Bug lights "work" because the light they emit is less visible to insects. Here's a good explanation. You could (a) turn on the lights only when you need them; (b) install a motion sensor to turn them on only when you're nearby; (c) install motion-sensor bulbs; (d) at a minimum, use low-wattage, low-color-temperature LED bulbs.

There are light bulbs with a small built-in bug zapper. I haven't used those but have used the yellow bulbs and the bugs seemed very happy with that color.

Thanks, vgkg. I really don't care about the bugs being happy - hahaha! Regarding the bulbs with a built-in zapper, killing them isn't my problem. They die all over the front of the house in almost carpet-like swaths. I just don't want the bugs there at all.

There have been numerous tests done to answer this question and the results seem to be that LED bulbs in the warm range do a better job than the so-called bug lights.

But the fact is, all lights will attract some insects at night. Can you avoid using the lights for extended periods of time?

Thanks, Morz. Sorry that there isn't a good working alternative. Maybe I should just go into the dead bug business.

I suggested a possible alternative…..LED bulbs in the warm range. It might be worth trying, if they could reduce your insect debris by half, right ?