what is the most effective bug zapper

Full Answer

Do bug zappers do more harm than good?

Too often, they believe, bug zappers not only are ineffective against biting bugs, but do more harm than good. For instance, a study by the University of Delaware at Newark analyzed 13,789 insects zapped by electric traps and found only 31--less than one-fourth of 1%--were biting bugs “seeking blood meals at the expense of homeowners.”

Which bugs are attracted to a bug zapper?

Bug zappers have the ability to put an end to more than 10,000 bugs in just one evening. It's the carbon dioxide in our sweat and breath that attracts the biting insects, so this type of insect control system attracts mosquitoes. Alternatively, you can cut the mosquito population by use of pesticides.

Do bug zappers really make a difference?

The truth is, the bug zapper really does work! We have knats every summer in the kitchen and bathroom. Along with making sure the dishes are done every night and the garbage taken out, these bug zippers really make a difference. I'm really glad I got these indoor bug zappers! I do clean them out once in awhile with a soft brush.

Are bug zappers really effective against mosquitoes?

They are not even good pest control traps in general. If you are considering buying bug zappers to get rid of the mosquitoes on your property, think again. They are not very effective, not just against mosquitoes, but on pest control in general.

What is the very best bug zapper?

The Best Bug Zappers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic ReviewersFlowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer. $51. ... ZAP IT! Mini Bug Zapper. ... Black+Decker Bug Zapper. $55. ... LiBa Indoor House Electric Bug Zapper. ... Livin' Well Electric Bug Zapper. ... Black Flag Handheld Bug Zapper - 2-Pack. ... ZAP IT! ... The Executioner Bug Zapper Racket.

What should I look for in a bug zapper?

0:101:20How to Buy a Bug Zapper - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need safe housing a light source a mosquito attractant two wire meshes and adequate voltageMoreYou will need safe housing a light source a mosquito attractant two wire meshes and adequate voltage step 1 examine the bug zappers housing.

Why you shouldn't use a bug zapper?

They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of disease-ridden bug parts out into the air.

Should you leave bug zapper on all the time?

The most efficient and effective way to run a bug zapper is to leave it on 24/7. By doing this, you help break down the insect breeding cycle. Alternatively, run your bug zapper from dusk to dawn.

Is there a bug zapper that really works?

The best bug zapper for outdoor use is the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer (view at Amazon). With a high-intensity UV light, an octenol cartridge, and an electrified grid, bugs are effortlessly lured in and immediately zapped down.

How many watts is a good bug zapper?

You can expect your standard bug zapper to use around 25 to 30 watts of power per day.

Where is the best place to put a bug zapper?

A bug zapper can be used indoors and outdoors, but it is best situated outdoors. This is because it is easier to control bugs getting into the house than outside. Outdoors should be placed far from where people would likely be 15-20 feet away.

Does it have to be dark for a bug zapper to work?

Final Thoughts. Bug zappers can work both day and night, but they are more effective at night. Keep in mind that using bug zappers indoors and outdoors require different approaches, especially in the daytime.

Does a bug zapper use a lot of electricity?

A large electric bug zapper uses as much as 100 watts of electricity. If you switch on two units and leave them on all night (it's easy to forget to switch them off), they use 20 cents worth of electricity per day. There are several new designs of electronic mosquito-specific bug killers that are effective.

Where is the best place to put an electric insect killer?

Just inside and above the main door is often a good site, as this will tend to catch insects as soon as they enter the food room. Fly killers should not be placed above or close to food preparation areas. This will prevent parts of killed insects from contaminating food and work surfaces.

Do LED mosquito zappers work?

Experts and studies from Colorado State University Extension and the American Mosquito Control Association concluded that bug zappers are not effective at controlling biting mosquitoes.

Can bug zappers catch on fire?

Bug zappers do not present more of a fire hazard than other electrical devices. Most units have been UL-tested, but, as with any outdoor electrical appliance, care must be taken to ensure that electrical cords do not become frayed or wet. They should also be connected to GFCI-protected receptacles.

How many volts should a bug zapper be?

A DIY bug zapper produces at least 120 volts, but you need a transformer to boost the voltage to around 1800 to 2000 volts, which will kill bugs.

Where's the best place to put a bug zapper?

A bug zapper can be used indoors and outdoors, but it is best situated outdoors. This is because it is easier to control bugs getting into the house than outside. Outdoors should be placed far from where people would likely be 15-20 feet away.

Where is the best place to put an electronic bug zapper?

You'll want to find an outside outlet, as this device needs to be plugged in. Ideally, place this device 20-40 feet away from areas where people gather. This gives room to draw bugs away from you while eliminating other light sources that might be near the zapper.

Do plug in bug zappers work?

"They simply do not work as advertised. In fact, bug zappers actually make things worse by attracting more mosquitoes into your yard, and they end up killing thousands of beneficial insects that don't bother people."

Why is the bug zapper important?

Size. The size of the bug zapper is an important consideration for drawing in insects, as larger UV lights attract a higher number of bugs to the electric wires. So it makes sense that as the bug zapper increases in size and light output, it also increases in coverage.

What are the different types of bug zappers?

Type. There are several types of indoor bug zappers, including wall fixtures, hanging, handheld, countertop, and light bulb models, and each has a range of functions and features that can make them more or less suitable for the situation.

How many square feet does a bug zapper have?

While this countertop bug zapper doesn’t use a chemical lure, it does have two large 40-watt UV lights that give this bug zapper an incredible range of one acre or 43,560 square feet.

What repels mosquitoes from bug zappers?

To avoid repelling mosquitoes from the bug zapper, it’s a good idea to incorporate a chemical lure called octenol. This chemical is an irresistible attractant that’s found in the human mouth, breath, and sweat.

How does a bug zapper work?

The bug zapper racket is powered with two AA batteries and operated using the on/off switch located on the handle. When this switch is pressed down, it will transfer power to the metal wires, but as soon as the pressure is released, the racket will automatically shut down to help prevent accidental shocks.

What is the best light for mosquitoes?

The attractant in an indoor bug zapper is typically a UV light bulb that can have a bright white appearance or a deep purple appearance, depending on the bulb. These lights work well for luring flies, moths, fruit flies, and many other irritating pests, though they should operate at a frequency between 350 to 400 nanometers (nm) to attract mosquitoes. Light frequencies outside of this range are not effective at drawing in mosquitoes.

How many volts does a bug zapper have?

Hanging bug zappers, like this HEMIUA bug zapper, are designed for outdoor or indoor use. It has a very high electrical output of 4,200 volts running through a metal grid that’s carefully shielded behind the protective ABS plastic housing so that bugs get killed, but accidental shocks can be avoided. Despite the powerful electricity flowing through the bug zapper, the blue UV light is an effective attractant at a maximum range of only about 1,000 square feet.

What is a bug zapper?

Bug zappers have been around longer than you probably think. An early prototype featured an electric light and a chunk of bait encased within an electrified cage. Insects, attracted by the light and bait, were electrocuted when they touched the cage. Many of the best bug zappers today work on the same simple concept.

How many zaps does a bug zapper have?

Hunting down flies, gnats and mosquitoes is easy and safe, both indoors and out, with this handheld zapper. With up to 10,000 zaps on a single charge, this portable device handily replaces any old-school swatter.

How do fly swatters work?

Electric fly swatters, on the other hand, employ a racquet design with an electrified mesh to zap any bugs in its path.

How long do bug zapping torches last?

The low-maintenance waterproof torches can live outside year-round. They run on natural sunlight, with each charge lasting 6 hours or more.

How to kill mosquitoes with bug zapper?

If you want a bug zapper to kill mosquitoes, amp its effectiveness with bait containing octenol, the chemical found in human breath and sweat that mosquitoes find irresistible. Octenol comes in small packed lures that adhere to the inside of the zapper’s collection tray. One lure attracts mosquitoes for up to 3 months. Or grab a handheld zapper and hunt the mosquitoes yourself. Since you aim with a racket-style zapper, this type of device is an excellent choice for the best mosquito zapper indoors, too.

How does a bug zapper work?

Many of the best bug zappers today work on the same simple concept. They feature an ultraviolet (UV) light that insects can’t resist. When the bugs try to get to the light, they pass through an electrified wire grid that kills them on contact.

What is an outdoor bug zapper?

They also tend to be bigger and include larger collection trays. Hanging electric bug zapper units are a popular and attractive option for a patio or seating area.

What is the best bug zapper for mosquitoes?

The Aspectek 20W Electronic Bug Zapper is another most effective bug zapper for mosquitoes you should have. This bug zapper is made effective by its features which include its power to attract mosquitoes, flies, moths, and many other flying insects using its 2 UV light bulbs.

How much does a bug zapper weigh?

This Bug Zapper is easily assembled in minutes and you don’t need any tools for assembling purpose. It has measurements of 25 by 12 by 19 inches. It has a weight of 19 pounds.

What is a propane bug zapper?

For those who have no knowledge about what a bug zapper is, this is an electronic device that is used to kill different insects, mosquitoes included. There are varieties of bug zappers in the market which some are effective and the rest are less effective.

Can mosquito bites be deadly?

by Home Expert . Not only are mosquito bites an annoyance but they can also be deadly. There are various diseases which are transmitted by mosquitoes, from malaria all the way to West Nile Virus. If you are planning to spend time outdoors, ensure you protect yourself from mosquitoes, using the most effective bug zapper for mosquitoes.

Is bug zapper chemical free?

This bug zapper is chemical free since it uses high voltage metal grids to kill insects. It lacks any difficulty in installation. Another feature is that it is easily washable hence making its maintenance fast and simple. The above-discussed bug zappers; I can recommend them for your safety from mosquitoes.

What is the best bug zapper?

All things considered, the Flowtron BK-40D could definitely be described as the best outdoor bug zapper if for no other reason than the model's durable and rugged housing. The weather outside won't always be forgiving, but it doesn't concern the zapper from Flowtron as it will be able to handle it all.

How many volts does a zapper need?

Speaking of power, this appliance is corded and will need a 120-volt power source. Although any cord extension will do, we recommend using only the best ones that have appropriate insulation, especially if you want to hang the zapper outdoors on your porch.

What is a black and decker bug zapper?

At a glance, it becomes obvious that the BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper looks different from many other lantern-style bug zappers on the market. Contrary to similar products, this one is fitted with a quite elaborate insect grate that incorporates holes of different sizes. This design ensures that the zapper lets through both smaller and larger insects closer to the high-wattage bulbs and, as a result, they die in-between the grates. Owing to this construction, cleaning the actual metal grid will be far easier since the bugs won’t stick to it too much. Plus, this insect killer comes with an easy-clean tray, meaning you won't need to take apart the entire unit to empty it.

What is a zapper grate?

The grate is made with holes of different sizes, so the zapper lets through both smaller and larger insects. Also, the unit comes with a large insect tray that is very easy to remove and clean.

Does the zapper attract insects?

It is not only the extra-bright 20-watt lamp that attracts insects here. In addition to it, the zapper comes with a reusable non-toxic attractant that boosts efficiency (there is a special compartment for it in the lid).

Is it a good idea to buy an outdoor bug zapper?

If you want to enjoy summer without being swarmed every time you go outdoors or when you open your windows, it's a good idea to buy an outdoor bug zapper. Highly-effective and chemical-free, this bug control system will let you keep your backyard and house free of unwelcomed flying and crawling insects.

Is the flowtron BK-80D super powerful?

There’s one downside to the Flowtron BK-80D being super-powerful, namely its energy consumption. It makes sense that a coverage area this big and a light that bright would eat up more than an average lamp does. In the big scheme of things, your electricity bill won’t increase that much while the bug population around your home will dwindle drastically.