Pesky insects can be annoying for everyone.

Some people have this fear for insects that make it unbearable for them to even talk about it. If you identify yourself as that person or someone who is having a hard time keeping those biting bugs away from you, bug zappers are your go-to option.

Bug zappers are versatile and can be a savior in many situations. From using it while camping outdoors or having a small get-together at the patio to even keeping it indoors, bug zappers attract insects that would otherwise bother you. Wasps, bugs, gnats, mosquitoes, and other flies are quickly captured and turned into dead insects.

While they provide all-around protection to you and your family, you might ask if leaving the bug zapper on all night is a good choice. After all, flying insects and common household pests become most active at night.

So what is the best decision for traditional bug zappers?

Well, leaving it on all night is not going to do it any harm. However, turning it off is a more considerate choice once you come inside and get cozy to retire for the night. We will tell you why.

This article will explain the ins and outs of bug zappers and provide some insights for you to get the most out of it.

Read on!

Is it safe to leave bug zapper on overnight?

Yes, it is completely safe to leave your bug zapper switched on overnight, be it indoors or outdoors.

The logic is plain and simple; the longer it works through the night, the more insects it will seize.

However, there is a catch.

According to an article published by experts from the University of Delaware, a bug zapper does more harm than good for your surroundings from an environmental point of view. The ultraviolet light that it emits efficiently attracts insects and bugs, thereby controlling their presence.

A lot of the insects that fall prey to the device are either harmless or are valuable to the environment. For instance, the common insects that bite, like mosquitoes and gnats, are not attracted to the light, unlike the beneficial beetles, ants, moths, and midges.

You want your bug zapper to keep you comfortable so when you’re not close to it, there is little point in it being on. While it is safe to leave a bug zapper on overnight, it’s usually the best advice to switch them off.

How long can you leave a bug zapper on?

Technically, you can leave your bug zapper switched on 24/7.

By leaving it on through day and night, you effectively break down the breeding cycle of the insects. After some time, you should be able to notice a considerable amount of reduction in the number of pests around your home.

While there is no harm in leaving your bug zapper on all the time, they turn out to be pretty useless during the day. Zappers do work perfectly fine during the day; however, the UV light emitted by them would nowhere be influential when compared to the overpowering sunlight.

Using a zapper during the day would actually be effective if you have it installed in a shaded region that is able to block sunlight effectively.

If you still prefer to have your zapper switched on all day, there frankly is no concern. There are other alternatives that you can consider if you are in dire need of a solution. Bug repellent sprays or bug rackets are some of the most popular means used by people.

Can bug zappers cause fires?

Proper care should be taken in the case of indoor bug zappers, just like all the other electric devices in your home. With that said, no, these devices will not cause any fire hazard if they are looked after properly, especially the ones outdoors.

Leaving your bug zapper in contact with a direct source of water, most usually rain can result in the generation of high voltages. This high amount of voltage has the ability to start a fire. Particular care needs to be taken in making sure that the electrical cords do not come in contact with water. You should also ensure that an indoor bug zapper is connected to GFCI-protected receptacles.

Besides, it also becomes essential that you keep the bug zapper away from human touch.

If any part of your body comes in contact with the wire mesh, you are hit with a sharp and painful sting depending on the voltage. You might also get a burn if you leave your hand for long.

However, there is no need for a grave concern as with bug zappers, harmful incidents are very rare.

Can I leave my bug zapper on in the rain?

While there is no problem in leaving outdoor bug zappers on in the rain, it is always better to take the safer side. Consider your bug zapper as just another electrical device. When it is left to function in the rain, it is highly susceptible to shorting and tripping the main circuit.

Another reason that you need to pay attention to is that outdoor bug zappers work at relatively higher voltages and when these devices get wet, they become live.

While most brands today have brainstormed and come up with designs that include weatherproof features, it is invariably safe to unplug it in case of heavy rains. Do bug zappers work in the rain? Many still can but there is little point in them being on during bad weather as insect pests won’t be present.

How much electricity do buzz zappers consume?

Almost next to nothing!

Bug zappers have a high voltage for dead bugs but significantly less current. Most of the units are connected to the household and they draw power to energize the lamp and the internal circuit.

Even a large electric bug zapper would use somewhere around 100 watts of electricity. Even if you have two units taking care of the insects all night, they will amount to a meager 20 cents worth of electricity per day.

In this way, you will be spending less than $10 per month to get rid of all those bothersome biting flies. If you have a large electric bug zapper, don’t worry about leaving it on.

Types of bug zappers

Plug-ins

The smallest bug zappers cover a minimal area, they are a reasonable choice if you are out camping or want to deter mosquitoes in your room.

This device is effective only for a very small region and does not assure you of killing all insects. Their size makes them painlessly easy to operate, and they can be used anywhere, be it your home or office. They are still great at attracting insects and are perfect if you want to be fairly inconspicuous.

Handheld

The simplest of these devices, a handheld zapper will offer basic support for killing bugs when you tend your garden or unwind for a conversation in your courtyard. The shape of these bug zappers is simple and makes it easier for you to attract those flying insects wherever you’re sitting.

These bug zappers demand frequent charging and either have a USB charging system or require you to plug it directly into an electric socket to maintain that ultraviolet light draw.

Tabletop

For many people looking for a portable option, this will be the best bug zapper for killing insects such as house flies and fruit flies. Designed to lay flat on a table or a ground, this device lures flying insects and other insect pests, and kills them instantly using its wired mesh.

They are portable and can easily be carried between indoors and outdoors, depending on the occasion. Most models come in a variety of sizes and design for your comfort, and a power outlet near you is all that you require to kill many biting bugs.

It is not recommended if you have an infestation and are looking to clear out insects in your surroundings. Even the best bug zappers won’t be able to cope with that and you’d need to all pet control.

Lantern

It comes in a large size and shape, with most of them resembling a lantern. Now it not only kills all your worries but also provides an aesthetic look to your home. These types of bug zappers are the most common and frequently sought by people who constantly want to run a bug zapper.

If you are looking to buy a new bug zapper, there are a few things that you should know. Before getting your hands on bug zappers, make sure to learn about the best seller in your region. Remember to look into essential features like material, coverage area, power source, price, design and construction. Happy shopping!

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