Insect repellent lamps are used when organizing public events in nature, going out of town or going fishing. In the summer, mosquitoes, flies and midges begin to actively multiply and interfere with people's rest. Unpleasant “ringing”, bites, itching - all this can scare people away from going out into nature.
An insect repellent lamp makes it possible to get rid of all of the above. This device either attracts insects with its light for subsequent destruction, or scares them away from the location of people.
Types of insect traps
Insect traps are divided into 3 main types:
- Electric light - lure insects with their light, after which they kill them with an electric discharge conducted through a metal mesh that surrounds the insect lamp;
- electric traps for crawling insects - designed to destroy cockroaches and ants using electric current. The insects crawl into the trap and are then electrocuted;
- adhesive - can be used to kill both flying and crawling insects. Insects are lured to the sticky surface by light or chemicals;
- chemical - this includes aerosol traps and spirals that emit smoke when ignited. The main disadvantage of such traps is that a person is forced to come into contact with vapors of combustion products or volatile chemical elements;
- ultrasonic - repels, but does not destroy mosquitoes. Their main advantage is low cost. However, it is worth remembering that ultrasound waves have a harmful effect on the human body.
Safety
The use of insecticidal lamps does not pose a threat to human health.
All live parts are covered with plastic elements. The current supplied to the grid does not exceed 20 mA. This value is deadly for insects, but does not pose any danger to humans. The ultraviolet radiation produced by the lamp is too weak to cause any harm to health. Such devices can be used in residential areas without fear.
Lamps are much less dangerous than mosquito sprays. When insects are killed with chemicals, the air is poisoned. You can enter the room only after thorough ventilation. Insecticidal lamps do not emit gas or other harmful substances during operation, so no harm is caused to the respiratory system.
How insect traps work
There are 2 types of insect repellent lamps, which differ from each other both in operating principle and in efficiency. Lamps with ultraviolet radiation do not repel, but kill insects. The LED elements installed in the device produce ultraviolet radiation under the influence of batteries, which attracts insects.
Mosquitoes and midges flock to the ultraviolet source, come into contact with the energized grill and die. The electric current is quite weak, therefore it is not dangerous for people. When using ultraviolet lamps, you need to be especially careful and follow safety precautions.
The advantages of such devices are that they:
- effective - when mosquitoes fall on the net, they die instantly;
- environmentally friendly, do not produce odors during operation;
- not dangerous for children and pets.
There are also repellent lamps (from mosquitoes for the street, as well as from other insects). They do not destroy, but repel midges. According to the principle of operation, such devices resemble a standard fumigator. However, they use stronger repellent substances.
Features of operation
Insecticidal lamps can be used around the clock, but they work most effectively in the dark. During the day and if there are other light sources nearby, the rays are much less noticeable. In addition, insects are distracted by other sources of ultraviolet light. When used during daylight hours, it is recommended to install the device in a dark place. It should be borne in mind that its range of action will be reduced by approximately half.
The light source, which is the main element of insecticidal lamps, has a limited service life. As the device is used, the glow temperature begins to change and the emitted wave decreases. Insects react less well to changed light, so the effectiveness of the device decreases. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to periodically change the light source.
When used around the clock, the resource is no more than 1 year, when turned on only at night - about two years.
Advantages and disadvantages of insect repellent lamps
The key advantages of insect repellent lamps are as follows:
- Most of these devices are powered by solar panels. Therefore, they will not need to be constantly replaced. All that is required is to turn off the lamp and place its floor under the rays of the sun to recharge;
- the low cost of such devices makes them accessible to many people;
- During operation, the mosquito and insect repellent lamp does not produce a “burnt” smell;
- The devices effectively cope with their task, destroying insects or repelling them.
Insect repellent lamps have their disadvantages and drawbacks:
- efficiency will be high only in the evening and at night;
- If you touch the grid of a switched-on lamp, you may get an electric shock;
- the result of the device’s operation does not look very aesthetically pleasing, because there are many destroyed mosquitoes near and inside the lamp;
- The device must be located in a place with low humidity. Also, if it is cloudy outside, the batteries will not be able to recharge properly.
Review of popular models
There are several varieties of electrical appliances in question on the market. Models differ in design, ergonomics, technical characteristics and, accordingly, price.
Well brand insecticidal lamps (Taiwan)
The products of this brand are intended for installation in public and industrial premises, warehouses. The power range of the devices varies from 8 to 80 W. The appearance of the brand's devices is shown by the image of the WE-150-2 device.
This is a pendant-type device, equipped with a removable tray and 2 lamps. Capable of destroying flying insects over an area of up to 80 m2. L-15D or LB-15 lamps are used. The dimensions of WE-150-2 are 470x130x330 mm, and the device weighs 7 kg. The device consumes no more than 50 W. The electric discharge trap is only suitable for dry rooms. The price on the market is from 10 thousand rubles.
On a note! Household appliances of this brand are smaller in size and are offered on the market in the price range of 6-7 thousand.
Anti-mosquito lamp Skat (Russia)
Suitable for use outdoors, on a terrace or in a gazebo. Impact area up to 20-30 m2. There are models powered by mains power, a built-in battery and/or solar panels. Depending on the version, they can be equipped with a stand attached to the bottom of the lantern for installation in the ground. Price from 900 to 1500 rubles.
Devices from the Italian brand Mo El
These insecticidal lamps are intended for use in residential areas. There are many form factors for devices, and original technical solutions are also used: an internal surface with a replaceable adhesive tape, for example, or a fan for sucking in insects. The compact model MO-PLICK 398 can work as a night light, simultaneously luring and destroying insects.
The price of devices on the market is from 3-4 thousand rubles and above.
HILTON (Germany)
HILTON GP-4 Black is a popular representative of a series of models of anti-mosquito lamps of the German brand for effective control of insects. This is a household device for installation in small residential premises (up to 50 m2). The power of the device is small - 4 W. Cost 400-500 rubles.
On a note! The brand’s model line also includes more powerful models costing about 2-3 thousand rubles.
Top 10 Best Insect Repellent Lamps
Not all insect repellent lamps are highly effective. Below you can find a list of the best devices for killing/repelling insects.
"Kilnex"
The Kilnex device can be used not only against insects, but also for lighting. It has such properties as impact resistance, water resistance, frost resistance. The ultraviolet flashlight is equipped with a 2000 mAh battery and can work for 30 hours without recharging.
Small dimensions, absence of wires, low weight (0.2 kg) - all this makes it possible to use Kilnex when going outdoors. Device height – 120 mm, width – 80 mm. It can be washed under the tap, in addition, it is buoyant, that is, it does not sink in water.
The radius of effective operation of the device is 3 m. Kilnex insect repellent lamps are safe for children and pets. There are 3 light power modes (30, 90, 180 lm).
Lamps from Aliexpress
One of the best options for fighting insects, which can be found on the Aliexpress website, is the GUGI Mosquito Killer Lamp.
It costs only 300 rubles, but at the same time it effectively copes with its task. Mosquitoes flock in groups to ultraviolet radiation and die when approaching the light source. The device is equipped with a mosquito trap into which dead mosquitoes fall.
Terminator IV
An upgraded version of the third version of Terminator IV. The device is capable of operating both from rechargeable batteries and from the mains, and has a reliable housing that is resistant to moisture. The device can be used in open areas.
The lamp against mosquitoes and insects covers an area of up to 60 square meters, works more than 24 square meters without recharging. The cost of “Terminator IV” is 1,650 rubles.
Thermacell MR-CLC Scout
The operating principle of the Thermacell MR-CLC Scout lamp is based on fumigation; it is not required to connect it to the electrical network. The device runs on gas cartridges and is a portable device. The case is protected from moisture by rubber and equipped with a carabiner for hanging. The area of effect of the lamp is 20 squares. The brightness of the lighting is 200 lm.
The device is universal in use and can be used as the main lighting when going fishing. It works silently and does not produce toxic substances. It is worth noting that it is very harmful to fish, so repellent plates should not be thrown into the pond.
Swissinno SWU-15
Made in Switzerland, the Swissinno SWU-15 lamp attracts mosquitoes with ultraviolet light and kills them with electric shock. Action area – 15 squares, power – 4 watts. The case is protected from moisture. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty on the device.
Mosquito Stop Lantern
The Mosquito Stop Lantern device is capable of protecting people from mosquitoes over an area of 20 square meters. It works similarly to a street fumigator, affecting insects with an active substance. It is harmful to mosquitoes, but safe for people and pets.
An electrical connection is not required, since an ordinary candle is used as a heating element. The device body is metal with glass elements.
Trailblazer Camp Lantern
The Traiblazer Camp Lantern device distributes a repellent substance in small doses over the entire area of its work. The substance has a deadly effect on insects. Even after working for a few minutes, the device produces the amount of repellent that is sufficient to significantly reduce insects in the area.
The characteristics of the device are as follows:
- action area – 20 squares;
- operation on D-type batteries;
- a battery charge indicator is provided;
- the presence of a clip for fixing the device;
- brightness – 300 lm;
- 10 hours of operation at maximum power, 50 hours at low power.
ThermaCELL Outdoor Lantern
The Thermacell Outdoor Lantern portable device, which works equally effectively both indoors and outdoors (impact area is 20 square meters). The comfortable location area is no more than 4.5 m from the lamp. There will definitely be no mosquitoes at such a distance.
The lamp serves as both a lighting device and an insect repeller. The repellent substance is allethrin, which is a natural insecticide.
The repellent plates are heated using a replaceable gas cartridge, which the buyer receives along with the lamp. The lamp weight is 1 kg, dimensions are 160x140x270 mm. The device runs on 4 AA batteries, which provides 150 hours of bright light or 200 hours of soft light. The cost of the lamp is 2100 rubles. In addition to the cartridge, the kit includes 3 plates with the active substance (each plate works for 4 hours).
The advantages of ThermaCELL Outdoor Lantern are that this lamp:
- compact;
- silent;
- effective;
- safe.
Robot Mosquito lamp
The Robot Mosquito lamp emits ultraviolet light, which attracts mosquitoes. They fly up to the light source and find themselves in the intake air flow, after which they are directed into the device. The spinning blades destroy them and throw their remains into the trap. Mosquitoes that are not killed by the blades die from dehydration within a day and a half.
The lamp does not contain poisons, sprays or other chemicals and has the following advantages:
- the power of the intake air flow is quite high;
- the glow of the lamp allows you to attract more insects;
- increased trap capacity;
- the dense lattice of the trap prevents mosquitoes from flying out of it, even if the device is turned off;
- low energy consumption;
- low noise level;
- no need for special care;
- long operational period;
- safety for people.
UV-Insectenfalle
The UV-Insektenfalle lamp attracts mosquitoes with ultraviolet radiation and does not contain chemical elements. The device is equipped with a plastic handle and splash protection. It runs on 4 D batteries.
An insect repellent lamp is a must-have device for those who like to go fishing in the warm season. It completely protects people from mosquitoes, midges, flies, prevents insect bites and increases the level of comfort. The lamp also serves for illumination at night.
Classification
Insecticidal lamps are divided depending on their purpose and operating conditions:
- professional for outdoor installation;
- household street;
- professional devices for installation indoors (catering establishments, hotels, etc.);
- household room;
- industrial (installed in food production shops, farms, etc.);
- mobile (portable versions powered by batteries).
Expert opinion Pavel Maksimovich Torsunov
An important characteristic of a lamp is its power. The area of influence of the device on insects depends on it.
By power, traps are divided into 3 categories:
- small (impact area – from 30 to 100 m²);
- medium (from 100 to 500 m²);
- large (area more than 500 m²).
When choosing a device, you should take into account not only the power, but also the purpose (for indoors or outdoors).
Structurally, traps are divided into 3 types:
- Lamps with E27 base are the most compact. They can be screwed, for example, into a regular chandelier. Often such devices have a dual purpose: a block of LEDs provides regular white lighting, and a low-power ultraviolet lamp located behind it serves to attract insects. The metal grid to which voltage is applied is located next to the base. Another advantage of such devices is their low cost. The main drawback is the lack of a tray for collecting dead insects: they simply fall on the floor or into the glass shade of the chandelier.
- Lanterns are intended for installation on a wall or ceiling. In the center is a source of ultraviolet rays. It is surrounded by a mesh around its perimeter, through which an electric current passes. There are modifications of street lamps. In addition to an ultraviolet lamp, a block of LEDs is often installed in them, but they are ineffective as the main light source. The main advantage is the impact on insects within a 360⁰ radius.
- Panels are the most effective means of controlling insects. The design uses at least two ultraviolet sources. The back wall of such devices is solid. Designed for installation on a wall or on a flat horizontal surface (for example, a bedside table). Due to the large number of lamps, the panel can be used as a lamp. The disadvantage is the high cost.
