there’s a good chance you might not find them. A bed bug light is basically a UV light (or black light). It is an instrument used to find and detect bed bugs.

Bed bugs contain ‘phosphors’ in their bodies. These are fluorescent substances. When you shine the light on bed bugs, it interacts with the phosphors present in them. These substances absorb UV light and radiate visible light. Thus, bed bugs begin to glow. This way you can detect their presence. Although the light won’t stop the bugs from coming out of their shelter, you sure can spot an infestation.

Besides, bed bug lights are also useful to detect bloodstains or bed bug droppings. They utilise a specific UV frequency, which causes the bugs and eggs to fluoresce. This makes it easier for you to detect an infestation.

How to use a UV flashlight to detect bed bugs?

Finding bed bugs in the dark is difficult – if you do not have a bed bug light. A UV flashlight helps detect bed bugs in the dark. When UV rays strike their bodies, bed bugs illuminate. This happens because the UV light reacts with the phosphorus present in them. Thus, they can be detected with ease. However, there are certain things that you need to take care of while detecting bed bugs.

The first and the foremost place you should check is your bedroom. Bed bugs live in places where they can reach out to their host – and feed on them – with ease. If seen this way, the bedroom is their favourite hiding spot. Thus, start your search with the bedroom itself. Also, don’t forget to turn off the lights. It is necessary to turn off the lights (while using a UV flashlight). This gives you better results.

Besides the bedroom, your topmost priority for inspection should be the living room. Look beneath the couches, rugs and carpets, luggage, books. Inspect the box springs, mattresses, wall decor, upholstered furniture, and so on. We suggest you inspect all the rooms one at a time.

While inspecting, make sure you close the shutters. While using a UV flashlight, you need to make sure the bed bugs do not escape. Due to the heat of the flashlight, the bed bugs might want to leave. Thus, it’s necessary to close all the windows and doors. Keep all the shutters closed – as long as you’re using the flashlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a UV flashlight to detect bed bugs? (Instead of a normal one)

Bed bugs are exceptional in hiding. They choose to hide in dark places – cracks, gaps, crevices, et al. This is why it’s so difficult to find them. UV flashlight is an extraordinary tool that helps detect bed bugs. It makes them glow. Besides, the LEDs present in these devices provide a wider reach. This helps cover a large area at once while inspecting. On the contrary, a normal flashlight isn’t that helpful. Neither does it provide a wider reach nor makes bed bugs glow in the dark.

A UV flashlight can even detect eggs, bloodstains, bed bug droppings, and so on. Whereas a normal flashlight cannot. It’s humanly impossible to look for eggs and stains in the deepest corner of your room. You will have to move your stuff around to do so. A UV flashlight provides effortless results. It makes the eggs, newborns, shells, etc. glow in the dark. Besides, ultraviolet light can even make bed bug trails visible. It is the footprint the bugs leave behind. This is not visible to the naked eye. Thus, using a normal flashlight is useless here.

Talking about their mechanism, UV flashlights emit ultraviolet light. A normal flashlight emits visible light. UV light is similar to visible light. Both have the same source and act in the same manner. The only difference is their wavelengths. The higher the wavelength, the more energy the light has. UV light has a higher wavelength. Thus, it possesses more energy. However, UV light isn’t visible to the naked eye. When you switch on a UV flashlight, it appears blue or purple. That’s because it’s the highest wavelength of visible light the human eye can see.

Now, when the UV light falls on the bed bugs, they begin to glow. They do so by absorbing the UV light and emitting visible light. Bed bugs contain a fluorescent substance called ‘phosphors’. The UV light interacts with these substances and emits visible light. This makes them visible even in the dark. A UV flashlight provides 100% results whereas an ordinary flashlight doesn’t.

Well, now you must have understood why UV light is better than the normal one, isn’t it?

Do Bed Bugs Glow in UV Light?

Yes – bed bugs glow in UV light.

Many arthropods glow under UV light. Bed bugs contain a luminescent substance called ‘phosphor’ in their body. It emits visible light when hit by ultraviolet light. Thus, when UV light strikes the phosphors present in the bugs, they absorb it – and radiate visible light. This makes them glow. Their old shells, will glow too.

Are Bed Bugs Attracted to UV Light?

NO – bed bugs are not attracted to UV light.

Bed bugs like to stay in the dark. They are sensitive to bright light. That’s the reason why bed bugs prefer to have their meals at night. Bed bugs don’t like bright light but it won’t prevent them from feeding. If they are hungry, they will feed during the day as well.

UV are in the visible spectrum of bed bugs. Like any light source, ultraviolet light repels them.

Can Bed Bugs See UV Light?

Animals do not have the same vision as humans. What’s visible to the human eye may be invisible to animals. For instance, snakes can sense infrared light. While others can see ultraviolet light.

As for bed bugs, they can see UV light. They fall under the insect species that can sense wavelengths ranging from 300-600 nm.

Do UV lights kill bed bugs?

UV lights might kill bed bugs but it’s not an effective method. Besides, there isn’t much information around it.

UV light is an amazing tool to find bed bugs. However, it is not a bug-killing device. Bed bugs stay in the dark – and repel bright light. To date, there is no such evidence that states light can kill bed bugs. Light alone is not enough to kill bed bugs. To kill them, you need heat, not light.

When bed bugs are exposed to UV lights for a certain amount of time, they might die. Continuous exposure to UV light produces heat. And temperatures above 120°F are fatal for bed bugs. So, if you want to kill them using a UV flashlight, you will have to detect them first. Once you have detected them, place them in a container. Now, shine the UV flashlight continuously on them. Do it until the temperature reaches more than 50°C. Once it does, the bed bugs will start to die.

However, there is no surety if prolonged exposure to UV light can kill the eggs and newborns. So, we can say, UV light is an exceptional tool to detect bed bugs. But it is not that effective when it comes to killing them.

Are UV lights harmful to the eyes?

Yes – UV lights are harmful to the eyes.

UV rays can infiltrate the cornea – and reach into the retina of the eye. This can cause serious eye damage. Ultraviolet light is of three primary types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is of the shortest wavelength. It won’t reach your eyes. As for UVA and UVB, they are harmful. Both can cause severe impact to the area around your retina.

Eyes may take a considerable amount of ultraviolet light. Thus, it is important to protect your eyes. If you accidentally look at a UV light, don’t worry. You would experience short term effects. In some case, a corneal burn (or photokeratitis) – or nothing at all. People with more sensitive eyes may experience other symptoms. These may include greater-than-average tear flow, photophobia, and bloodshot eyes. However, these conditions are quick to come and go.

Overexposure to UV light can result in major eye issues. It causes your eyes to age faster. The most common effect observed is Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). AMD is one of the primary reasons for blindness in the elderly. Some people are also prone to Cataracts or Pterygiums. A cataract is a vision-altering disease. Pterygium is a buildup of eye tissue. Being around UV light for longer can cause these diseases.

NOTE: Looking at UV light from any source is harmful. Be it artificial means, such as light bulbs or lamps. It will have similar effects on your eyes.

What is UV light?

UV light or Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is produced from the sun. It comes in the form of waves or particles – at different wavelengths and frequencies. This range of wavelengths is the EM (electromagnetic) spectrum. UV light falls in the range of the EM spectrum between visible light and X-rays.

Ultraviolet light is not visible to the human eye. That’s because it has a wavelength of 10 to 400 Nanometer. This is beyond the visible spectrum. UV light has 3 sub-bands:

• UVA, or near UV (315–400 nm)
• UVB, or middle UV (280–315 nm)
• UVC, or far UV (180–280 nm)

UV light makes black-light glow. It also causes summer tans – and sunburns. However, overexposure to UV light can cause severe skin conditions. It damages the cellular tissue in living beings. This results in skin cancer later down the line. Hence, it’s essential to protect the skin and eyes from prolonged UV exposure. Use proper SPF if you have to stay outside for long.

What is the difference between blacklight and UV light?

Blacklight and UV light are 2 different light sources (with significant differences) that help detect bed bugs. Blacklight is composed out of UV light. Essentially UV-A. Whereas ultraviolet light is composed of UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

Blacklight is a specific kind of lamp. Typically, fluorescent. It possesses a phosphorescent coating. This coating is responsible for emitting UV light. Thus, a blacklight is a lamp that emits UV light. Hence, it is also referred to as an Ultraviolet lamp, UV-A lamp, or Wood’s lamp.

Blacklight emits UV light by ‘Phosphorescence’. It is a process by which substances emit stored energy. They radiate it in the form of visible light. This makes things glow in the dark. Blacklight is often used in glow-in-the-dark materials. As blacklight emits UV light, it’s not visible to the human eye. UV wavelength falls below the visible spectrum.

Ultraviolet light, on the other hand, is a type of electromagnetic radiation. It is emitted from light sources, such as the sun, lamps, or bulbs. It falls between the visible spectrum and x-rays. UV light falls near the violet part of the visible spectrum. Hence, called ultraviolet light.

Overexposure to both blacklight and UV light is harmful. However, UV light is more dangerous to health. It comprises all three types of UV elements (UVA, UVB, UVC). Blacklight consists of UVA only. Thus, the effects are considerably mild, still dangerous.

Final Thoughts

That’s about it! We really hope the article was helpful. If you liked our content, please share it with your friends and family! Help them purchase the best UV flashlight – so they too can detect bed bugs. And of course get rid of them.

As for our top pick, you can go for this one. It has impeccable attributes – and provides great power backup.