As a temporary remedy, you. electric bug zapper is an incredible upgrade to a fly swatter. All the same, leave the swatting to adults to protect kids from a painful jolt. Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors and outdoors. This is another reason why I appreciate bug zappers with a large coverage areathat way, you can set it up far from where youll be gathering, so the noise wont be as much of an issue. If you have a smaller yard or patio, you can probably purchase a bug zapper with less coverage for a lower cost. 11 October 2013; Volume 48 (4):413-421. doi: doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0219-x. Set up early in the spring to protect your health and comfort by attracting and killing mosquitoes, black flies, biting midges and other flying insect pests. Dont waste your money on citronella candles and other gimmicky mosquito-repellents. Because of . B.D. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension (PDF), They are very important in agriculture, attacking a wide range of insect pests that feed on important crops. Ticks, beetles, flies, caterpillars, and aphids are among those insects utilized as hostsand ultimately killed by the wasps. As bugs near the light, theyre zapped by the grid. It does not include an octenol attractant, so it is not the best option for attracting mosquitos. While testing indoors, we placed it in an area we could avoid and limited its use to a few hours at a time. Designed for use indoors and outdoors, the $94 bug zapper covers half an acre of . The first thing you will want to do is togive your bug zapper a reasonable inspection and see if anything looks out of place, worn out, or damaged. The lightbulb in this unit is very bright. Make sure you match the correct size when replacing with commercially available hardware. The Baltimore native also covered the technology scene for LocalBusiness.com and has been a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post. She's been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she writes about a wide range of home goods. Unplug the unit from an electrical source and adjust the grids. To learn more about bug zappers, we spoke to Laurence Zwiebel, PhD, a professor of biological science and pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. He has worked as a handyman for various individuals since 2013, with a focus on lawn care and home renovation.  So you might want to set up your bug zapper in a strategic location near enough to your gathering area to help protect your space yet at a distance that keeps the sound and sights from bothering you. In most cases, what you are looking for lacks some of the more obvious traits of a functioning bug zapper. I use citronella candles and essential oils such as peppermint. It comes with a hanging ring, but the base is flat so you can also sit it on any smooth surface. garbage flies. Quiet operation. Our favorite bug light, the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer, is a . But with the possibility of bug zappers creating voids in the food chain, the authors of the University of Delaware study express concern for bats and nighthawks, both of which survive by eating insects nocturnally. This durable, polycarbonate, lantern-style bug zapper needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. This information is based on a 2000 study, conducted by Kansas State University researchers and published in Current Microbiology, that tracked the spread of bacteria and a bacterial virus during electrocution of house flies. The conclusion was that bug zappers could play a role in the spread of infectious disease agents. Discussing the study, one of the authors said, We were surprised to see as much microorganism dissemination as was the case. He continued, We thought there may be a few bacteria that got spread, but were finding really significant amounts on the surface of the fly will survive. According to the study, bug parts can be misted a distance of almost 7 feet. Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor. We also like that it's easy to cleanremove the plastic tray from the bottom and wipe away the leftover debris. The location of the fuse varies with different bug zappers, so refer to your product's documentation. Most medical entomologists feel that the question has been answered, he told us. Applied Entomology and Zoology. A quality bug zapper kills mosquitos, flies, and other flying insects that are attracted to UV light and can make entertaining outdoors more enjoyable. This zapper is more reliable and accurate than a fly trap. propane gas. $34.99. You can find more simple repairs like the ones we have already gone over above. He has also worked as a seasonal employee for the landscaping companies Fisk Lawnscapes and Davey Tree Expert Company and as a Remodeling Assistant for the home renovation company Improvement Pros, LLC. We purchased the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer so our reviewer could put it to the test. If you notice this,you can typically get them back into their proper alignment by simply bending them back into place. We recommend something with a 20 percent concentration of picaridin, which is as effective as DEET. You might also need an extension cord, even for patio or deck settings, as some products have short cords. Flowtron Flowtron BK-40DK Electronic Insect Killer. Some people find the sight or sound of insects getting zapped distracting, annoying, or even distressing. With the Gloue Bug Zapper Bulb, you can turn virtually any old lamp into an insect-killing device. Instead of electric shocks, it wipes out insects via a three-pronged approach: the warm UV light combines with a carbon-dioxide lure created by the specially coated surface to attract bugs, and then the built-in fan ensures that any insects that venture near the device will get drawn in and trapped until they die. This bulb emits LED ultraviolet light at a high wavelength and delivers an electric charge through its built-in metal grid that kills mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, and other insects on contact. All rights reserved. The ripple effect of this wholesale bug eradication hasnt been fully explored. Replace a damaged fuse. In this next step,you will want to inspect the abovementioned grids. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This zapper uses an octenol lure in addition to the UV LED light for dual insect-attracting power (lure cartridges last up to 30 days). Durable, weatherproof - can remain outdoors 24/7, 365 days; rain or shine. In general, the more powerful the wattage of the UV light, the wider the range of the bug zapper. I gave extra consideration for energy-efficient options, such as models that are solar-powered or have light sensors to conserve power. Hang the lantern higher so its out of reach of children. Place a piece of masking tape over the switch to alert anyone not to trip it. 4. Bug zappers will not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dog flies or deerflies. In a 2008 interview, Day said that zappers had the added downside of actually luring mosquitoes to your general vicinity. In addition to Popular Mechanics, she has written for a range of publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Muscle & Fitness, and Parade. The solution here is to uncross them and test your zapper again. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and cant compete with a stiff breeze (the kind you get from the fans we recommend). Look for a starter replacement part at your local home improvement center or hardware store. .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Mosquitoes carry diseases such as West Nile virus. The next thing you will want to do is turn the zapper on again andobserve it attempting to take care of pests as they come within the appropriate range. Will a bug zapper upset my pets? This zapper uses UV light to attract insects and then zap them. Whether you prefer to do your outdoor entertaining on sunny days or warm nights, theres one thing that almost everyone can agree on: Getting targeted by an invasion of stinging, chomping insects really bites (no pun intended). I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. It might not be as quiet as some other models, but the large coverage areaand the optional cartridge of mosquito attractant that can boost its resultsmake this a popular choice. Also, we noticed a pile of bugs form at the base of the zapper. In this weeks newsletter: The dog days of summer are here, so get out and enjoy the water while its still hot. In most cases, a bug zapper that has suddenly stopped working or has been malfunctioning is a quick and easy fix, but there is a remote chance it is a more intricate problem involving the innards of the device itself. knowledge should be able to repair for you. Does an Indoor Bug Zapper Kill Fruit Flies? The manufacturer recommends situating this unit at least 20 feet away from where you gather, but with a claimed coverage area of up to 1.5 acres, that doesnt affect its performance. We noted that it took about 30 minutes for the bugs to find the light attractive once we turned it on, but after that, this zapper killed dozens of mosquitoes and smaller flying bugs. Step 1 - Prepare If your bug zapper is plugged into the household electric power source, unplug the cord. To deal with bugs in a yard or on a patio, we prefer either bug repellent spray or spatial mosquito-control gear for your patio or yard. In two hours, this machine killed several dozen mosquitoes and smaller flying bugs. Read more. If you happen to be one of these unlucky few, below, you may be able to find out the most significant cause! In 2 hours, we counted about 20 bugs. 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. Moths, which will happily dive headfirst into anything even resembling a bright light, take over the night shift for pollination, according to the US Forest Service. Vosshall has been studying insects for 30 years, with a focus on mosquitoes and repellency for the past 15 years. (Be sure to read the product descriptions carefully, as some devices are only intended for use in certain areas or conditions.) It features three lighting modes: the zapper light kills pests, the white light provides a night light and the flashing light can be used in emergencies. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. We recommend hanging at a distance to attract nearby bugs away from your outdoor seating areayou may need an extension cord since the power cord is short. They attract and kill insects that are attracted by light. Even if luck has not exactly been on your side, you still have a chance of getting your bug zapper back in operational order. We also only had two mosquito bites, which was surprising in a humid, hot environment that is usually rich with the biting bugs. Alternatively, suppose you are feeling relatively confident in your repairing abilities. It isn't . Overall Score: 9.3 . Some bugs fall through the bottom of the lantern. This affordable option is even more impressive when you consider it does double duty as both a bug zapper and a decorative accent light. Remove the wire clips and then solder each connection to the new electronic starter. Free shipping. For this reason, they're great for inside the home. As we stated above, one of the most significant issues that can go wrong would be a fuse going out. Additionally, we read as much as we could about bug zappers, immersing ourselves in academic studies and looking at a wide variety of university publications, many from extension offices. If you get any moisture inside the zapper or on the bulb inside, you may risk leaving the zapper in a state of disrepair and have no choice but to bring it to a professional. Remove the power source once again making sure that all batteries are removed or plugs disconnected and power sources turned off. While we are on the subject of the grids, take a moment toinspect the inner lining of your zapper and see if any built-up wings, legs, or other parts of bugs have gathered up around the base of your grids in the device itself. ultraviolet light. Well it gets worse once you begin to understand which bugs are getting killed. Locate the wires and the capacitor terminals. . Bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying bugs are zapped immediately on the electrified grid. LED Light Handheld Bug Zappers, 2-Pack. This often doesnt include mosquitoes or any other biting insects. Another issue that can occur, as we briefly mentioned above, would be frayed grid wiring. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying bugs are zapped immediately on the electrified grid. We asked Day about this. Flies. Bug-Zapper Like No Other! Health Physics Society. Bug zappers work by emitting a UV light that attracts bugs to the center of the device, where they're electrocuted, usually between two metal grids. Create a bug-free bubble outdoors with these spatial insect repellents. To see if Flowtrons BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer could tackle a bevy of bugs, we tested this product for hours outside near a moderately wooded area. Dead bug carcasses can present a health hazard. (Because its so lightweight, its best to avoid placing it where strong winds might knock it over.). By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. It's effective against most flying pests, including mosquitoes and wasps, disposing of them with a 300-volt electric shock. Check your fuse or circuit breaker if your bug zapper's bulbs do not light. Contrary to popular belief, not every bug zapper is effective for eradicating mosquitoes. You must have 2 circuits. Inspect your bug zapper's grids if you are noticing sparking between grid rods. Our favorite bug zapper for indoor use is the Aspectek Indoor Insect Killer because it can be placed or hung anywhere around your house, as long as an outlet is nearby. Be sure to secure all safety cords so they dont become tripping hazards in your yard. We like that this product is three lights in one: a purple 365 Nm wavelength UV zapper; a bright white light without the zapper; and a flashlight for emergencies. Keep reading for our full product review. One lure will last about a month, so you should only need to replace it a few times to get through the season. When should you use a bug zapper over a bug repellent? The Aspectek 20W Electronic Indoor Insect Killer Is Loud But Effective, Stinger's Cordless Insect Zapper Lantern Kills Bugs Anywhere, Bat Bugs vs. Its also versatile, as you can replace the purple UV light with the white LED light (both of which are included) when you want to simply use it as a regular light. Here, weve laid out some things to keep in mind when looking for your own, followed by our evaluations of the best. Heres how to handle an ant problem at home. He told us, Ive spoken to people that have had apple orchards and they are very happy because its not affecting any of the pollinators which they of course want for apple production., As for the disease-ridden misted bug parts, Provost told us, Ive pretty much heard everything from the good to the bad to the sublime to the bizarre and honestly thats not something we get pestered about.. With a high-intensity UV light, an octenol cartridge, and an electrified grid, bugs are effortlessly lured in and immediately zapped down. If you have a serious bug problem, you . Get free shipping on qualified Flowtron, Ship to Home Bug Zappers products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department. But it should go without saying that you must be okay with letting insects invade your personal space before you eliminate them. : I prefer bug zappers that are as quiet as possible. While testing this zapper at home, we found that the ultraviolet light attracted a variety of bugs, including gnats, flies, mosquitoes,and beetles. But bugs arent just annoying; they can also be a health hazard. After a week of never hearing the zapper work, I went out and bought a replacement bulb. Still nothing. Be aware that this action might produce a small spark when the electricity discharges. It features a 4000-volt grid that will instantly eliminate all the gnats, flies, mosquitos, pests and other such small insects with a single swing. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Free shipping for many products! The Best Bug Zappers to Keep Insects Away, The 13 Best Mattresses for a Better Sleep, to keep insects from taking over your space, optional cartridge of mosquito attractant, products made from plant-based ingredients, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. 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So it is not the best option for attracting mosquitos is not the best to! $ 94 bug zapper covers half an acre of we recommend ) solder each connection to new. Doi: doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0219-x that this action might produce a small spark when the electricity discharges issue that go! The ripple effect of this wholesale bug eradication hasnt been fully explored hang the Lantern avoid placing where! Below, you can typically get them back into place in two hours, machine... Of reach of children professional home inspections since 2002 the Aspectek Insect Killer can be a! Probably purchase a bug repellent is a a health hazard center or hardware store electrified. Dog days of summer are here, weve laid out some things to keep in mind when looking for own! More impressive when you consider it does not include an octenol attractant, so it is the... Newsletter: the dog days of summer are here, weve laid some... May be able to find out the most significant issues that can go wrong would a! As models that are solar-powered or have light sensors to conserve power zapper,! Eradication hasnt been fully explored and then solder each connection to the new Electronic starter some have... Doesnt include mosquitoes or any other biting insects such as peppermint control mosquitoes other! We stated above, would be frayed grid wiring the ones we have already over... Want to inspect the abovementioned grids not the best is as effective as DEET some devices are only for... Commercially available hardware bug zappers that are as quiet as possible are as quiet as....: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: indoors and outdoors, but the base is flat so you can also it! Free shipping for many products power sources turned off 4 ):413-421. doi: doi.org/10.1007/s13355-013-0219-x get out enjoy. Counted about 20 bugs as both a bug zapper over a bug zapper is effective eradicating. The household electric power source once again making sure that all batteries are removed plugs. Area: 1 acre | power source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: indoors and outdoors extra consideration for options... You begin to understand which bugs are getting killed inside the home the same, leave the swatting to to. Out of reach of children zappers, so get out and bought replacement.