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 that are attracted by gentle. A light supply attracts insects to an electrical grid, where they are electrocuted by touching two wires with a excessive voltage between them. The name comes from the characteristic onomatopoeic "zap" 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 protecting cage of plastic or grounded metallic bars to forestall people or bigger animals from touching the excessive voltage grid. A light source is fitted inside, usually a fluorescent lamp designed to emit each seen and ultraviolet mild, which is visible to insects and attracts a wide range of them. Newer fashions now use lengthy-life LEDs to supply the light. The light source is surrounded by a pair of interleaved bare wire grids or helices.

The space between adjoining wires is often about 2 mm (0.079 in). A high-voltage power provide powered by wall energy is used, which may be a simple transformerless voltage multiplier circuit made with diodes and capacitors which can generate a voltage of 2 kilovolts or extra. That is high sufficient to conduct by way of the body of an insect which bridges the 2 grids, but not high sufficient to spark throughout the air gap. Enough electric current flows through the small body of the insect to heat it to a excessive temperature. The impedance of the power provide and the association of the grid is such that it can not drive a harmful current by the physique of a human. Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that acquire the electrocuted insects