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Using a tennis racket-shaped bug zapper is quite satisfying. You can easily zap mosquitoes and feel accomplished! The same goes for the bug zappers you hang on your patio or near your outdoor space. Hearing the little zap makes it feel like you’re actually doing something to take care of your mosquito problem. But are you? Do mosquito zappers really work? Discover how bug zappers differ from mosquito prevention. One method is much more effective than the other. Learn why that is.
Why Should We Avoid Mosquitoes in the First Place?
Mosquitoes are not just annoying pests; they’re dangerous. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth. They kill over one million people each year by spreading malaria.
We’re lucky that malaria isn't a concern in the United States. However, mosquitoes can still spread other diseases here. West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the US. Most people fight West Nile virus off with little trouble, but in a small percentage of cases, it can cause long-term issues.
Although much rarer, various types of encephalitis are also spread by mosquitoes in our area. Eastern equine encephalitis is very rare, but it is extremely dangerous when contracted.
What Are the Disadvantages of Electric Mosquito Killers?
Although bug zappers can be kind of fun, and the noise they make can make it feel like they’re really helping. The truth is that these electric mosquito killers are not as effective as we’d like to think. In fact, there are several disadvantages to using bug zappers to try to get rid of mosquitoes:
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Bug zappers are indiscriminate. They will not only zap mosquitoes, but also beneficial pests that get too close.
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Bug zappers can give you a false sense of security. They might kill some mosquitoes near your home, but most will still thrive.
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Mosquitoes aren’t attracted to bug zappers. Most bug zappers use UV light to attract bugs. While other bugs are attracted to UV light, mosquitoes are not.
Can a Mosquito Survive a Bug Zapper?
If a mosquito gets right up close to a working bug zapper, it’s likely not going to survive. However, most mosquitoes are not even going to get close enough to the bug zapper to get zapped. Some newer models use octenol lures which can attract mosquitoes to them. However, this can backfire by bringing more mosquitoes onto your property.
All in all, the majority of mosquitoes will survive a bug zapper because they will never get close enough to it to allow it to be effective.
Why Don’t Bug Zappers Kill Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are most attracted to the carbon dioxide that people emit. That’s why when you are outdoors, simply breathing will attract mosquitoes to you. Mosquitoes are not attracted to UV light, which is what most bug zappers use to attract bugs.
Research from the University of Florida showed that in a one-night test, 10,000 bugs were killed by a bug zapper. This sounds like an impressive result. However, of those 10,000 bugs, only eight were mosquitoes, while thousands were beneficial bugs.
This data shows that bug zappers are ineffective against mosquitoes. So what is the best way to control mosquitoes?
What Is the Best Way to Control Mosquitoes?
The best way to control mosquitoes is through prevention. By preventing mosquitoes from breeding, you can greatly reduce their populations around your property. Mosquito prevention is not difficult. It may take some modifications to your property, but it is doable. Try the following preventative recommendations:
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Eliminate standing water (gutters, birdbaths, planters) to get rid of mosquito breeding spots
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Use larvicides or mosquito dunks in unavoidable water sources
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Keep grass and foliage around your property well-trimmed
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Schedule professional mosquito reduction services, like MosquitoMAX
Are Natural and Ultrasonic Repellents Worth It?
Mosquito repellents abound. From citronella candles to bug zappers to essential oils, everyone seems to have their own opinion about the best way to avoid mosquitoes. While some debate their effectiveness, most natural repellents only provide temporary relief.
Mosquitoes might stay away when you use repellent or essential oil. But, you'll need to reapply it each time you go outside to keep it working.
The better way to keep mosquitoes off your property is through prevention. Make your yard unwelcoming to adult mosquitoes. Remove their breeding spots, too. Regular professional mosquito control helps keep your yard pleasant. Enjoy your outdoor space without worries. No bug zapper necessary.
Protect Your Family With Effective Mosquito Control
You want mosquito control that works. Contact All-American Pest Control instead of using a bug zapper. Our mosquito control treatments target mosquitoes, keeping your backyard a bite-free zone.
Skip the bug zapper. Choose smarter, proven solutions from All-American Pest Control instead. We look forward to helping you protect your family from biting mosquitoes.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation.