The bug zapper effectively eliminates mosquitoes; it is harmless to humans but deadly to insects. This guide shows how it works, how to choose it, and the best bug zappers to buy against mosquitoes and insects.
The bug zapper, or insecticide lamp, eliminates insects and mosquitoes, which, besides being boring, can sting and cause itching, skin irritations, and allergies.
Classic spray or powder repellents may not always be a solution, especially if you have children or pets at home. Here, the electric traps represent a more suitable solution since they do not use any chemical substance to harm man.
The bug zapper consists of an external plastic or metal cage, perforated in front and behind, or sometimes on all sides, with a UV bulb or actinic lamp inside, producing blue light. Mosquitoes, midges, flies, butterflies, and wasps are attracted to them, enter the cage, and are killed by an electrical discharge, sometimes combined with a fan that sucks them up.
To facilitate cleaning, under the electrified grid that lightens the insects, there is a removable insect collection tray to be emptied quickly when dead insects accumulate.
Discharge bug zappers are frequently used in gardens and courtyards but often in premises, bars, and restaurants with outdoor seating. Professional bug zappers prevent insects from annoying customers or resting on food.
Indoor bug zappers are also useful in summer as an alternative to insecticides, especially if you have children and pets at home.
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How to choose a bug zapper
All bug zappers base their operation on the same principle. Still, to choose the best bug zapper for your needs, it is necessary to evaluate some important features such as capacity, power, and practicality in cleaning.
Power and consumption
To establish consumption, one must consider the brightness of the lamps, which is expressed in watts. Most bug zappers work with a wattage ranging from 12w to about 60w: the higher this value, the more effective the electric discharge and its action.
The consumption of a more powerful model will not be high because those able to electrocute many insects do not consume much more than an incandescent bulb. However, if you want a mosquito net with the best performance-price ratio, you should opt for models equipped with energy-saving bulbs.
Supply
Depending on the use you want to do, indoors or outdoors, you can choose a bug zapper battery, which can be positioned away from a power outlet and are more useful in camping or open areas where you do not have an electrical outlet available.
Or, if you need to use the insecticide lamp in your home or public place, it can easily be connected directly to the electrical outlet.
Structure
The most effective bug zappers models have four free sides, facilitating insects’ entry from all sides. Generally, choosing a large or vertical model with a greater range of activities will be good if the lamp is placed outdoors.
On the contrary, if the lamp is to be used in an enclosed space, we can also opt for a design object, more contained and more beautiful to look at. Reflecting on the fact that the bug zapper is generally hung, it is good to ensure it is equipped with a hook or a chain to avoid coming into contact with people, children, or pets by mistake.
The structure should also be light and waterproof. This will ensure moisture resistance when used outdoors.
Range of action
To consider the lamp’s range of action, it is fundamental to have clear ideas of where the product will be placed to establish how much space it can cover with its effect. The most powerful models can cover an area of up to 220 yd².
Suction fan
The bug zapper with a suction fan is even more efficient than a simple lamp. When the insect approaches the lamp, the fan makes sure to suck it up to push it toward the electric grill. This system allows you to kill many more insects much faster.
Insect collection drawer
Models equipped with an insect collection drawer are easier to clean. Just pull out the drawer below and empty it.
Are bug zappers harmful?
Many wonders if bug zappers are harmful. On the contrary, they are practically harmless to humans because they do not use chemicals to exterminate or attract insects into the trap, as spray or powder insecticides do. In addition, the Bug zappers can be installed safely on the house’s windows, allowing us to keep them open without worrying about unwanted insects.
The lights produced by the lamps are not harmful to humans and are comparable to those used in beauty salons. Electric insect killers with ultraviolet lamps are more effective in the evening and at night because light attracts mosquitoes. However, many bug zappers also lend themselves to daytime use.
The best bug zappers to buy
To choose the best bug zapper, let’s see the most effective currently on-sale ranking. The prices of bug zappers vary between $25 to $70. Below is the complete list of the best bug zappers to buy with prices and features.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.