Hanging light bucket

[Freebirdusa]

I have noticed that some campers hang a white 5 gallon bucket with a light in it either on the lamp pole or somewhere else away from the camper. I assume its to attract mesquitoes to it.
What kind of set up is this? Just a white 5 gallon bucket and a light? Is there a lid on the bucket? If so what about the heat build up in the bucket from the light? Do they drill some holes on the upper side of the bucket?
Any info would be appreciated.

[happytrails]

I've never seen this before. I bet it is like you say though, for bug control. I would be interested in how/why as well.

[jbsmith]

As mysterious as the bags of water over doors in the south to keep out flies. I'd never heard of this until visiting a store in Arkansas a few years ago. Myth Busters claims it was busted, but folks swear it works. I've considered buying a small bug zapper to hang on my awning...but rather not hear the constant frying of insects.

[DJ85]

If u go to you tube and type in bucket light it will show how to make one. Me I just used a plain old bucket a electric: box outlet for a porclien.light fixture and a cfi bulb screw the box to the lid and use machine screw to hold it then seal the bolt heads. Use an old extension cord drill a hole for the cord to fit through and tie a knot in it to keep it from.pulling back through. Wire the electric outlight and install on the outlet . screw in the bulb and reinstall the lid. That's all there is to it. Works good to keep bugs away at night

[hankpage]

As Festus2 would say "Google is your friend". I Googled ... hanging light bucket and got this website on how to make it. All it is supposed to be is a waterproof lamp to light up your campsite and act as more dry storage when traveling. I'm not that sure what the appeal is in hanging a bucket in a tree and then light it up so everyone can see my tacky choice of decorations at nighttime also.
I go most of the summer barefoot, I drive a truck, belong to the NRA, I listen to country music, My son owns a coonhound and two Jeeps but I guess I am not Redneck enough for a "Bucket Light". JM2¢, Hank

I hope I did not offend anyone ... just that my opinion gets me in trouble all the time.

[fla-gypsy]

I have seen the bucket lights. Before you do it consider if you would really use it or will it just be something else you carry around with you. Only you can decide, one look at them and I knew it was not for me.

[Freebirdusa]

Thanks everyone. I have seen them quite alot in ga around the lake campsites. I would unplug it when we retire for the night. If it doesnt help with getting the bugs away from us I might just put the bucket on a stand and use it as a lamp in my house lol Now we are really talking Redneck lol

[KJcachers]

Put a low wattage fluorescent bulb in them and they will give a nice glow that will light up your entire site without being so bright you get a sunburn from it. Bugs don't seem to be too attracted to them this way either.

[hankaye]

Originally Posted by hankpage

<Shortened for brevity>
I go most of the summer barefoot, I drive a truck, belong to the NRA, I listen to country music, My son owns a coonhound and two Jeeps but I guess I am not Redneck enough for a "Bucket Light". JM2¢, Hank

As long as you show New Joisy as where you're from I don't think it's gonna
happen ... Yer jest to fur North ... , ,

the other hank(aye)

[alien_scones]

Ok on my google search there seems to be mixed uses for the bucket light.

Do you use it for ambient soft lighting?
Off to the side with a bright bulb to attract the bugs away from you?
Do you keep it mostly sealed, or drill holes in the sides so bugs fly in but they don't fly out?

Fill the bottom of the bucket with soapy sugar water / vinegar?

I might try this out with a large CFL...

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by alien_scones

I might try this out with a large CFL...

When I see the the glow in the South-Western sky I will now know that it is not "Area 51".


And Hankaye ... I am from South Jersey ... home of Clamdiggers and Pineys ... they both have sand between their toes but they smell different. Don't believe what you see on tv ... after all we are the Garden State. If this does not change your mind I have some friends in the sanitation business that would love to meet you and make you an offer .................... The other Hank

[hankaye]

Hank, Howdy;

I've picked up Hazmat from that "Area" .....
it don't 'glow-in-the-dark' that would be Yucca Flats,
A few miles Southwest from there, near Mercury, Nv.
Used ta be inna trash biddnes myself .....
might know some of your 'business associates'.
I grew-up just across Scudder's Falls (I-95), from
Ewing township. .

the other hank(aye)

[DJ85]

As far as this being redneck. I told that to my wife because I can't tell anymore and she told me that a bucket light doesn't even make her top ten list. We did have a good laugh remembering some of the things we have done and observed in the past. I don't hang mine from a tree it sits on the ground and it gives a glow to the campsite it keeps my wife sitting around the fire with a flashlight looking for in coming animals looking for a free meal. It has worked good for keeping bugs from gathering around the camper door

[kenn209]

We have one, but not a five gal job, Was given one as a gift from a Rally, They used cake frosting buckets from the local grocery store bakery. Easier to store and has a nice soft glow to it.

[Ruffus]

I too own a hound and go barefoot during the summer and winter too. The bucket lights are not used to attract bugs, just to annoy other campers. I use them for target practice, easy to hit with a 410 shot gun. Even easier when your on a golf cart with the head lights off. When the ranger shows up just throw up your hands and say, "Guns, what guns, aren't they illegal to have in the camp ground" and walk away.
I go camping to get away from all the lights and to see the stars.
Have fun and enjoy the great outdoors.

[DJ85]

No more annoying the hearing those dodge cummins diesel trucks(rattle traps) come rolling into the campgrounds. There that should ruffle a few feathers

[hankpage]

Originally Posted by DJ85

No more annoying the hearing those dodge cummins diesel trucks(rattle traps) come rolling into the campgrounds. There that should ruffle a few feathers

Sorry, I couldn't hear you over the engine sound. (notice I did not say "noise")

All in fun ... Have a great day and travel safely, Hank

[DJ85]

One person sound is another persons noise. Kind of holds true with everything don't ya think. Light on light off?

[Terrydactile]

Mosquitos are not attracted to light so don't do it for that reason alone. They are attracted by CO2 (breath), body heat and a few other things.

[Freebirdusa]

I think I might just start dressing like a beekeeper when camping. No more mesquito problems!