Must-Read: This Man’s Viral Warning About Spiral Light Bulbs Could Save Your Home

One of the biggest fears for any homeowner is a fire breaking out unexpectedly. Many of us take precautions—unplugging chargers, checking smoke detectors—but what happened to Jason Whitaker from Kentucky is a warning few of us have heard before.
In the fall of 2019, Jason noticed a strange, burning smell in his home. He suspected an electrical issue and began checking room by room. What he eventually discovered shocked him—and has since gone viral.
The Hidden Fire Hazard
The source of the smell? A spiral (CFL) light bulb.
Jason had left the bulb in a lamp for years, unaware that ladybugs had taken up residence between the bulb’s tight spirals. The trapped insects and dust created a buildup of debris, which began to smolder dangerously close to igniting.
“These light bulbs will burn your house down,” Jason warned in a Facebook post, along with photos of the scorched bulb. “You can see how close it came to igniting. I changed all the light bulbs. Please check yours.”
His post struck a nerve—it’s now been shared over 430,000 times, with many others coming forward to say they’ve experienced similar issues.
A Simple Check Could Prevent Disaster
Spiral bulbs can act as warm shelters for bugs, especially if left in one place too long. While the bulbs themselves are not inherently dangerous, neglecting them for years—especially if bugs or dust get inside—can turn them into fire risks.
One commenter shared: “This just happened to us. We moved into a new house and the bulbs were already there. Replaced them now.”
Stay Safe, Spread the Word
Jason’s warning isn’t meant to spark fear—it’s a reminder that even small things in our homes can become serious hazards if ignored. So take a few minutes today to check any spiral bulbs in your house. Clean them, replace them if needed, and make sure they aren’t collecting dust or insects.
A few seconds of prevention could save lives.
Please share this with your friends and family—awareness is the first step to safety.