A bug zapper, more formally known as an electrical discharge insect control system, electric insect killer or (insect) electrocutor Zap Zone Defender Experience trap, is a machine that attracts and kills flying insects which might be attracted by light. A light supply attracts insects to an electrical grid, where they are electrocuted by touching two wires with a excessive voltage between them. The identify comes from the characteristic onomatopoeic "Zap Zone Defender" sound produced when an insect is electrocuted. How Does a Bug Zapper Work? Inside Poundland's electric fly zapper bat. Do bug zappers actually work? Bug zappers are often housed in a protecting cage of plastic or grounded metal bars to stop folks or bigger animals from touching the excessive voltage grid. A light supply is fitted inside, usually a fluorescent lamp designed to emit each seen and ultraviolet mild, which is seen to insects and attracts a variety of them. Newer fashions now use lengthy-life LEDs to produce the sunshine. The light source is surrounded by a pair of interleaved bare wire grids or helices.

The gap between adjoining wires is often about 2 mm (0.079 in). A high-voltage energy provide powered by wall power is used, which may be a simple transformerless voltage multiplier circuit made with diodes and capacitors which can generate a voltage of 2 kilovolts or extra. This is high sufficient to conduct by means of the body of an insect which bridges the two grids, but not excessive sufficient to spark throughout the air hole. Enough electric current flows via the small physique of the insect to heat it to a high temperature. The impedance of the power supply and the association of the grid is such that it cannot drive a harmful current through the body of a human. Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that collect the electrocuted insects; other fashions are designed to allow the debris to fall to the bottom under. Some use a fan to help to lure the insect.

Bug zapper traps could also be installed indoors, or outdoors if they are constructed to withstand the results of weather. A research by the University of Delaware confirmed that over a period of 15 summer time nights, patio insect zapper 13,789 insects have been killed among six units. Of these insects killed, only 31 had been biting insects. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide and water vapor within the breath of mammals, not ultraviolet gentle. However, there are now bug zappers that emit carbon dioxide or pest control use an external bait, similar to octenol, to higher appeal to biting insects into the trap. Research has proven that when insects are electrocuted, bug zappers can unfold a mist containing insect elements as much as about 2 metres (6 toes 7 inches) from the device. The air across the bug zapper can become contaminated by bacteria and viruses that can be inhaled by, or settle on the meals of people in the speedy neighborhood. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that the bug zapper shouldn't be installed above a meals preparation area, and that insects ought to be retained inside the machine.

Scatter-proof designs are produced for this goal. Battery-powered bug zappers are manufactured, usually in the shape of a tennis racket, with which flying insects can be hit. Low-value versions may use a standard disposable battery, patio insect zapper whereas rechargeable bug zappers could use a lithium-ion battery. In its October 1911 challenge, Popular Mechanics magazine had a bit displaying a model "fly entice" that used all the elements of a trendy bug zapper, including electric gentle and electrified grid. The design was carried out by two unnamed Denver males and was conceded to be too costly to be of practical use. The system was 10 by 15 inches (25 by 38 cm), contained 5 incandescent gentle bulbs, patio insect zapper 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 had been alleged to bait the interior with meat. Based on the US Patent and Trademark Office, the primary bug zapper was patented in 1932 by William M. Frost.

Separately, William Brodbeck Herms (1876-1949), a professor of parasitology on the University of California, had been working on giant industrial insect traps for over 20 years for the safety of California's important fruit business. In 1934 he introduced the electronic insect killer that turned the mannequin for all future bug zappers. Anthony, Darrell W. (1960). "Tabanidae Interested in an Ultraviolet Light Trap". The Florida Entomologist. 43 (2): Defender by Zap Zone 77-80. doi:10.2307/3492383. patio insect zapper Vision: Ultraviolet, Color, Zap Zone Defender and LED LightMarianne Shockley Cruz Ph.D. Freudenrich, patio insect zapper Craig (11 July 2001). "Bug Zappers". Horticulture and Home Pest News. IC-475 (15). Iowa State University. Density and Diversity of Nontarget Insects Killed by Suburban Electric Insect Traps"". Urban, patio insect zapper James E.; Alberto Broce (October 2000). "Electrocution of House Flies in Bug Zappers Releases Bacteria and Viruses". FDA Food Code 2009: Annex 3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Does Electrifying Mosquitoes Protect People From Disease? Windsor, H. H., ed. October 1911). "An electric dying entice for the fly".