A bug zapper, more formally called an electrical discharge insect control system, electric insect killer or (insect) electrocutor lure, is a device that attracts and kills flying insects which can be attracted by light. A light supply attracts insects to an electrical grid, the place they're 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 forestall folks or larger animals from touching the high voltage grid. A light supply is fitted inside, typically a fluorescent lamp designed to emit each seen and ultraviolet light, which is visible to insects and attracts a wide range of them. Newer models now use long-life LEDs to supply the sunshine. The light supply is surrounded by a pair of interleaved naked wire grids or helices.

The distance between adjacent wires is often about 2 mm (0.079 in). A excessive-voltage energy supply powered by wall power is used, which could also be a easy transformerless voltage multiplier circuit made with diodes and capacitors which might generate a voltage of 2 kilovolts or more. That is high sufficient to conduct by means of the physique of an insect which bridges the 2 grids, Zap Zone Defender however not high sufficient to spark throughout the air hole. Enough electric present flows by the small physique of the insect to heat it to a high temperature. The impedance of the ability supply and the arrangement of the grid is such that it cannot drive a dangerous present by way of the physique of a human. Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that collect the electrocuted insects