Bug zapper

A light source attracts insects to an electrical grid, where they are electrocuted by touching two wires with a high voltage between them.

Bug zappers are usually housed in a protective cage of plastic or grounded metal bars to prevent people or larger animals from touching the high voltage grid.

Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that collect the electrocuted insects; other models are designed to allow the debris to fall to the ground below.

A study by the University of Delaware showed that over a period of 15 summer nights, 13,789 insects were killed among six devices.

[5] However, there are now bug zappers that emit carbon dioxide or use an external bait, such as octenol, to better attract biting insects into the trap.

The air around the bug zapper can become contaminated by bacteria and viruses that can be inhaled by, or settle on the food of people in the immediate vicinity.

[12] In its October 1911 issue, Popular Mechanics magazine had a piece showing a model "fly trap" that used all the elements of a modern bug zapper, including electric light and electrified grid.