Midges, mosquitoes, and mosquitoes are very annoying to humans, especially in damp areas. Their bites are not only painful, they can also be dangerous.
And today there are many known means of combating biting insects. But not all of them are harmless to people. Therefore, anti-mosquito lamps are popular primarily due to the lack of danger for small children and pregnant women.
Classification of mosquito lamps
Anti-mosquito energy-saving lamps can be divided into two groups based on their effect on insects.
The first category includes insecticidal lamps. The principle of operation of such an electric mosquito lamp is based on the use of long ultraviolet waves, which attract insects.
The ultraviolet lamp is surrounded by a live contact network, and insects that come into contact with it die from the electrical discharge. The action of such devices is aimed not only at mosquitoes, but also at flies, wasps and other smaller midges.
The second group includes fairly new energy-saving anti-mosquito lamps, which are designed to repel insects due to a special colored coating.
A common advantage for both groups is considered to be safety for people and animals, so manufacturers recommend using them in places associated with food.
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.
Electric mosquito lamps
In electric energy-saving lamps, the spectrum of light is specially selected, which should lure insects from a fairly large area. Midges, mosquitoes and flies close the bars of the high-voltage grill, die and fall into the tray, which needs to be shaken out from time to time. However, the pallet does not need to be installed.
The power of such a lamp is no more than two to four watts, and it can work around the clock.
The metal mesh is energized up to 800V DC, such as in the Irit IR-800 lamp. True, manufacturers stipulate that the device must be selected depending on the area of the room, and the larger the room, the larger and more powerful the lamp in the device should be.
And it is also important to take precautions - this is a feature that distinguishes such an anti-mosquito lamp. Reviews note that the operating device must be kept away from children and flammable objects. Perhaps this is where the recommendation follows that it is better to hang the lamp at a height of about two meters.
Where should the device be placed?
Lamps for killing blood-sucking insects have a range of about 5-60 m2. It all depends on the type of unit. There are several installation recommendations:
- If you need to protect a room, hang the lamp near a window or on the border of the premises.
- If you need to protect people on the street, it makes sense to hang the device close to the target location, for example, near a gazebo. A long-range unit should be installed at a medium distance. If you hang it too close, there is a good chance that insects flying by will react to the stimuli coming from the person. Then you can't escape the bite.
There are devices for the street and for the home, as well as for universal use. The first include gas lamps, as well as repellents. Since toxic components in high concentrations can cause poisoning in the inhabitants of the house. They cannot be hung indoors.
In homes, it is recommended to install traps with an electric grid or with an adhesive surface. They are completely safe and environmentally friendly. Does not pose a risk to people or pets.
Combined devices should be evaluated based on their predominant effect. If gas or repellent is involved, you should not use them at home either.
Reviews from customers of electric mosquito lamps
If we do not talk about the negative effect of ultraviolet radiation on the retina of the eye, a serious drawback that characterizes any electric mosquito lamp, reviews about this type of device are more optimistic. The midges are dying, as the manufacturers promised, but not all of them; cunning domestic mosquitoes successfully fly around them. And those that do end up on the grate burn with a bang, which many users pay attention to. There were even people who hung such a device without a pallet on the tree under which they drink tea in the country, and complain that the remains of midges shower plates and cups.
However, such a reaction can be considered positive, because even the anti-mosquito lamp IR 800 did not receive it. Reviews about it are often negative and mostly sarcastic.
Manufacturers' recommendations
Despite the similarity of the principle of operation, the materials used and even the design of anti-mosquito lamps, the manufacturers’ recommendations for their use in some aspects differ sharply and sometimes do not make sense.
For example, for the device to be effective, it must be installed in the farthest and darkest corner of the room, and the windows and doors must be tightly closed. It is not difficult to imagine how and where such an anti-mosquito lamp works in the summer. Reviews of it can be very “poetic”, and rightly so. But you won’t be able to make any claims. Since they couldn’t sleep in a stuffy, tightly sealed room and didn’t comply with the operating conditions, it means the manufacturer is not to blame.
All manufacturers are unanimous that there should be no other light sources, including daylight. But due to the ghostly blue glow, such a lamp cannot be used as a sconce or chandelier. Although here all users show loyalty and believe that an electric mosquito lamp is a wonderful night light.
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.
Positive reviews about the energy-saving anti-mosquito lamp
The Oxion anti-mosquito lamp was rated more or less satisfactorily by users. Reviews note that not all mosquitoes fly towards its light, but at least the majority.
In this case, you need to correctly position the device between places where mosquitoes accumulate and the room that is supposed to be protected, for example, on a windowsill, and not in a far dark corner.
It’s not that the security measures are negatively assessed, but users note that they have to make sure that the lamp in the open window is not exposed to rain, and that curious children do not put their hands to the blue light, even some time after it is turned off. Buyers tested the electric discharge on themselves. Naturally, after all, when and who trusted the manufacturer - it’s not enough what is written on the packaging!
Anti-mosquito lamps ASV
Reviews and ratings from manufacturers of ASV energy-saving lamps are somewhat enthusiastic. “A world first”, “a revolution in the field of protection”, “the latest scientific and technological achievements” and other epithets praise a new product with an amazing effect.
The operating principle of the ASB lamp is based on the use of a multi-component fluorescent coating, protected by an exclusive international patent, due to which the spectrum of the glow causes mosquitoes and midges to feel dangerous and, probably, to want to be as far away from its source as possible.
Manufacturers also include efficiency (electricity consumption is five times less than that of a conventional light bulb), cozy and soft lighting. That is, it is assumed that the lamp simultaneously performs two functions: it illuminates the room and drives away annoying midges.
The simplest traps
Traps have the simplest principles for attracting and catching insects. Floor trap insect killer - all crawling pests and parasites, for example, ants, fleas and bedbugs, cockroaches will definitely fall for the bait. This device is economical because it does not consume energy, is efficient and easy to use. For example, an eco-friendly trap
Fly Trap from Swissinno
This trap with natural bait, without pesticides, can be used several times in a row. It is characterized by a long shelf life, high efficiency - the action is enough for 100 square meters, it attracts flies of all types.
Cost from 500 rubles, weighs only 30 grams.
Sticky hanging tape - designed for flying insects, such as moths, flies, mosquitoes, etc. Also not an expensive option, but does not cope well with nocturnal representatives.
Test results
Anti-mosquito energy-saving lamps have been produced by ASV since 2010. The company's website contains links to research by specialists from the Shanghai Academy of Disease Prevention (China) and the Faculty of Biological Sciences of Universiti Sains (Malaysia) and provides test results of energy-saving lamps coated with a special wavelength of light that repels insects.
The manufacturer claims that its anti-mosquito lamp has been tested by life on the Volga, Akhtuba, and in the forests near Moscow, and the reviews are the most optimistic.
But, perhaps, there is more than one fly in the ointment in this ointment...
Customer reaction to the ASV anti-mosquito lamp
The only advantage that the energy-saving anti-mosquito lamp ASV has, reviews unanimously call its cost-effectiveness if you divide its cost by the declared service life and compare with the costs of the number of anti-mosquito plates and other repellents during the same time. There are no more positive aspects to be found. There is no discussion even about the high price. Just disappointment from disappointed hopes.
Actually, there are few negative reactions, or rather, they are not very diverse. The lamp does not work as an anti-mosquito lamp, firstly, and secondly, it is doubtful to use it for lighting, because the light it produces is yellow-green. And what should you do at night? Do not leave the light on until the morning to scare away mosquitoes, which are especially annoying before dawn.
Most reviews end with the fact that a good old vacuum cleaner is still better.
It is not clear why an energy-saving anti-mosquito lamp causes such a clear reaction. Reviews, as a rule, do not describe exactly how it was used. After all, manufacturers indicate both the area and the distance at which the lamp should be located, and the absence of other lighting devices. But the fact remains that the efficiency of these devices is extremely low. Maybe the notorious Chinese quality is to blame here, because most of the devices come from the Middle Kingdom, or maybe the problem has not yet been fully studied.
What to look for before purchasing
Please note the following:
- Place of purchase. It is best to purchase products from specialized stores or a trading company that has a good reputation.
- It is recommended to pay attention to the fact that a product with a low price will most likely not meet the buyer’s expectations.
- It is necessary to carefully check the technical characteristics of the future purchase.
- You should carefully study the operating conditions of the street catcher - for example, does it work during the day or only in the evening (at night), does it work from the network or not, is it possible to take it with you on a hike. Recently, solar-powered models have appeared.
- An important indicator is the scope. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that manufacturers indicate the maximum area of action in the dark. During the day, the efficiency is reduced by about half.
- If your goal is to use the device in open areas without a canopy, you should purchase a waterproof lamp. The level of moisture protection is indicated by the abbreviation “IP”. In the marking, following the letters, two numbers are indicated, where the first is the level of mechanical protection of the case, and the second is the level of protection from moisture (see table).
- Availability of an alternative. It is unlikely that outdoor mosquito repellent lamps will be useful to owners of large areas. The range of most such devices is limited to several tens of square meters. For these cases, there are completely different models of traps on the market, such as the SkeeterVac outdoor exterminator.
It is strictly forbidden to purchase cheap models in markets, small hardware stores, etc. There is a very high risk of buying a counterfeit product here.
