Do Mosquito Zappers Really Work? Separating Fact from Fiction

Mosquitoes can be a huge source of frustration when you’re trying to enjoy time outside. You might feel as though every time you’re outside, you’re swatting at bugs or worrying about your family getting bit.

Since mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, it can become a constant source of worry.

Because of that, you might be looking into how to get rid of mosquitoes and have come across potential solutions including bug zappers for mosquitoes. But that might have you wondering how effective they are at addressing your mosquito problem.

In this article, we’ll address the common question: Do mosquito zappers really work?

Spoiler alert…they aren’t the effective solution people make them out to be. In this article, we’ll explain why.

How Do Mosquito Zappers Work?

To understand why bug zappers aren’t going to be highly effective on mosquitoes, you must understand how they work.

Bug zappers typically work by using a bulb to emit UV light that is said to attract bugs. If you’ve ever been around a zapper, you’ve probably heard enough sizzling to know that they’re definitely attracting something.

The trouble is, they’re typically attracting and zapping bugs like moths and beetles, neither of which are the problem you’re trying to address.

In fact, a study out of Iowa State University found that bug zappers kill more than 70 billion insects annually but have no decipherable impact on the mosquito population. The study did find that zappers are killing harmless, non-biting insects that are beneficial to the ecosystem. 

Some bug zappers for mosquitoes are more complex than just using light (which does nothing to attract mosquitoes). Since female mosquitoes are said to be attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale, some zappers use propane-fueled carbon dioxide or chemical bait to try and attract mosquitoes.

The trouble is, these pests are too smart to be fooled. Or, perhaps, it’s more that they’re too hungry. A hungry mosquito in search of its next blood meal can tell the difference between a warm-blooded mammal and a trap.

People commonly put zappers and traps near where they’re spending time outside to try and take care of the pests in that area. However, research indicates that people may be more likely to get bitten while sitting near a trap or zapper. This is probably because mosquitoes can tell the difference and will go for the true bloodmeal.

Do Mosquito Zappers Work?

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that bug zappers are an effective solution for mosquitoes. And not only that, but they can have a negative impact on the ecosystem by killing beneficial bugs.

So, what does work to get rid of mosquitoes?

We recommend a multi-faceted approach to mosquito control that includes the use of professional mosquito control. 

Let’s take a closer look at what can help get rid of mosquitoes on your property.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

First and foremost, it’s important to get rid of areas of standing water as these can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Here are some examples of where standing water can accumulate on a property:

• Tarps and pool covers
• Clogged gutters
• Garbage and recycling bins (that aren’t covered)
• Buckets or other containers left in the yard
• Low spots in plant beds or in the yard itself
• Flower pots or flower pot saucers
• Wheelbarrows
• Kiddie toys
• Watering cans

We also recommend keeping your property tidy as overgrown shrubbery and tall grasses tend to be a hiding spot for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are weak fliers and stop often to rest. When they do, they don’t want to be exposed and baking in the sun. Overgrown landscapes tend to be more of a mosquito hang-out since they offer a lot of shelter.

Finally, we also recommend hiring mosquito control services in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern Maine. Even if you eliminate areas of standing water and clean up your property, there are likely still existing mosquitoes. Sometimes they originate from your neighbors’ properties, not yours. 

But professional mosquito control can help.

At Seacoast Turf Care, serving in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern Maine,  we target prime mosquito habitats with our product. 

We spray for mosquitoes throughout their entire active season with seven different treatment visits. With a pest as dangerous as the mosquito, you need to be diligent.

Your Wise Choice in Mosquito Control Services in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern Maine

We know that your search for bug zappers for mosquitoes is simply an effort to do whatever you can to keep your family safe. But your best approach is going to be a combination of efforts to reduce the mosquito population on your property (by eliminating standing water and tidying your landscape) while also using professional mosquito treatments. 

When you invest in professional protection, you are gaining valuable peace of mind that these pests won’t be a serious threat to your family. When you choose the right company, you can also feel confident that you aren’t making a compromise with unsafe products or poor service.

At Seacoast Turf Care, it is our mission to put an end to what’s bugging you. We know that mosquitoes can be a source of frustration and stress. But we’re here to help.

Want to stop worrying about the danger of mosquitoes on your Southern NH, ME, or Northeastern Massachusetts property? Get mosquito control pricing today.