Insect electrocution light traps, also known as "bug zappers," claim they can relieve the annoyance of biting mosquitoes in Atlanta. Although bug zappers may seem like a tempting solution to remedy mosquito bites during peak mosquito season, there are a number of compelling reasons to avoid going the bug electrocution route.
Bug Zappers
The idea of electrocuting insects came about in 1911 when Popular Mechanics magazine introduced the concept. Still, most thought it was too expensive to undertake at the time. In 1932, the first patented electric fly zapper was recorded by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Two years later, a University of California professor of parasitology introduced the bug zapper that would be the basis for all future zappers.
The Problem with Zappers
There are some of the major flaws associated with bug zappers that you should know about.
- They don’t work. Bug zappers kill tons of beneficial insects while missing most of the biting insects that pest us. Bug zappers will not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dog flies, or deer flies.
- 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. Mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide but studies show they prefer the natural form that is emitted from humans versus artificial sources.
- Bug viruses and bacteria travel long distances upon electrocution. In other words, microscopic bug guts are sprayed onto people sitting around the bug zapper and into nearby food.
You Don’t Have to Avoid Tuxedo Mosquito
The onset of summer brings a plethora of activities, including backyard cookouts. But also with summer comes an onslaught of pests such as mosquitoes. Getting a bug zapper might seem like a convenient and cost-efficient solution, but the fact is their effectiveness has been widely doubted and studies have shown they are very poor at killing mosquito females. Fortunately, Tuxedo Mosquito offers mosquito treatment options in Atlanta that have been proven to work. Contact us to find out which method will work best for you.
FAQs
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.
Why do people not use bug zappers anymore? ›
The Problem with Zappers
Bug zappers kill tons of beneficial insects while missing most of the biting insects that pest us. Bug zappers will not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dog flies, or deer flies. They simply do not work as advertised.
Is it bad to use a bug zapper? ›
Bug zappers may pose risks to human health due to the potential spread of bacteria and pathogens from insect remnants, as well as the risk of electric shock or fire hazards from malfunctioning devices.
Is the UV light in a bug zapper harmful? ›
While prolonged exposure to UV light can potentially cause skin damage, the UV light from bug zappers is generally not strong enough to cause skin harm during normal use.
What bugs are killed by a bug zapper? ›
A variety of insects can be found swarming around your lights at night, and it is many of these such bugs that Zappers specifically target, including:
- Moths.
- Flies.
- Mayflies.
- Beetles.
- Mosquitoes.
- And more!
For large groups of mosquitoes, traps that use carbon dioxide as an attractant are great for catching these insects. Some traps use propane, which is a heat source, and it is also great for a big number of mosquitoes.
What is the most effective mosquito killer? ›
What's the most effective mosquito repellent?
- EarthKind Stay Away® Mosquitoes Insect Repellent (20% picaridin)
- OFF!® FamilyCare Insect Repellent II (5% picaridin)
- Natrapel Tick and Insect Repellent (20% picaridin)
- Sawyer Products Controlled Release Insect Repellent (20% DEET)
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.
What are the disadvantages of electric mosquito killers? ›
Disadvantages of Outdoor Bug Zappers
They can attract pests that wouldn't have otherwise been drawn to your property. They require regular cleaning. They can spread disease.
Do bug zappers give off radiation? ›
There is no evidence to suggest that insect traps using ultraviolet black light increase your risk of developing skin cancer, as the amount of ultraviolet radiation they emit is very low. Black lights emit a type of ultraviolet radiation called UVA, which is invisible to the human eye.
Do I need to turn my bug zapper on and off each time I use it? The most efficient and effective way to run a bug zapper is to leave it on 24/7. By doing this, you help break down the insect breeding cycle. Alternatively, run your bug zapper from dusk to dawn.
Are mosquito killer lamps good or bad? ›
While mosquito killer lamps are effective, they should not be the only method used to control mosquitoes. Combining the use of a mosquito killer lamp with other methods, such as removing standing water and using mosquito nets, can be even more effective in controlling mosquitoes.
Can bug zappers start fires? ›
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.
What is the best bug zapper on the market? ›
We chose the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer as our best overall pick because it has a large coverage area for big backyards and patios and requires minimal maintenance. We recommend the Koosa Solar Bug Zapper for camping and picnicking, as it's cordless, portable, and easy to charge.
Do bug zappers work on bees? ›
A: It would kill honey bees, but might have a hard time with bumble bees, or wasps.
Do bug zappers reduce mosquito population? ›
Even more important was the finding in both studies that there was no significant difference in the number of mosquitoes found in yards with or without bug zappers.
Are mosquitoes attracted to UV light? ›
Some people use ultraviolent light, purportedly to kill mosquitoes. However, mosquitos are not attracted to ultraviolet light, just as they are not attracted to regular artificial light. You may believe an ultraviolet light bug zapper is killing hundreds of mosquitoes at once, but it's absolutely an illusion.
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.
Are bees attracted to bug zappers? ›
Bees are generally attracted to floral scents rather than UV light. However, some studies suggest that they can be attracted to light in the absence of floral cues, potentially bringing them into the perilous path of bug zappers.
