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Bug Zapper Information

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Bug zappers are popular for insect prevention but do not affect mosquitoes.

A bug zapper is an appliance that attracts and kills bugs. An electrical grid emits ultraviolet light that attracts insects. When they land on the grid, they are electrocuted with an electrostatic charge. Bug zappers are available for both indoor and outdoor use. Does this Spark an idea?

  1. History

    • The first bug zapper was patented by William F. Folmer and Harrison L. Chapin in 1934, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In 1911, Popular Mechanics published a piece about a "fly trap" that included an electric grid and a light to attract insects. It was deemed too expensive for practical use at the time.

    Design

    • Bug zappers are comprised of a high voltage grid with a fluorescent lamp that emits ultraviolet light to attract insects. Most bug zappers generate about 2,000 volts. Some models are designed to block the spray of insect parts after electrocution. Some are fitted with trays to catch debris, while others simply allow the debris to fall to the ground.

    Not Effective for Mosquitoes

    • According to entomologist Jonathan Day at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, bug zappers do not control mosquito populations. Mosquitoes are more attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted by humans than they are by the ultraviolet light of the bug zapper. In fact, bug zappers can make a mosquito problem worse. They are attracted first by the light, second by the human blood.

    Alternatives

    • Traditional alternatives to bug zappers are fly swatters, bug spray and physical screens or netting. These options are typically more labor-intensive and, in the case of bug spray, contain potentially harmful chemicals.

    Drawbacks

    • According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, bug zappers can spray a mist of insect parts up to seven feet from the appliance. This mist can be inhaled and can spread bacteria and viruses. The FDA advises owners of bug zappers to keep them more than seven feet from people and food. There are some scatter-free models available that prevent this problem.

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