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Bug zappers use light to attract and electrocute insects, but mosquitoes are often immune to their allure. They can harm harmless insects and may attract more bugs. Citronella candles and skin insect repellents containing DEET are more effective at preventing bites.
A bug zapper is a device that uses light to attract an insect and then electrocutes the insect causing its death. People often use the bug zapper to reduce insect populations in their backyards or patios. However, some of the major insects one would like to kill, such as mosquitoes, seem relatively immune to the allure of a buzzing light and will avoid the zapper. Other valuable insects, such as moths and butterflies, which do no harm to humans are attracted to the light and suffer premature and needless deaths.
Advertisements often claim that the bug zapper is a “new” development. However, the bug zapper is actually over 70 years old. William Folmer and Harrison Chapin made the first one in 1934. The bug zapper has undergone some slight modifications over time, but is essentially the same machine with the same guiding principles.
The bug zapper somewhat resembles a mesh house. It has a top or roof, which keeps the bugs inside and protects the next layer which contains a tiny power transformer capable of zapping up to 2000 volts to the wire meshes at the bottom. Between the wire grids and the bottom is a light that can vary in wattage. The bulb tends to be fluorescent, which sadly doesn’t attract mosquitoes.
When an unsuspecting insect flies into the light, an electric zap is heard, similar to a short buzzing sound from a bee, signifying that the insect is now dead. Dead insects accumulate in the bottom of the zapper. The bug zapper needs to be emptied frequently as it can easily fill up overnight.
One concern with the bug zapper is that it may actually attract more bugs into one’s yard, rather than repel them. Plus, since it hoes mostly harmless insects, it can do more harm than good to the environment. Researchers have recently developed a type of bug zapper that emits a nontoxic chemical called Octenol and carbon dioxide. These two chemicals attract mosquitoes and may ultimately prove more effective at eliminating them.
For extra protection, however, you shouldn’t rely on the bug zapper alone. Citronella candles have a mosquito repellent factor and also, especially with the dangers of West Nile virus contracted by mosquitoes, the best prevention may be the use of skin insect repellents that contain DEET. Insect repellents need to be used with care, but they are effective at preventing bites. Avoiding going outside during the hours just before sunrise and after sunset, when mosquitoes are most prevalent, can also eliminate the risk of getting bitten.
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