I've used motion-activated LEDs around my garage for about a year now, and honestly, I haven't noticed much difference with spiders. Bugs, on the other hand, seem slightly less attracted since the lights aren't constantly on. But as you said:
"spiders seem to care less about what kind of bulb you use."
In my experience, spiders are more about location and shelter than lighting. Motion sensors are great for energy savings though, so still worth it overall.
I've noticed the same thing about spiders—they really don't seem picky about lighting at all. I had a similar issue in my shed, and after trying different bulbs (LED, incandescent, even those yellow "bug lights"), nothing really changed spider-wise. Eventually, I realized it was more about clutter and hiding spots. Once I cleared out some old boxes and sealed up a few small gaps around the windows and doors, the spider population dropped noticeably.
Motion sensors are definitely great for energy savings though, totally agree there. Have you tried pairing them with weather stripping or sealing cracks around your garage? Might help cut down on spiders more effectively than changing bulbs ever could...
Yeah, clutter and gaps are definitely the bigger culprits. I had a similar spider issue in my basement workshop—tried all sorts of bulbs thinking it'd help, but nope. Finally got around to sealing up some cracks and tossing out old cardboard boxes I'd been hoarding for "future projects," and it made a huge difference. Motion sensors are great for convenience, but sealing things up tight is the real game changer for spiders...and probably energy bills too.
Totally agree on sealing up gaps—made a huge difference in my garage too. A couple things I noticed:
- Weather stripping around the garage door was a lifesaver. Didn't realize how much air (and bugs) were sneaking in until I replaced it.
- LED bulbs didn't help me either with spiders, but they do make the space look cleaner somehow... placebo effect maybe?
- Motion sensors are handy, but honestly, the quieter opener itself has been the real win for me. My old one sounded like a freight train, and now I can sneak out early without waking the whole house.
Funny how we all hoard cardboard boxes for "future projects"... I finally tossed mine last spring, and the spiders definitely took a hit. Plus, gained some actual workspace back. Win-win.
I noticed the same thing about the LED bulbs—they don't seem to discourage spiders at all, but my garage definitely feels brighter and cleaner since switching. Maybe it's just psychological, but hey, I'll take it.
Interesting about the quieter opener... I've been debating replacing mine too, since it rattles like crazy. Did you go with a belt-drive or one of those newer direct-drive models? I've heard mixed things about both—belt-drives being quieter but potentially needing more maintenance, and direct-drives supposedly lasting longer. Curious if you (or anyone else here) have thoughts on that.
Also, totally relate to the cardboard boxes issue. Every time I toss them, I inevitably need one the following week... but fewer spiders would definitely be nice. Maybe I'll finally bite the bullet and clear them out this weekend.
