Bug Zappers

Bug zappers are electrically powered devices that produce a strong ultraviolet light to draw light seeking insects toward it so it can then kill them with a high voltage electrical charge. The light producing "bait" is surrounded by a fine grill of grounded and insulated wire which will arc an electrical current into any insect that gets too close, thus frying the insect and desiccating its body.

There are a number of commercial bug zappers on the market and they have a variety of voltage requirements and effectiveness. Stinger (tm), Sunbeam (tm) and Yard Guard (tm) bug zappers seem to be some of the most popular of these devices. They are reasonably priced and have extra safety features built in to reduce the danger to humans that might come in contact with parts of the effective electrical field. Most bug zappers are designed for hanging in a fairly protected area as moisture and rain can cause them to either lose effectiveness or short out completely.

The Original Patented L'ectroswat Bug Zapper is the first truly effective hand held bug zapper on the market. This device is battery operated and is shaped like a tennis racket. The current is activated with a button on the handle and the racket is moved slowly toward the doomed insect until it contacts the electrically charged wires and is fried. You can get the L'ectroswat and other hand held bug zappers at wholesale and discounted prices.

While it may seem that you are ridding the world of harmful insects with one of these bug zapper devices, you must remember that many of the insects you draw into the light do actual good for the environment but are indiscriminately killed along with harmful ones. The bug zappers are virtually useless in keeping down mosquitoes as they are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide from your breath, not ultraviolet light. Small birds and lizards that hunt light seeking insects will also die when coming into contact with the electrical current.

It is not really a good idea to use bug zappers indoors as a too high a charge can cause the insect to burst into flames and the resulting fireball could set a carpet on fire. Also, the electrical destruction of these insects will spread particles of their bodies into the air and any bacteria or fungi they were carrying can them be inhaled by humans. If you put them over a food preparation area, the insect bodies can fall into your food and contaminate it.