One of homeowner Jason Whitaker’s worst fears nearly came true in 2019 when he discovered a hidden fire hazard inside his own house.
Living in Kentucky, Jason began noticing a faint burning smell — the kind that hints at an electrical fire.
After searching every room, he finally found the source: a spiral light bulb that had started to smolder.
When he removed it, he was shocked to find the bulb packed with ladybugs. Drawn to warmth and light,
the insects had crawled between the spirals over time — and after four to five years of use, the buildup nearly caused a fire.
Jason immediately replaced all his bulbs and shared a Facebook warning: “These light bulbs will burn your house down…
Please check yours.” His post went viral, shared over 430,000 times, as others reported similar experiences.
Experts note that while compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are generally safe, insects or dust buildup can lead to overheating.
The takeaway? Inspect your light fixtures regularly, especially older spiral bulbs. A quick check can prevent serious damage — or even save your home.