Bug zappers were invented over eighty years ago as a solution to the need to reduce or eliminate flying insect problems during the spring and summer months. While technological advances have transformed the bug zapper into what is on the market today, the basic bug zapper design has changed very little since the time of its invention. Using a light source to attract insects and an electrified wire grid, a bug zapper attracts insects and electrocutes them as they land on the wire mesh.
Using a bug zapper correctly can significantly reduce a flying insect problem during the peak seasons of spring and summer. Proper placement of a bug zapper can result in a great reduction in the number of flying insects that would normally swarm around doorways and walkways. Placing the electric bug zapper a few feet away from entrances and walkways will effectively lure a large number of flying insects away from these areas.
Bug zappers are sold in many styles, sizes, and designs. In recent years, the housing of the bug zapper has become more decorative in order to blend in with outdoor décor. A small bug zapper can be effective for more confined areas; while larger designs are effective for larger areas such as patios and decks. They even make indoor bug zappers for residences that may have a porch, enclosed patio or three season room and need insect protection.
During the eighties and early nineties, bug zappers were marketed heavily in retail stores. This resulted in a decrease in price, which made bug zappers affordable for most households. Today, bug zappers can be purchased for as little as twenty dollars to as much as over one hundred dollars depending on the style and design of the bug zapper. They can be found year round in online specialty stores or during Spring and Summer, they can be found at nearly any discount or hardware store
Bug zappers work by using a light source to attract insects. The electrified grid electrocutes insects as they land near the light source. In most models, a buzzing sound is heard when an insect is electrocuted. Technology changes have allowed this buzzing sound to become decreased in some models. Though, a vast majority of bug zappers do create the buzzing sound when insects land on the grid. If you really dislike the sound of the “zap”, you’ll want to check out the quiet models.
Do Bug Zappers Work On Mosquitos?
One important note is that because most bug zappers use a form of UV (ultraviolet) light, they are ineffective on the peskiest of flying insects. Mosquitoes, unfortunately, are not attracted to UV lights. While the bug zapper can effectively rid your area of thousands of insects in a single night, it will not eliminate a mosquito problem.
To compensate for this fact, some new electric bug zappers have included the ability to emit Octenol, which is a non-toxic, pesticide-free pheromone mosquito attractant. These devices emit carbon dioxide, water moisture, and this attractant Octenol. The mosquitos fly into the attached netting and eventually die because they get stuck. Another mosquito control device is a propane powered mosquito trap. Some folks call it a mosquito fogger or mosquito magnet. These terms essentially are talking about the same device. The bottom line for both of these types of devices is that they are mosquito killers. Some consumers really like these propane mosquito foggers and say that it works very effectively over a one to two month time period and can cover a lot of land…like up to whole acre!