The bug zapper has been used by a large number of people all over the world for decades. However, there are certain studies that question its effectiveness. Timothy Frick and Douglas Tallamy of University of Delaware, in 1996, published a study in the journal known as Entomological News.
During the summer of 1994, they gathered and identified the kills from 6 bug zappers at different places all over the suburban Newark. Their data revealed that from the 14,000 insects that were swatted and calculated, biting gnats and mosquitoes account for only 0.22%. Must read this article before scroll next 7 Best Indoor Bug Zapper Review Bug Zapper Effectiveness Majority of the insects electrocuted, i.e. 48%, were harmless and were the aquatic insects that came from the nearby water bodies. Frick and Tallamy asserted that electrocution of these harmless insects may create disturbances in the nearby small ecosystems. Tallamy stated that ultraviolet light fails to lure most of the mosquito species and that most of them bite during day time. He also claimed that the use of a bug zapper for getting rid of biting insects is, hence, useless. In fact it leads to a heavy toll on harmless insects.
βIt has also been noted that the mist of the electrocuted insects spread in the surrounding air, thereby polluting it with a huge number of harmful microorganism. When this mist gets inhaled or consumed by humans, as it may even settle on food, it can lead to a number of health problems.
There are a number of other means to control insects, especially mosquitoes. The conventional bug zappers are ineffective and unsuccessful against mosquitoes as they do not get attracted to ultraviolet light. However, there are certain electronic bug zappers that emit Octenol which is a non poisonous and pesticide free pheromone mosquito attractant. This can help in getting rid of mosquitoes effectively. Carbon dioxide emitted by humans in their breath and sweat tends to attract mosquitoes. Some bug zappers emit a continuous stream of Octenol attractant, carbon dioxide and moisture. When mosquitoes will try to come near to this mixture, the bug zapper will suck them into a net, dehydrate and eventually kill them. Since these bug zappers are powered by propane tank, electricity is not needed. Another effective device uses a certain chemical that blocks the olfactory receptors of the mosquitoes. So, they cannot smell your sweat and thus, it will lead to reduced bites.
Bug Zapper Alternatives
If you wish to control mosquitoes, your prime concern should be to eradicate the female mosquitoes and their eggs. Standing water is the site of mosquito breeding. Make sure that your house or surrounding area does not offer such sites for mosquito breeding. You can also kill mosquito eggs, larvae and adults with the help of commercial pesticides, such as malathion. Check how to repair your bug zapper in few menutes β On the personal front, you can make use of insect repellents. Most of the mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects are repelled by DEET. Citronella oil is also very effective against flying and biting bugs. Candles made from Citronella oil can also be burnt inside and outside the house to get rid of biting bugs and are a good alternative to using a bug zapper.
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