Retrofitting Insect Light Traps: A Practical Step for Food Manufacturers

There’s a lot of noise in the pest control and food safety space right now about fluorescent lamps being banned. But let’s be clear: there is no immediate ban on fluorescent insect-attracting lamps (UV-A), and there's no regulatory requirement forcing you to switch right now.

So why are so many businesses, especially in food manufacturing and production, starting to look at LED alternatives?

For food facilities that rely on these traps as a critical line of defence in pest management, this shift is more than just an environmental issue - it’s operational. Because the shift isn’t about urgency, it’s about performance, sustainability, and long-term efficiency. Retrofitting your existing insect light traps (ILTs) with LED lamps is a smart, future-ready move that can enhance fly-catch performance, reduce your environmental impact, and avoid costly upgrades or production disruption.

In this post, we’ll break down why retrofitting is worth considering now, how it compares with full unit replacement, and what features to look for in retrofit solutions to ensure long-term reliability in high-risk environments.

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The Fluorescent Phase-Out: Where Things Stand

While general lighting fluorescents have been phased out in the UK and EU under the RoHS Directive, special lighting, like the UV-A lamps used in ILTs, is currently exempt. These lamps are still widely available and will remain so until much broader regulatory changes take place. And those changes aren’t anywhere near implementation.

A ban on fluorescent UV-A lamps would require:

• A full family of retrofit alternatives to cover all lamp types and trap designs
• LED development to meet the specific needs of niche applications like medical disinfection and UV curing
• A clear regulatory pathway for defining and separating special lighting use cases

In other words: we’re not there yet.

But that doesn't mean standing still is your best option.

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Why Retrofitting Makes Sense

Retrofitting existing ILTs with LED lamps isn’t about reacting to a ban. It’s about improving the tools you already rely on, in a way that’s cost-effective, non-disruptive, and sustainable.

Here’s why more food manufacturers are starting to make the switch:

1. Improved Fly Catch Performance

Opti-Catch retrofit LED lamps are engineered to exceed the performance of traditional fluorescent tubes. Opti-Catch lamps feature our unique diffusion technology, designed to optimise light distribution. Independent testing shows it enhances insect attraction by 10%. This  can make a measurable difference in high-risk or high-compliance areas of your facility.

It is worth noting, that not all Retrofit LED solutions have been performance tested. Make sure that you do your research and look for products that come with a warranty.

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2. No Need to Replace Your Equipment

One of the biggest advantages of retrofit LED is in the name: retrofit. You don’t need to buy new traps, change fittings, or halt production for installation.

These lamps are designed to fit straight into your existing ILTs, engineered to seamlessly integrate with your existing single, twin, and triple 18" 15W switch-start systems. That means no costly infrastructure changes and no downtime.

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3. Energy and Cost Savings

With energy savings of up to 66% compared to fluorescents and longer operational lifespans, LEDs are a clear win on the cost front. You eliminate the need for frequent replacements (often annual for fluorescents) and reduce the maintenance burden on technical teams.

Over time, this adds up, especially in facilities running dozens of traps year-round. See what you could save with a switch to Opti-Catch with our savings calculator.

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4. Built-In Confidence for Audits

Some LED ILT lamps emit very little visible light, making it hard to tell at a glance if they’re working properly. Opti-Catch LEDs solve this with visible blue LEDs that provide clear visual confirmation that the lamp is powered and operational.

For auditors and site managers, that means faster checks and more confidence in day-to-day compliance.

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What Should You Look for in a Retrofit LED Lamp?

If you're considering a switch to LED, look beyond just wattage and fit. Here are some key indicators of a high-quality retrofit solution:

✅ Verified fly catch performance based on independent data

✅ Long operational life and warranty

✅ Compatibility with your existing ILTs and control gear

✅ Visible blue LED indicators for ease of maintenance and audit readiness

Let’s put the myths to rest: there’s no immediate ban on fluorescent ILT lamps looming over the industry. You are not being forced to make changes today.

However, in a sector where performance, reliability, and sustainability matter, retrofit LED offers real advantages, on your terms, not on a regulatory timeline.

With better fly-catch, lower energy use, and seamless integration into your existing setup, it’s more than a future-proofing move. It’s a smart operational choice - now and for the long term.

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Planning Ahead: What Food Manufacturers Can Do Now

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve and sustainability pledges are more prevalent, planning is key. Here’s what food businesses can do now:

Audit your current ILT inventory

Identify how many units are fluorescent-based and where they are located in the facility.

Check lamp replacement timelines

If you’re still using fluorescents, check when they are due for their annual replacement. This may be the ideal time to switch to retrofit LED.

Trial retrofit LEDs in key areas

A small-scale rollout in selected zones can help assess performance and fit before a wider switch.

Work with pest control providers

Many contractors are already preparing for the transition and can help with technical advice on compatible lamps.

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Change doesn’t have to be disruptive. Retrofitting ILTs with LED lamps offers a smart, scalable way for food manufacturers to adapt to regulatory shifts without compromising on pest control or compliance.

By staying ahead of the curve—and choosing LED solutions designed specifically for high-risk environments—food facilities can reduce uncertainty, maintain audit readiness, and take a meaningful step toward long-term sustainability.

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Want to learn more about how Opti-Catch retrofit LED lamps work on your site?

Speak to your pest control provider or contact us for technical details.

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