Electric shock light traps for insects, also known as "bug zappers," claim to relieve biting nuisancesMosquitoes in Atlanta. Although bug killers may seem like a tempting solution to cure mosquito bites during peak mosquito season, there are several compelling reasons to avoid being electrocuted by bugs.
Bug-Zapper
The idea of electrocuting insects arose in 1911 when Popular Mechanics magazine introduced the concept. Still, most people thought it was too expensive at the time. In 1932, the US Patent and Trademark Office registered the first patented electric fly swatter. Two years later, a professor of parasitology at the University of California introduced the bug zapper, which would form the basis for all future zappers.
The problem with zappers
There are some major shortcomings related to bug zappers that you should be aware of.
- You are not working. Insect exterminators kill tons of beneficial insects and lose most of the biting insects that plague us. Insect killers do not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dog flies or deer flies.
- They just don't work as advertised. In fact, insect killers make matters worse by attracting more mosquitoes to your yard and end up killing thousands of beneficial insects that people don't bother.
- Beware of zappers who also market carbon dioxide as an attractant. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, but studies show that they prefer the natural form emitted by humans over artificial sources.
- Insect viruses and bacteria travel long distances when electrocuted. In other words, the microscopic entrails of insects are sprayed on people sitting around the insect killer and on nearby food.
You don't have to avoid the tuxedo mosquito
Early summer brings with it a wealth of activities including barbecues in the garden. But also with the summer comes an onslaught of pests like mosquitoes. Getting a bug killer might seem like a convenient and inexpensive solution, but the fact is that their effectiveness has been widely questioned and studies have shown that they are very bad at killing female mosquitoes. Fortunately, Tuxedo Mosquito offersMosquito Treatment Options in Atlantathat are proven to work. Contact us to find out which method works best for you.
FAQs
Why you shouldn't use a bug zapper? ›
Bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands. But there's a problem: They kill the wrong 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.
Are bug zappers bad for the ecosystem? ›Based on the study's results, bug zappers are killing beneficial insects like beetles and moths, which can result in negative effects on local ecosystems.
Why can't you use a bug zapper indoors? ›Insect zappers use an electrically charged killing grid to electrocute insects, these bug zappers zap each time an insect flies between the electrically charged grid. Bugs explode on impact with the grid. The constant zapping and exploding insects means these units may not be suitable for indoor use.
Do bug zappers really help? ›The truth is that mosquitoes are not attracted to ultraviolet light in the way that many other insects are, making the usual type of bug zapper almost useless in getting rid of them. Worse, the sheer number of non-harmful insects killed by the zappers can take a heavy toll on the ecosystem.
Is bug zapper light harmful? ›In summary, the UV light produced by bug zappers inside homes is not hazardous to humans as the amount of UV light produced is insufficient to cause harm, especially if you are more than 25 centimeters from the bulbs.
Is Zapper safe to use? ›Yes, Zapper Fi is generally safe to use. Your information is never shared with the merchant, so there's no risk of your information being stolen or used fraudulently. Additionally, all transactions are processed through a secure payment gateway.
Do bug zappers make it worse? ›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. Be wary of zappers that market carbon dioxide as an attractant, too.
Are bug zappers ethical? ›These devices can look fairly inconspicuous so be sure not to leave them lying around. In terms of ethics, ultraviolet light draw insects in and the contact generates a charge that will kill them. While it's highly effective, it's best to only use it when you need too.
Do bug zappers harm bees? ›Bug zappers come in handy in getting rid of several insects – but do they work on bees? Technically, a bug zapper can kill a bee, but this rarely happens.
What happens if a human touches a bug zapper? ›The voltage in bug zappers ranges between 2000 to 4000 volts. It can shock if you touch the mesh wire. The shock is painful depending on the volts present, but it ends without further severe pain. There is no death, but if you keep getting a continuous shock, it can lead to paralysis but not death.
Should you unplug a bug zapper when it rains? ›
You can run your zapper continuously for 24/7 protection – rain or shine! Remember to place your zapper away from other light sources. It will work best when its UV bulb is further away and isolated so that it can draw in the maximum number of insects.
What happens if you leave a bug zapper in the rain? ›First, bug zappers can not accommodate water while in operation. You can't leave bug zappers in the rain, and it will spoil the system. The zapper might stop functioning as it should. The only case where you can leave your bug zapper in the rain is when you have it under shades that protect it from the rainwater.
Are cockroaches attracted to bug zappers? ›Unfortunately, bug zappers are a little too good to be true. While they do eliminate hundreds of pests, they tend to only attract the most beneficial pests for your lawn, garden, and home. Mosquitoes are not generally attracted to bug zappers, and some insects – like cockroaches – do not typically fly towards them.
Do bug zappers work better in the dark? ›You could switch on the bug zapper during the day and still hear some zap sounds, meaning some insects have been killed. However, bug zappers would be more effective at night, especially if you are using it outdoors. Why? Because at night, the bug zapper is usually the only source of UV light the bugs see.
Will a bug zapper keep flies away? ›Outdoor bug zappers are the most efficient means of clearing out mosquitos, flies, gnats and other insects. These zappers typically look like an outdoor lamp but feature a UV light to attract and kill insects.
Do bug zappers hurt birds? ›Learning about other mosquito control strategies will be more effective in targeting your mosquito problem. While these zappers aren't effective in ridding our least favorite pests, they can kill the ones that help our ecosystem thrive including songbirds, honey bee populations, and more.
Should I leave my bug zapper on all night? ›Yes, it is completely safe to leave your bug zapper switched on overnight, be it indoors or outdoors.
Are bug zappers a fire hazard? ›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.
Can a bug zapper racket hurt a human? ›Can A Handheld Bug Zapper Hurt a Human? A handheld bug zapper contact generates electric current and heat that can surely hurt human health. The outdoor electrical appliance has 3,000 volts in it, and therefore, it can cause minor to medium injuries. In direct contact cases, the zapper hurt a human indiscriminately.
Do bug zappers attract stink bugs? ›Hang an electric bug zapper.
Hung in a windowless attic or another similarly dark space in your home, a run-of-the-mill bug zapper can work wonders to lure and eradicate stink bugs.
Do bug zappers work on spiders? ›
Bug Zapper
Unfortunately for the spiders, the zappers also electrocute them when they make contact. If you have an indoor spider Infestation, you can install bug zappers in the areas of Infestation. It is a safe and effective way to eliminate spiders.
- Eliminate standing water. Many (though not all) female mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. ...
- Clean up debris. A kiddie pool isn't the only thing that can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes. ...
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants. ...
- Brew coffee.
Electric bug zappers are highly effective at killing wasps. In fact, they're so good that many people use them as their primary method of getting rid of wasps, flies, and even hornets. One quick swat with an electric flyswatter is usually all it takes to kill a wasp.
What does PETA say about bugs? ›Don't give insects or rodents a food supply; keep living areas clean. Be careful to sweep up crumbs, wash dishes immediately, store food in tightly sealed containers, and empty garbage frequently. Often this will be enough to make unwelcome guests move on in search of better accommodations.
Do flies feel pain? ›Over 15 years ago, researchers found that insects, and fruit flies in particular, feel something akin to acute pain called “nociception.” When they encounter extreme heat, cold or physically harmful stimuli, they react, much in the same way humans react to pain.
Will a bug zapper work on carpenter bees? ›This top-of-the-line electric Bug Zapper Racket is a must-have for your summer season! The sturdy racket swats carpenter bees and delivers a powerful shock to mosquitoes, flies, and other pesky critters. The sturdy racket delivers a powerful shock to flying bugs of all sizes.
Do bug zappers work on yellow jackets? ›Bug Zapper: A tried-and-true method for eliminating some insects is with a bug zapper. However, yellowjackets are tougher than most, so it won't kill them at first. It will only make them angry, tire them out, and eventually kill many of them.
What bug zapper kills wasps? ›The Livin' Well Bug Zapper is a reasonably-priced insect killer that effectively deals with flies, mosquitoes, and wasps.
Can a handheld bug zapper shock you? ›Bug zappers can cause a nasty electrical shock if handled improperly or touched while turned on. A bug zapper is made up of two parts: the wire grid, where bugs are electrocuted when flying into it, and wires that connect to a transformer that produces a high voltage power source.
How many volts is lethal? ›A good rule of thumb is that when a shock is at or above 2,700 volts, the person often dies or experiences severe injury. At over 11,000 volts, the victim will usually pass away.
Where is the best place to put a bug zapper? ›
The best location for your bug zapper is on a balcony awning, in a tree or hanging post, away from where you spend time outdoors. Bug zappers attract bugs, so be careful not to attract more bugs to your outdoor living space by hanging your bug zapper too close to formerly mentioned areas.
How high off the ground should you hang a bug zapper? ›Position unit at least 15-20 feet away from areas where your friends and family are likely to be. Our bug zappers also work best when hung 5-7 feet from ground-level. Hanging your bug zapper on a tree or shepherd hook (which you can buy at hardware / home improvement stores) works best.
Do bug zappers work on deer flies? ›Use a bug zapper – using light and warmth as a lure, Zappers can eliminate these flies when they encounter the electric grid. Use a DynaTrap® - DynaTrap® technology uses carbon dioxide and other lures to attract horse and deer flies.
What bugs are attracted to bug zappers? ›Most are beneficial beetles, moths, ants and midges along with parasitic wasps that control other insect pests. “Mosquitoes are a very small part of the population attracted to bug zappers,” Day says.
Do bug zappers use a lot of electricity? ›However, the interesting thing is that they do not consume much electricity. For a large electric bug zapper, the highest they can use is 100 watts, even depending on how much you use it. On average, it could use 20 cents of electricity daily, even by switching two units on and leaving all night.
Do house flies go into bug zappers? ›Electric Fly Zappers will attract flies from a great distance. Placing Electric Fly Zappers close to the building will attract them to the building.
Is there a light that kills roaches? ›In studying the ecology of the cockroach, the inventor discovered that the cockroach is adversely affected by ultraviolet rays. Although ultraviolet rays have been used priorly for sterilization, it was never before known that ultraviolet rays are effective in killing cockroaches.
Do roaches love electronics? ›Clocks, TVs, radios, and laptop batteries are just a few of the more common electronic items roaches love for their warmth. This is especially true in the case of German cockroaches. If you are seeing cockroach activity around your electronics, it is likely that you're dealing with German cockroaches.
What are the side effects of UV light mosquito killer? ›There is a potential risk of eye damage or vision problems and skin injuries due to this continuous exposure. Retinal hazards are not considered very severe because only trace levels of the UVA can reach the retina. People are advised to reduce exposure to the insect killer light as much as possible.
Are bugs attracted to black light? ›Ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet “black lights” (the lights in “bug zappers”, but without the electronic grid) are highly attractive to many night-flying moths, beetles and other insect and insect relatives.
Are bugs attracted to UV light? ›
It has been well documented in the literature that light in the ultraviolet (UV) range is attractive to flies and other insects (e.g., Hollingsworth et al. 1968), but it was Thimijan and Pickens (1973) who found that wavelengths between 310 and 370 nm are the most attractive to house flies, Musca domestica L.
What attracts flies to a bug zapper? ›Electric fly killers attract germ laden flies with long-wavelength ultraviolet light and then eliminate them, most often by electrocution. They are only really suitable for indoor use as outside they could attract other insects such as moths that are not actually a problem.
Do bug zappers work on mosquitoes? ›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.
Do bug zappers work on fleas? ›The bug zapper is the best solution to kill fleas. A bug zapper comprises a cage-like structure that you can place near the areas of infestations. Zapper contains a UV light that attracts fleas into a trap. When they come near and touch the wires of the zapper, it kills them through electrocution.
What happens if you put your finger in a bug zapper? ›The shock is painful depending on the volts present, but it ends without further severe pain. There is no death, but if you keep getting a continuous shock, it can lead to paralysis but not death. The only time it can kill you is if the current is present.
Can a bug zapper start a 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.
What happens if you get shocked by a fly zapper? ›Does Touching a Fly Zapper Hurt? An Electrical fly killer contact generates heat, and it is the heat that is more harmful rather than the electrical current. One should not mistake heat as a harmless content of zapper. Direct contact with electric lines of metallic mesh can cause second-degree burns on rare occasions.
Do bug zappers attract more bugs? ›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."
What happens if you hit yourself with an electric fly swatter? ›If you touch a fly swatter that has been electrified, however, it can be harmful. It won't kill you right away, but the shock from an electric fly swatter isn't good for your health and well-being long -term. It consists of a racket-shaped electrical screen which is free of toxic and other chemicals.
Can a bug zapper hurt a cat? ›Citronella candles, mozzie coils, bug zappers, insect spray, insect oils. All these things can burn, harm, or poison your pet.
Can flies survive a bug zapper? ›
Yes, bug zappers work well on fruit flies. However, they might not be the most effective way of eliminating them, even though they are relatively easy to use. Much like many insects, these flies are drawn to light. They complete a circuit whenever they fly into a zapper.
Do bug zappers work on roaches? ›It is designed to kill flying insects that are attracted to the color of light produced by the device. But the bug zapper does not control cockroaches because they are not attracted to this color of light.
Can I leave my bug zapper on in the rain? ›You can run your zapper continuously for 24/7 protection – rain or shine! Remember to place your zapper away from other light sources. It will work best when its UV bulb is further away and isolated so that it can draw in the maximum number of insects.
How many volts can a human sustain? ›A good rule of thumb is that when a shock is at or above 2,700 volts, the person often dies or experiences severe injury. At over 11,000 volts, the victim will usually pass away.
Do bug zappers attract house flies? ›Electric Fly Zappers will attract flies from a great distance. Placing Electric Fly Zappers close to the building will attract them to the building.
Do fly zappers use a lot of electricity? ›Depending on its size, electric fly zappers use between 20-45 Watts to power the bulbs and electrified grid. Glue boards use a little less - around 11 Watts.
Do spiders go to bug zappers? ›Like other insects, spiders are attracted to lights, and bug zappers have bright built-in lights. Unfortunately for the spiders, the zappers also electrocute them when they make contact. If you have an indoor spider Infestation, you can install bug zappers in the areas of Infestation.
What kills mosquitoes the best? ›Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work immediately, and may need to be reapplied. When using insecticides, always follow label directions. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
Do electric bug zappers attract wasps? ›Bug zappers are designed to use ultraviolet lights and attractants (in some cases) to attract insects. Wasps have compound eyes that see UV in all of its “beauty” and brightness, and so they are attracted to bug zappers. The problem is that bug zappers kill insects(biting insects and all) drawn to it.