A bug zapper, more formally referred to as an electrical discharge insect management system, electric insect killer or (insect) electrocutor lure, is a device that attracts and kills flying insects that are attracted by light. A light source attracts insects to an electrical grid, where they're electrocuted by touching two wires with a high voltage between them. The identify comes from the characteristic onomatopoeic "Zap Zone Defender" sound produced when an insect is electrocuted. How Does a Bug Zapper Work? Inside Poundland's electric fly zapper bat. Do bug zappers really work? Bug zappers are usually housed in a protecting cage of plastic or grounded steel bars to prevent people or larger animals from touching the high voltage grid. A gentle supply is fitted inside, often a fluorescent lamp designed to emit each seen and ultraviolet gentle, which is visible to insects and attracts a wide range of them. Newer models now use long-life LEDs to produce the sunshine. The light source is surrounded by a pair of interleaved naked wire grids or helices.

The distance between adjacent wires is typically about 2 mm (0.079 in). A high-voltage energy supply powered by wall energy is used, which could also be a simple transformerless voltage multiplier circuit made with diodes and capacitors which may generate a voltage of two kilovolts or extra. That is high enough to conduct via the body of an insect which bridges the two grids, but not excessive sufficient to spark across the air gap. Enough electric current flows by means of the small body of the insect to heat it to a excessive temperature. The impedance of the facility provide and the arrangement of the grid is such that it cannot drive a dangerous current via the body of a human. Many bug zappers are fitted with trays that collect the electrocuted insects