In a popular Disney animation, two insects talk about how the blue light should not be looked into as it pulls tiny insects in. Well, they were talking about insect light traps that are remarkably effective against flies, mosquitoes and almost all other flying insects that can be pests. Ideal for outdoor usage, these lights do not spoil the aesthetic appeal of your porch yet give you a safe and sound outdoor environment to spend your evenings in. Considering the fact that many insects are carriers of several infectious diseases, you should definitely consider buying insect lights for your home. Here is a look at how these insect light traps work and their benefits.
How do insect light traps work?
There are several theories about the workings of insect lights; however, it is essential to understand why insects are attracted to light. For an insect a light represents the same element of safety when surrounded by a precarious situation as air to human beings, or air bubbles to a person surrounded by water. They tend to naturally gravitate towards it, seeking refuge.
This is the reason why on any odd evening, you will find hundreds of insects including moths, mosquitoes, etc. circling around a street light or even a porch lamp. While there are several popular notions for the affinity that the insect kingdom shares towards a source of light, none of them are scientific explanations of this peculiar behavior.
Also, not all insects are attracted to light sources; as a matter of fact, some are repelled by it such as cockroaches. These insects have negative phototaxis while those are that attracted to light have positive phototaxis; almost all flying insects have positive phototaxis which makes them susceptible to insect light traps.
These devices have a light source that attracts insects and an electric metallic grid that lies between the light and a safety cover that protects humans and pets from accidentally receiving electric shocks. Insect light traps are connected to a standard electrical outlet; insects try to fly towards the light source and meet with the electric grid where they are electrocuted and die almost instantly. The dead insects fall down into a collection pan that has to be emptied frequently.
The benefits of using insect light traps
It's effective: The primary benefit if using insect lights is that they are very effective as compared to the other means of trapping flying insects. The ultraviolet light used in these contraptions not only make them effective at night but also during the day. As opposed to glue strips, insect lights capture all types of flying insects and not just flies.
It's safe: These insect lights are safe and do not have to be attached to the wall or any other surface that can be reached by children or pets. You will simply need to hang the traps on the ceiling like a regular light fixture and let it do its job.
Last longer than glue strips: Unlike a glue strip which has to be replaced frequently, an insect light trap can last for several years without any trouble as long as it's shielded from rain and snow.
Does not require human meddling to work: Unlike regular fly swatters or even their electrical versions both of which are unhygienic, you simply have to switch on the light and let it control the insects for you. You will only need to clean the collection pan once in a few months.
Needs minimal maintenance: Insect light traps are sturdy contraptions that need little or no maintenance and have an average life span of a few years.
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