Outdoor Bug Zappers

We have a cheap outdoor bug zapper that plugs into a light socket, but it doesn't kill moths, so now we have dozens of moths hanging around the bug zapper.

I think I'm going to order this much nicer outdoor bug zapper:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SQLDRZN

I'm also going to order this outdoor timer so that I can have the zapper on during night time hours only:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079N9FW5B

The outdoor bug zapper is the best I could find on Amazon for less than $40, and the outdoor timer is the best I could find on Amazon for less than $20

What outdoor bug zapper do you have/recommend?

just cut through the plastic grid to let them in, that’s what i did with my old trusty Flowtron :disguised_face:

For the same price you’ll have better quality

https://www.amazon.com/Flowtron-BK-40D-Electronic-Insect-Coverage/dp/B00004R9VW

Are big hornets (asian hornet, ex) attracted to these lights/devices?
Around my parents home there are some of those, that start to appear. I wanted to know if such device is effective attracting and killing them.

Not that we want the closer, of course, but it would be helpful.

Don’t do it. Bug zappers are inherently bad for insect populations. They are very poor at targeting pests and kill many beneficial species.

Thanks for the links captainkirk! :+1:

Yeah, they kill everything but mosquitoes.

’Though in the house, they do a good job at gnasty little gnats that pop up out of nowhere.

Bug zappers are like “walking the plank” for mosquitoes, unfortunately all other insects walk the plank too. :frowning:

Okay this is what I’ve been using this summer when I’m out amongst the mosquitoes. It’s called Lavender essential oils! They hate the smell and never got bitten yet. Only thing is you’ll smell like your ready to go out on a date or something all day! :smiley:

Exactly this. Moth traps employ UV light to attract them, why would anyone want to kill them? The only time I see bug zappers here in the UK is in butchers shops where flies are attracted. A UV lamp draws insects.

My zapper works great on regular wasps. Have not yet seen any big hornets, just the regular black ones and red ones.

Thanks for the tip!

I might end up doing that with whichever outdoor bug zapper I get.

EDIT:

Would sharp scissors be appropriate for cutting the plastic?

I think it will be too thick, use a side cutter :disguised_face:

Years ago I lived near a little old widow lady. She kept a large number of turtles in the back yard. Like 50 of them.
She kept the males in a separate pen.
Didn’t want no unsupervised hankypanky going on.

She had some kind of bug zapper. There was always herd of turtles underneath waiting for the feast to fall from on high.

Their normal food was some kind of dog chow.
Most entertaining to see them come lumbering across the lawn when the dinner race was on.

We got us some characters in these here parts.
All the Best,
Jeff

This pond where we used to go and hang out and take pix, we’d bring/buy a loaf of bread. First turtles that would see me would come “running” (at least paddling) and practically come right up to me. As others would see me tossing pieces of bread into the water, they’d come paddling, too. Before you knew it, the whole pond was covered with little wakes trailing their nostrils’n’eyes sticking up out of the water like little periscopes.

Red-eared sliders, they were.

Never saw them eat bugs, though. Used to have odos all over, perched on twigs sticking up from the water, etc.

Also those Jesus-bugs that would walk on the surface of the water.

I ordered this outdoor bug zapper:

https://www.myvipon.com/product/8815942-Bug-Zapper-for-Outdoor-4200V-18W-amazon-coupons

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095XV778V

I think it was $16.50 with a Prime account.

(I used my sister's Amazon account.)

It only has 4.3 stars currently, but if you look at the customer reviews for just this model, it is very impressive.

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-High-Efficiency-Electronic-Mosquito-Backyard/product-reviews/B095XV778V/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_viewopt_fmt?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&formatType=current_format&pageNumber=1

I figured that those traps with CO2 emission + suction fan works best to attract mosquitoes.

Bingo! Mosquitoes are much more attracted to CO2 than uv.

I set up the outdoor bug zapper and mechanical timer today.

To cut the plastic, I'll need side-cutting pliers, so I just ordered these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RW8VTSX

Once I receive those, I think I'll be set for this little project.

Oh, c'mon you don't need that bug zapper bro. Why don't you have some fun and do it the old fashion fun way....Spray Paint, Flames and Fire!! Heeee Haaawww I do it on occasion if I see a big batch of mosquitoes hanging out in some damp dark area. Sneak up on them, steady and aim, flick the Bic and watch the show!

I cut a whole bunch of thick plastic with the side-cutting pliers.

Even though I wore a glove, I pinched my skin in one spot, so part of my finger is in some pain.

I set up the bug zapper, and it should automatically turn on later tonight.