You’ve spent the last year inside hiding from the world. It’s time to get outdoors and let loose with your friends and family. But there’s one problem… BUGS!
Bugs are the worst. They buzz and bite non-stop and have the uncanny ability to ruin any outdoor gathering or activity. They’re the unwanted party guests that just can’t take a hint. Looking at you, Uncle Peter!
You can douse yourself in bug repellent or create a seance circle of citronella candles to hold them at bay, but they’re always there. Watching and waiting for the perfect moment to attack your tasty skin!
So, what can you do to remedy the situation and get back to enjoying the great outdoors?
Read on as we break down bug zappers and how they work.
Zip Zap Za
Whether you are doing some black lawn camping, hosting a barbecue, or just enjoying the outdoors after a hard day’s work, there’s nothing better than spending time with family or friends out back in the wide expanses of your yard.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for you to start swatting away at the mosquitos and gnats gnawing at your arms and ankles.
In the olden days, before pest control was a booming industry, people had to rely on more primitive methods of clearing their surroundings of pests. The main defense was a biological one that relied on using other animals like frogs and toads as natural predators to kill the small insects.
After a while, bug repellant became a common counterattack to discourage insect infestation.
More recently, due to advances in technology, a more efficient and sustainable solution to outdoor pest control came in the form of a bug zapper.
Also known as electronic insect-control system or electrical-discharge insect-control system, these devices make use of ultraviolet light and electrocution. Bug zappers have become perhaps the best way to deal with insects on your property.
Backstory of the Buzz
The earliest record of insect repellent being sold was in 1911. Before that, people were just at the whim of any insect that entered their airspace.
Luckily, in 1934, William F. Folmer and Harrison Chapin registered a patent for the first bug zapper. Unfortunately, this model was deemed too expensive to be practically used by the masses.
The original device was 10x15” and used five incandescent light bulbs to attract bugs. Much like similar models today, the bulbs were surrounded by a grid with wires spaced apart. This early model was only 450 volts, and users were supposed to bait the interior with meat!
A separate gentleman by the name of William Brodbeck Hems was also working on a similar device around the same time. Hems was a professor of parasitology at the University of California and was working on a commercial insect trap for over twenty years to help with the protection of the fruit industry.
He introduced his model in 1934. It’s since become the model for all future bug zappers.
What’s Makes it TICK?
There are a few parts on a bug zapper that are needed in order for it to operate properly. In order to fully appreciate how each part works, we’ve broken it down piece by piece.
