# Bug zapper > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bug_zapper > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Bug_zapper.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper > Source revision: 1333149885 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Device that electrocutes insects An outdoor bug zapper A **bug zapper**, more formally called an **electrical discharge insect control system**, **electric insect killer** or **(insect) electrocutor trap**, is a device that attracts and kills flying [insects](/source/Insect) that are [attracted by light](/source/Phototaxis). A light source attracts insects to an electrical grid, where they are [electrocuted](/source/Electrocution) by touching two wires with a [high voltage](/source/High_voltage) between them. The name comes from the characteristic [onomatopoeic](/source/Onomatopoeic) "[zap](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/zap)" sound produced when an insect is electrocuted. ## Description Indoor bug zapper which can be used, for example, in a bedroom Bug zappers are usually housed in a protective cage of plastic or grounded metal bars to prevent people or larger animals from touching the high voltage grid. A light source is fitted inside, often a [fluorescent lamp](/source/Fluorescent_lamp) designed to emit both [visible](/source/Visible_spectrum) and [ultraviolet](/source/Ultraviolet) light, which is visible to insects and attracts a variety of them.[1][2] Newer models now use long-life LEDs to produce the light. The light source is surrounded by a pair of interleaved bare wire grids or [helices](/source/Helices). The distance between adjacent wires is typically about 2 mm (0.079 in). A high-voltage [power supply](/source/Power_supply) powered by [wall power](/source/Wall_power) is used, which may be a simple [transformerless](/source/Transformer) [voltage multiplier](/source/Voltage_multiplier) circuit made with [diodes](/source/Diode) and [capacitors](/source/Capacitor) which can generate a voltage of 2 [kilovolts](/source/Kilovolt) or more. This is high enough to conduct through the body of an insect which bridges the two grids, but not high enough to spark across the air gap. Enough [electric current](/source/Electric_current) flows through the small body of the insect to heat it to a high temperature.[3] The [impedance](/source/Electrical_impedance) of the power supply and the arrangement of the grid is such that it cannot drive a dangerous current through the body of a human. Bug Zapper (electric insect killer) electrocutes a big fly Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that collect the electrocuted insects; other models are designed to allow the debris to fall to the ground below. Some use a fan to help to trap the insect. ## Indoors or outdoors use Bug zapper traps may be installed indoors, or outdoors if they are constructed to withstand the effects of weather. However, they are not effective at killing biting insects (female [mosquitoes](/source/Mosquitoes) and other insects) outdoors,[4][5] being much more effective at attracting and killing other harmless and beneficial insects. A study by the University of Delaware showed that over a period of 15 summer nights, 13,789 insects were killed among six devices. Of those insects killed, only 31 were biting insects.[6] Mosquitoes are attracted to [carbon dioxide](/source/Carbon_dioxide) and water vapor in the breath of mammals, not ultraviolet light.[5] However, there are now bug zappers that emit carbon dioxide or use an external bait, such as [octenol](/source/Octenol), to better attract biting insects into the trap.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Makeshift CO2 bug trap ## Scattering Research has shown that when insects are [electrocuted](/source/Electric_shock), bug zappers can spread a mist containing insect parts up to about 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) from the device. The air around the bug zapper can become [contaminated](/source/Contaminated) by [bacteria](/source/Bacteria) and [viruses](/source/Viruses) that can be inhaled by, or settle on the food of people in the immediate vicinity.[7][8][9] The [US Food and Drug Administration](/source/Food_and_Drug_Administration_(United_States)) (FDA) advises that the bug zapper should not be installed above a food preparation area, and that insects should be retained within the device.[10] Scatter-proof designs are produced for this purpose. ## Hand-held type Main article: [Fly-killing device § Electric flyswatter](/source/Fly-killing_device#Electric_flyswatter) Battery-powered bug zappers are manufactured, often in the shape of a [tennis racket](/source/Tennis_racket), with which flying insects can be hit.[11] Low-cost versions may use a standard disposable battery, while rechargeable bug zappers may use a lithium-ion battery.[12] ## History Early model prototype fly zapper circa 1911, conceded to be too expensive to be practical In its October 1911 issue, *[Popular Mechanics](/source/Popular_Mechanics)* magazine had a piece showing a model "fly trap" that used all the elements of a modern bug zapper, including electric light and electrified grid. The design was implemented by two unnamed Denver men and was conceded to be too expensive to be of practical use. The device was 10 by 15 inches (25 by 38 cm), contained 5 incandescent light bulbs, and the grid was 1⁄16-inch (1.59 mm) wires spaced 1⁄8-inch (3.17 mm) apart with a voltage of 450 volts. Users were supposed to bait the interior with meat.[13] According to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the first bug zapper was patented in 1932 by William M. Frost.[14] Separately, William Brodbeck Herms (1876–1949), a professor of [parasitology](/source/Parasitology) at the University of California, had been working on large commercial insect traps for over 20 years for the protection of California's important fruit industry. In 1934 he introduced the electronic insect killer that became the model for all future bug zappers.[15] ## See also Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Bug zappers](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Bug_zappers). - [Electric flyswatter](/source/Electric_flyswatter) - [Fly-killing device](/source/Fly-killing_device) - [Insect repellents from natural sources](/source/Insect_repellent#Insect_repellents_from_natural_sources) - [Moth trap](/source/Moth_trap) - [Nematocera](/source/Nematocera) - [Personal protective equipment](/source/Personal_protective_equipment) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Anthony, Darrell W. (1960). ["Tabanidae Attracted to an Ultraviolet Light Trap"](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F3492383). *The Florida Entomologist*. **43** (2): 77–80. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/3492383](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F3492383). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0015-4040](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0015-4040). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [3492383](https://www.jstor.org/stable/3492383). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Insect Vision: Ultraviolet, Color, and LED LightMarianne Shockley Cruz Ph.D. and Rebecca LindnerUniversity of Georgia Department of Entomology November 2011. [https://www.discoverlife.org/moth/OTHER/InsectVision_UVColorandLEDLight.pdf](https://www.discoverlife.org/moth/OTHER/InsectVision_UVColorandLEDLight.pdf) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Freudenrich, Craig (11 July 2001). ["Bug Zappers"](http://home.howstuffworks.com/bug-zapper.htm). How Stuff Works. Retrieved 2009-10-22. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [sciencedaily.com](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1997/07/970730060806.htm): "Snap! Crackle! Pop! Electric Bug Zappers Are Useless For Controlling Mosquitoes, Says UF/IFAS Pest Expert" July 30, 2013. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Lewis09_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Lewis09_5-1) ["Bug Zappers are Harmful, Not Helpful"](http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1996/6-14-1996/bugzapper.html). *Horticulture and Home Pest News*. IC-475 (15). Iowa State University. 1996-06-14. Retrieved 2009-10-22. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Full text of "Density and Diversity of Nontarget Insects Killed by Suburban Electric Insect Traps""](https://archive.org/stream/cbarchive_110397_densityanddiversityofnontarget1925/densityanddiversityofnontarget1925_djvu.txt). *archive.org*. Retrieved 2015-12-29. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Can bug zappers help transmit diseases?"](http://science.howstuffworks.com/question682.htm). HowStuffWorks. Retrieved 30 April 2009. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Urban, James E.; Alberto Broce (October 2000). ["Electrocution of House Flies in Bug Zappers Releases Bacteria and Viruses"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130611200153/http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_entm/extension/Efficacy%2BTrials/zapabs99.html.html). *Current Microbiology*. **41** (4). Kansas State University: 267–270. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s002840010132](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs002840010132). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [10977894](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10977894). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [23790034](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:23790034). Archived from [the original](http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_entm/extension/Efficacy%20Trials/zapabs99.html.html) on 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2009-10-22. bug zappers not only pose an immediate threat because of the release of bacteria and viruses, but they also release insect particles which are potential allergens or which cause various respiratory conditions 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["K-State Researchers Say Bug Zappers May Cause More Harm Than Good"](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/06/990604080148.htm). *ScienceDaily*. Retrieved 2024-07-17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-fda2001_10-0)** ["Chapter 6: Physical Facilities; Insect Control Devices, Design and Installation; 6-202.13"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130329134605/http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/ucm189214.htm#6-202.13). *FDA Food Code 2009: Annex 3*. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration](/source/Food_and_Drug_Administration_(United_States)). 2009. Archived from [the original](https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/RetailFoodProtection/FoodCode/ucm189214.htm#6-202.13) on March 29, 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-23. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Does Electrifying Mosquitoes Protect People From Disease?](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2017/05/zapping-mosquitoes/525594/) thealtlantic.com, 5 May 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Rechargeable Bug Zappers"](https://www.zapoutusa.com/best-bug-zapper/). *Zapout*. 2020-04-27. Retrieved 2020-06-26. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Windsor, H. H., ed. (October 1911). ["An electric death trap for the fly"](https://books.google.com/books?id=P94DAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22popular+mechanics%22+1910&pg=PA16). *Popular Mechanics*. **16** (4): 464. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [US US1871978A](https://patents.google.com/patent/US1871978A/en), Frost, William M., "Insect electrocutor", issued 1932-08-16 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Electric Chair For Insects Helps Farmers", 1990 march](https://books.google.com/books?id=w98DAAAAMBAJ&dq=Junkers+stratosphere&pg=PA406) v t e Home appliances Types Air conditioner Air fryer Air ioniser Air purifier Barbecue grill Blender Immersion blender Bread machine Bug zapper Coffee percolator Clothes dryer combo Clothes iron Coffeemaker Dehumidifier Dishwasher drying cabinet Domestic robot Deep fryer Electric blanket Electric drill Electric kettle Electric knife Electric water boiler Electric heater Electric shaver Electric toothbrush Epilator Espresso machine Evaporative cooler Food processor Fan attic bladeless ceiling Fan heater window Freezer Garbage disposer Hair dryer Hair iron Humidifier Icemaker Ice cream maker Induction cooker Instant hot water dispenser Juicer Kitchen hood Kitchen stove Laundry-folding machine Lawn mower Riding mower Robotic lawn mower Leaf blower Lighter Mixer Oven Convection oven Microwave oven Pie iron Pressure cooker Refrigerator Crisper drawer smart Rice cooker Sewing machine Slow cooker Television set Toaster Vacuum cleaner central manual robotic Waffle iron Water dispenser Washing machine Washer-dryer See also Appliance plug Appliance recycling --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Bug zapper](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.