An electronic insect killer is a device that lures and kills pests, such as mosquitoes, moths, gnats, flies and house ants. Most of these devices operate on a simple principle: They use ultraviolet light to attract insects, then an electrified grid kills them when they fly into it. Some use a chemical, such as Octenol, to attract mosquitoes that do not respond to UV light.
Mosquitoes transmit the disease malaria, which can cause life-threatening illness in people living in certain parts of the world. To help prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of malaria infection, some people have used electronic mosquito repellents (EMRs). EMRs emit high-pitched sounds, which are inaudible to humans, and they claim to repel female mosquitoes by blocking their ability to sense carbon dioxide. Some manufacturers also sell a mobile phone ring tone that they say will repel mosquitoes.
Some EMRs are designed for outdoor use, while others are portable enough to be used indoors. Most have a protective cage that prevents accidental contact with the electric grid by people or pets, and they have removable, washable trays for collecting dead insects. Most are powered by electricity, but some use solar energy to lure and zap pests.
Despite their claims, electronic bug zappers do not seem to prevent mosquito bites or malaria. In several field entomological studies that controlled for geographic site, time and attractiveness of the participants, the number of mosquitoes landing on bare skin with and without functioning EMRs was equal. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of dummy EMRs, inoperable EMRs or non-EMRs with treated or untreated bed nets also failed to show an advantage for EMRs.
There are some other effective methods for controlling mosquitoes, including eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs, covering rain barrels and ponds, and stocking them with fish that will eat mosquito larvae. In addition, local governments may spray pesticides, such as malathion, on a large scale to eliminate mosquitoes during the summer.
Keep mosquitoes and other pests away from your outdoor living spaces with a maintenance-free, environmentally friendly Flowtron outdoor electronic insect killer. This outdoor bug zapper uses a powerful 40-watt ultraviolet light to lure flying insects, including mosquitoes, moths and gnats, before they fly into the high-voltage electric grid and are killed. A plastic guard keeps children and pets safe from the zapping action. The unit is self-cleaning, with zapped insects falling to the ground and decomposing naturally. The kit includes one octenol lure. Replacement lures are available separately.