How to Use a Bug Zapper for Black Flies

Bug zappers electrocute black flies and effectively exterminate them.

Bites from black flies are painful, sometimes itchy and can cause numbness. Through their bites, they can also transmit a disease known as River blindness. Some people develop massive allergic reactions to the insect bites, which may call for emergency medical attention and accompanying expenses. All these are good reasons to kill those black flies lurking about in your garden. Even though killing the bugs is not easy, there are many ways to do it. Using a bug zapper is the most efficient.

Things You'll Need

• Bug zapper
• Electrical extension chord
• Shepherd's hook

Instructions

1. Identify that the insects to be killed are actually back flies. Some insects are not attracted to the bug zapper and this may make your work fruitless. Use photos obtained from leading educational and research facilities.

2. Hang the bug zapper on a shepherd's hook on a pole placed at least 12 feet away from people or where children play. This ensures that the black flies attracted to the bug zapper do not end up feasting on fresh meat instead. During the day, place the bug zapper away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight attracts black flies away from the bug zapper.

3. Run the electrical power extension cord from the pole with the shepherd's hook to the nearest electrical socket. Plug it in and switch on.

4. Connect the electrical zapper to the socket on the extension chord and switch it on. The bug zapper is now in operation and is just a matter of seconds before the first black fly is a casualty.

5. Listen for the 'zzzz' sound that happens when a black fly is fried. It means the bug tried to get into the space between the zapper's wire mesh grid and in so doing, completed the electric circuit. The sound is caused by the high voltage current as it flows through the black fly and vaporizes it.

6. Use hand held bug zappers to kill black flies, too. Swing the racket-like devices to hit the insects. All family members can be co-opted into this fun, racket-swinging activity.

7. Switch off the electric power and unplug the socket. Roll it up and remove the zapper from the shepherd's hook once the party is over.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not add any insecticide into the bug zapper. The zapper comes ready to use and is an effective device on its own.

References

• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet; Black Flies
• University of Florida; House Fly Traps
• Colorado State University Extension: Flies in the Home: W.S. Cranshaw, et al; February 2009
• National Information System of the Regional Integrated Pest Management Centers: Tennessee Dairy Cattle Pest Control Profile; 2007

Resources

• Bug Zapper Racket
• Electronic Press Release: Jolt Bug Zapping Racket - Zapper