A bug zapper, more formally called an electrical discharge insect control system, electric insect killer or (insect) electrocutor entice, is a gadget that attracts and kills flying insects that are attracted by light. A light source 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 "Official 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 usually housed in a protective cage of plastic or grounded metallic bars to prevent folks or larger animals from touching the excessive voltage grid. A mild source is fitted inside, usually a fluorescent lamp designed to emit both visible and ultraviolet mild, which is seen to insects and attracts quite a lot of them. Newer models now use lengthy-life LEDs to provide the sunshine. The light source is surrounded by a pair of interleaved naked wire grids or helices.

The distance between adjoining wires is usually about 2 mm (0.079 in). A excessive-voltage power 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 two kilovolts or extra. This is excessive enough to conduct by means of the body of an insect which bridges the two grids, but not high enough to spark throughout the air gap. Enough electric current flows via the small physique of the insect to heat it to a excessive temperature. The impedance of the ability provide and the association of the grid is such that it cannot drive a harmful present by way of the body of a human. Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that accumulate the electrocuted insects