See if this sounds familiar. It’s a summer evening. You kick back, relax, and take in a gorgeous sunset. But this calm scenery is riddled with pesky flying insects. They buzz around you and sometimes even bite.
This problem is aggravated further if you are trying to get a good night’s rest after a long day. Still, your sleep is interrupted now and then because of droning mosquitoes. That said, flying creepy crawlies aren’t just a nuisance but also a health hazard. Think bed bugs, mosquitoes, or the common germ vehicles — house flies.
Fortunately, ridding your home of bugs can be as simple as buying a bug zapper. These gadgets lure insects in with light and then zap them with electricity, effectively eradicating them.
But before purchasing a bug zapper, you’ll have to consider a few factors like design, power consumption, ease of cleaning, and coverage. In this article, we’ll explore these considerations. You’ll also find a helpful roundup of the different types of bug zappers.
How do Bug Zappers Work?
In the 1930s, the first bug zappers were developed. These days, they’re more user-friendly, sophisticated, and effective than ever. Bug zappers use ultraviolet or neon light to attract insects, which are then electrocuted with a mesh grid. As soon as an insect lands on the electrified mesh, it’s killed and collected in a removable tray.
The tray can be emptied and cleaned, making it easy to reuse the bug zapper. The voltage inside the electrified grid can reach up to 2,000V, killing as many as 10,000 bugs before cleaning the collection tray.
Who can benefit from bug zappers?
Before purchasing a bug zapper, you must identify the type of insect you need to deal with. A light attracts particular insects, so you’ll want to know if the model you choose attracts the bug bugging you. The mesh has tiny spaces inside, which complete the circuit when a bug comes in contact between the gap. But if the insect is either too big or too small (say, gnats) for the cavities, the zapper would hardly be useful. In other words, before investing in a bug zapper, ensure it’s the right pest-control solution for your problem.
Electric bug zappers don’t rely on harmful chemicals and pesticides to kill pests, which makes them safe for children and pets. Unlike sprays and traps, they’re reusable. Aside from disposing of dead insects, bug zappers don’t demand much maintenance.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Bug Zappers
There are many things to consider when choosing a bug zapper, but the most important thing is choosing one that is right for your needs.
Components and Features
The UV lightbulb is housed in a plastic or metal shell to keep it from coming into contact with the electric mesh. Most zappers use fluorescent light bulbs that emit UV light, while others use mercury or neon sources.
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Another feature you might consider would be the power output, depending on where you plan to use the device. If you plan to use it indoors, a 20W model should be sufficient. However, if you plan to use it outdoors, ensure it has a minimum output of 40W.
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Some bug zappers plug directly into an outlet, but portable cordless models are available in the marketplace. Portable cordless models can be used on the go; however, their short battery life renders them practically useless in most situations. That said, they can be a great option for some situations.
Area Covered and Budget
Electronic zappers vary greatly in their effectiveness, illumination intensity, and coverage area. Before purchasing one, find out how far the device can cover. As a rule of thumb, higher wattage means a broader range.
Most small zappers cost more than $20 and can cover an area of up to 1,000 square feet. Mid-tier bug zappers cost between $20 and $40 and are suitable for up to 4,000 square feet. Large-range models claim to cover more than 10,000 square feet, but these numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt because they’re rough estimates.
Ease of Cleaning
When looking for a bug zapper, there are a few things to consider. One of those considerations is the ease of cleaning.
A good bug zapper should be easy to clean and maintain. Without regular maintenance, a bug zapper will not work well.
Most models come with a removable tray that catches dead insects. This tray can be cleaned by washing it with soap and water or simply by shaking off the dead bugs and putting the tray back in place. If you’re not sure how to clean your particular model, check your user manual or look online for instructions specific to your brand.
Power Consumption
When shopping for a bug zapper, one of the most important considerations is how much power it consumes. If you want to use it in an area that doesn’t have access to an outlet, you’ll need to ensure that your device can run on batteries or solar power. It would be best to consider how long it takes to charge your device and whether or not it comes with an adapter for charging via an AC outlet.
If the unit uses a lot of power, you’ll have to replace its batteries more often than choose one that uses less energy. Some models even have built-in rechargeable batteries so they can be plugged into a wall outlet when needed. When used outdoors or in locations where there’s no access to electricity, they still run on battery power.
Types of Bug Zappers
Cordless Bug Zappers
If you’re looking for a bug zapper that can be used without having to plug into a wall outlet, then cordless bug zappers are the way to go. These are great for those who want a portable solution or those living in rural areas where there isn’t any electricity available.
While they don’t have as much power as their corded counterparts, they do come with their own batteries, so they can still get the job done. You’ll need to change them periodically, but this is better than dealing with cords.
Indoor Bug Zappers
Indoor bug zappers are designed for indoor use and don’t emit any light that could attract insects. Indoor bug zappers are smaller than their outdoor counterparts and often have a smaller light bulb or two instead of one big bulbs. They also tend to be more expensive than outdoor models because they’re usually made from higher-quality materials like steel instead of plastic.
But what about those lights? Aren’t indoor bug zappers going to attract bugs? Not necessarily! Instead of using ultraviolet light as outdoor models do, most indoor models use LED lights that attract fewer insects than traditional bulbs. Those lights saved energy over traditional bulbs. So while you might have fewer pests in your house, you’ll probably save money on your electricity bill too!
Outdoor Bug Zappers
Outdoor bug zappers are great for killing mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs flying around outside. They’re usually pretty easy to use, as you have to plug them in and turn them on. However, they can be a bit more expensive than indoor ones. Also, some people worry about the safety of these types of products because they contain electricity.
However, suppose you’re looking for a way to keep the bugs away from your patio or porch area while you’re enjoying a warm summer evening with friends or family members. In that case, outdoor bug zappers may be a good option for you!
Solar-Powered Bug Zappers
Solar-powered bug zappers are a great option if you want to be environmentally friendly and don’t mind paying a bit more for your bug zapper’s power source. They’re also useful if you live in an area that doesn’t have electricity or don’t want to deal with the hassle of dealing with cords or batteries.
Solar-powered bug zappers can be great for anyone who wants to keep their outdoor areas free from bugs without worrying about how much electricity they’ll use. They’re perfect for people looking for an environmentally friendly pest control method and those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of cords or batteries.
The downside is that solar-powered bug zappers tend to be more expensive than other zappers because they require expensive components like solar panels and batteries to function properly. You’ll also need plenty of sunlight to work effectively (though they should still work in overcast conditions).
Electric Fly Swatters
Electric fly swatters are a great way to eliminate pesky bugs without harmful chemicals. They’re also fun to spend time with kids, who enjoy chasing after the bugs and then getting rid of them once trapped in the electric fly swatter.
The pros of this method are that it’s less expensive than other methods, so you can try out different types until you find one that works for you. It also doesn’t require any special equipment (other than an electric cord). The cons are that it may not be as effective for indoor use or against large insects or flying bugs.
Could a Different Pest Control Solution Be Better?
Bugs zappers generate a lot of noise and light. They may be distracting (and annoying). Still, more to the point, bug zappers don’t work like you’d expect them to against certain insects – mosquitoes in particular. You see, female mosquitoes aren’t attracted to light but to carbon dioxide that we exhale. UV light mostly attracts male mosquitoes, killing the wrong bugs.
Final Thoughts
Mosquitoes and similar pests can make it near impossible to have a quiet relaxing evening, a barbeque with the family, or a good night’s sleep. These buzzing blood-sucking insects also carry diseases, so you must keep them at bay. An electric insect zapper is an effective way to do this, and it can help clear your home of flying pests. These gadgets are low-maintenance, affordable, safe, and fairly efficient.