Lighting the Future: Why It’s Time to Consider a Future Fluorescent Transition
By Dr. Stuart Mitchell
The future of flying insect control is bright and constantly changing. Pursuant to one future change, forward-thinking pest management professionals (PMPs) are already lighting the path.
Although fluorescent UVA (FUVA) lamps are currently exempt from federal efficiency regulations, restrictions are mounting at the state and market levels. Under 10 CFR § 430.2, FUVA lamps used in insect light traps (ILTs) are classified as “black light” or “bug lamps,” which are excluded from the definition of “general service lamps.” As a result, FUVA lamps are not subject to federal energy conservation standards and remain permissible for use under current federal law.
Several states, such as California and Colorado, have enacted bans on general-purpose fluorescent lighting to promote energy efficiency and reduce Mercury (Hg) exposure. However, exemptions have carved out specialty applications. FUVA lamps used in ILTs or systems fall under these exemptions.
A prevailing trend of environment and manufacture toward UVA LED technology signal that now is a good time to have a transitional strategy. Industry experts estimate that FUVA lamps may remain available for another 5 to 7 years, depending upon regulatory trends and manufacturer supply. Proactive PMPs see this not as time to delay, but as an opportunity to light the way.
A roadmap to smarter flying insect control. Why transition matters:
FUVA lamps used in ILTs or systems pose increasing challenges in today’s evolving regulatory and manufacturing landscape. Significantly, the presence of Mercury (Hg), an element that complicates disposal, poses environmental risk, and could soon become a compliance burden. Additionally, energy inefficiency and annual maintenance cycles make FUVA ILTs or systems comparatively more costly than LED UVA systems.
The solution? Transitioning to LED UVA technology-specifically, cutting-edge Quantum® X LED systems.
Partner-up with PestWest and power-up with Quantum® X LED:
The Quantum® X LED range represents the next generation of ILT systems. With 432 filament LEDs per lamp emitting 360° UVA emission, Quantum® X systems offer increased area of coverage, optimal insect attraction, and significant energy savings. More than a flying insect UVA attraction upgrade, Quantum® X is a strategic shift that aligns performance with sustainability.
Facilities that transition to Quantum® X could experience annual savings of up to $28USD per system, driven by significantly reduced energy consumption and extended lamp life. Additionally, new QBL LED retrofit lamp technology allows facilities to transform existing FUVA systems (e.g. Mantis® and Titan®) without full replacements, offering a cost-effective and seamless transformation.
8-step transition strategy:
- Assess your FUVA portfolio: Document ILT models, installation dates, and lamp types.
- Retrofit with QBL LED technology: Transform existing 15W T8 18” FUVA systems with almost zero downtime.
- Glue board replacement: Use novel adhesive 18” LED glue boards for optimal flying insect capture, hold, assessment, monitoring, and control.
- Performance benchmarking: Compare system capture efficacy1 and energy usage2 side by side.
- Cost-benefit: Calculate operational savings and service-time reductions.
- Training: Use PestWest’s technical expertise, visual guides, in-depth articles, and on-demand webinars to upskill.
- Phase-in planning: Based upon facility needs, roll out new UL Listed systems such as the Mantis® Qualis, Sirius X, Mantis® Qualis IP and On-TOP PRO 2 X.
- Compliance assurance: Ensure all systems meet cGMP standards-vital for food processing, healthcare, and pharmaceutical environments.
More than a mandate, a mission:
Transitioning to LED UVA isn’t just a compliance strategy, it’s a business decision that reduces longer-term risk and supports a sustainable operational initiative. By eliminating Mercury (Hg) and reducing a facility’s carbon footprint, PMPs strengthen both environmental stewardship and brand reputation.
As Alan Friedman, owner of Houston Pest Management, puts it:
“The setup was a snap (Mantis® Qualis). The aesthetic is a step up. A nice compact unit-user-friendly, easy setup, works great!”
The bottom line:
Whether driven by legislation and/or market, sustainability goals, or operational efficiency, the shift to LED UVA ILTs or systems is not just inevitable-it’s advantageous. PestWest’s Quantum® X technology offers a future-ready, future steady platform that enables PMPs and allied practitioners to stay ahead of FUVA status changes while delivering optimum results for clients and the environment alike. Now is the time to take inventory, retrofit smartly, and lead the industry toward a brighter future.
Footnotes:
1HF test results Qualis fitted with 2 x 5.6W 21″ Quantum® X LED lamps (91.2%) and 1×2 fitted with 2 x 15W T8 18” Quantum fluorescent lamps (88.5%).
2Power consumption comparison shows the Mantis® Qualis consumes 13W with an annual electricity cost of $14USD, while a 2 x 15W Fluorescent Fly Trap consumes 40W with an annual electricity cost of $42USD. This results in a $28 savings per system per year when switching from fluorescent to Mantis® Qualis. Calculations are based on an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kWh with continuous operation.
