captpackrat: (Gasp!)
Captain Packrat ([personal profile] captpackrat) wrote2010-05-29 09:09 pm
Entry tags:

Bugs

I didn't realize just how important that bug zapper is.  The bulbs are failing, causing the thing to arc and flicker and generally sound not good, so I unplugged it.

It's been off for about three days and the place is absolutely swarming with bugs.  I just sprayed myself with Off and tried to go outside, then I probably looked like an insane man trying to swat at all the bugs that were all over me.  I just wanted to spend the evening on the front steps, listening to some music and playing with the goatlets, but the bugs sure put the kibosh on that real quick.

I managed to dig up one spare bulb from the old bug zapper, and there should be another, but I can't find it, so I guess I have to go out tomorrow and buy another.  This zapper takes two bulbs and both appear to be failing/failed.

[identity profile] mondhasen.livejournal.com 2010-05-30 02:23 am (UTC)(link)
I just sprayed myself with Off and tried to go outside, then I probably looked like an insane man trying to swat at all the bugs that were all over me.

*laughing* Sounds like a scene from a B film "Get them off! Get them offffff!" ...and then they digest you.

My dad hated his zapper: claimed that it actually attracted bugs from the other yards and that they'd snack on him on their way to being poofed.

[identity profile] captpackrat.livejournal.com 2010-05-30 02:42 am (UTC)(link)
The most common mistake people make with bug zappers is to install them right next to the area they're trying to protect, which simply attracts the bugs to that spot. You have to place the zapper as far away as possible so the bugs are drawn away.

The bug zapper here is mounted on the side of the barn, about 30 to 50 yards away from the house. It does a pretty good job of getting rid of most bugs, although it doesn't actually work that well against mosquitoes, unless I install a bait cartridge. Mosquitoes are attracted by scent, not light.