Mosquitoes
Electrocution Devices for insect control
Many homeowners purchase light traps with electric grids, commonly called bug-zappers, to rid their property of mosquitoes and other biting insects flies. The constant snaps, crackles and pops confirm in the homeowners minds that the devices are working. There is more to the story however. Almost all of the insects killed are harmless, most being beetles and moths. A recent study done at the University of Delaware has finally yielded some hard data on the use of "zappers".
Over a ten (10) week study during the summer of 1996 ten (10) "bug-zappers" killed a total of 13,789 insects. All were collected from the devices and identified.
Of the 13,789 insects, there were eighteen (18) female mosquitoes; twelve (12) biting midges (no-see-ums); and one (1) black fly. This is a total of 31 biting insects out of 13,789 or 0.22%.
There is no reason to believe the Delaware results are any different than what occurs in Mississippi. These devices are basically a waste of money, time and energy. Homeowners should be so advised
