Are deer flies attracted to bug zappers?

Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
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Originally published at: Are deer flies attracted to bug zappers? - Thanos Home

Introduction

Summer is the season for outdoor activities, but it’s also prime time for pesky insects like deer flies.

If you’ve been considering buying a bug zapper to tackle the issue, you might be wondering: Do bug zappers attract deer flies?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into this question, backed by science and practical experience.

What Are Deer Flies?

Deer flies are blood-sucking insects that can be quite a nuisance, especially during warmer months.

They’re often mistaken for common houseflies but are usually more aggressive and can deliver painful bites.

They thrive in wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas, making them a common problem for those who love spending time outdoors.

The Popularity of Bug Zappers

Bug zappers have long been a popular choice for dealing with various flying insects.

These devices use ultraviolet light to attract bugs and an electric grid to zap them.

While they’re generally effective for many types of insects, their efficacy against deer flies is a topic of debate.

Do Bug Zappers Attract Deer Flies?

So, the million-dollar question: do bug zappers work on deer flies?

The answer is both yes and no.

Studies and Evidence

Research shows that deer flies are primarily attracted to carbon dioxide and warmth, rather than light. In a study involving different bug-control devices, bug zappers killed fewer deer flies compared to traps that used carbon dioxide as an attractant.

Practical Experience

Anecdotal evidence seems to align with scientific studies. Many users have noted that their bug zappers are not very effective at attracting and killing deer flies.

Safety Concerns

While bug zappers are generally safe, they do pose some risks to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. It’s crucial to be mindful of this ecological impact when choosing a bug control solution.

Alternatives to Bug Zappers

If your primary concern is deer flies, there are other effective alternatives to consider:

  • Carbon Dioxide Traps: More effective for deer flies according to studies.
  • Fly Paper: While not as convenient, it can be effective if placed correctly.
  • Natural Repellents: Certain essential oils act as a natural deterrent.

Conclusion

While bug zappers are a convenient and popular choice for controlling flying insects, they may not be your best option for dealing with deer flies.

Alternatives like carbon dioxide traps or natural repellents may provide more effective solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I use bug zappers indoors for deer flies?
    • A: It’s generally not recommended due to the ineffectiveness and possible harm to beneficial indoor insects.
  • Q: What time of the day are deer flies most active?
    • A: Deer flies are most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

2

I read that most bug zappers attract insects that are drawn to light, such as moths, but I’m not sure about deer flies. Anyone got solid info?

3

In my experience, deer flies seem more attracted to CO2 and movement rather than light. That’s why they bother us so much when we’re active outdoors.

4

You’re right, @EcoWarrior . Deer flies are more drawn to dark moving objects and carbon dioxide. Bug zappers aren’t particularly effective against them.

5

I can affirm this. I’ve never seen deer flies get zapped, but mosquitoes and moths seem to flock to those things.

6

Exactly, bug zappers are great for evening garden parties but they won’t help if you’re battling deer flies.

7

So, what’s the best way to deal with deer flies if bug zappers don’t work?

8

I’ve had success using CO2 traps and sticky traps. They seem to be more effective than zappers.

9

I second that. Those sticky headbands are a lifesaver when hiking.

10

It’s a bit gross, but they work. Bug zappers are pretty useless against deer flies.

11

I didn’t think deer flies were attracted to bug zappers, but does anyone have scientific research backing this up?

12

There was a study I read some time ago that indicated mainly night-flying insects are attracted to bug zappers.

13

That makes sense. Deer flies tend to be more active during the day, which could explain the lack of attraction to zappers.

14

That’s a good point. Has anyone tried different types of zappers?

15

@purrfect_home I have. I’ve tried UV-light zappers and fluorescent zappers but neither were effective against deer flies.

16

Interesting. I guess the key lies in targeting CO2 which seems to be their main attractant.

1 Like
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Absolutely. It’s about understanding their behavior and attack vectors.

18

I was wondering the same thing. My zapper catches a lot of bugs but I’m not sure about deer flies.

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Deer flies are tricky. They don’t seem to care about light at all.

21

Following @HomeHelper 's point, I’ve been camping multiple times and noticed the absence of deer flies near zappers.