Moth Welfare and Light Pollution

Moths are essential nocturnal pollinators undergoing rapid decline. Artificial light at night disrupts their navigation, behaviour, and reproduction on a massive scale.

Key Facts

UK moth populations declined by 33% between 1968 and 2016
Artificial light at night traps moths in lethal attraction around lamp posts
Moths are important pollinators of night-blooming plants
Many UK bat species rely on moths as their primary food source
Light pollution affects moth reproduction by disrupting pheromone signalling

Welfare Considerations

The impact of artificial light at night on moths is a form of mass welfare harm that remains largely invisible. Moths attracted to street lights become exhausted, are predated, or die from heat exposure near light sources. Those that survive have disrupted circadian rhythms affecting normal behaviour. The decline of moths has cascading ecological effects on birds and bats that depend on them. Switching to warm LED lighting and motion sensors reduces light pollution and moth mortality.

What You Can Do

Use warm (2700K) LED lights rather than cool white in your garden
Install motion sensors so lights are only on when needed
Draw curtains at night to reduce indoor light escaping
Support Butterfly Conservation moth monitoring and habitat programs
Plant night-scented flowers such as evening primrose to support moth pollinators