Wiktor Wise
Electric fly swatters are a common household device used to kill insects. They are designed to kill insects when they are airborne, without having to crush them against a surface. Electric fly swatters generate a voltage of between 500 and 3,000 volts when a button is pressed, and the current passes through the fly when it touches the electrodes, usually stunning or killing it. While electric fly swatters are considered safe, there have been rare cases of burns caused by the device. In Pittsburgh, residents have been dealing with an infestation of spotted lanternflies, and many have been seeking ways to get rid of them. While electric bug zappers are an option, they may not be effective against lantern flies, and there are concerns about their environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of electric fly swatters | Electric fly swatters are effective in killing large flies, so they may work on lantern fly nymphs. However, electric bug zappers are generally ineffective against lantern flies. |
| Alternative methods | Mechanical methods like traps, bait, and other devices are generally encouraged as they avoid the use of pesticides. Other methods include using a vacuum, circle traps, or a solution of water and dish soap. |
| Environmental impact | Mechanical methods are considered better for the environment than electric devices that may burn fossil fuels. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fly swatters are effective against lantern flies
The traditional fly swatter is a small, rectangular or round sheet of lightweight, flexible, vented material, usually thin metallic, rubber, or plastic mesh. Electric fly swatters, on the other hand, are racket-shaped electrical screens that generate an electric flash of light when they touch insects, incinerating them. Electric fly swatters are considered safe devices for eliminating insects and are widely used in many countries. They can be particularly useful for killing airborne insects, as they do not require the user to crush the insect against a surface, avoiding the mess this can create.
However, electric fly swatters are not the only method of controlling lantern flies. One cheap, homemade solution that has been proliferating on the internet is to fill a spray bottle with water and a high concentration of dish soap, which is rumored to kill lantern flies on contact. However, Swackhamer, a senior extension educator and horticulture expert, cautions against this method, as dish soap can contain colorants and antibacterial compounds that can damage plants. Instead, she recommends a slower-acting insecticidal soap that has been tested for safety on plants.
Another mechanical method that Swackhamer suggests is a circle trap, which draws lantern fly nymphs up a tunnel and into a closed container. This method is effective because nymphs are instinctively drawn to tree canopies.
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Electric fly swatters can be dangerous to humans
Electric fly swatters are considered safe devices for eliminating insects and are used widely in many countries. They are an effective alternative to traditional fly swatters as they do not have to crush the fly against a surface to kill it, avoiding the mess this can create. Electric fly swatters kill insects when airborne, not resting on a surface.
However, electric fly swatters can also be dangerous to humans. There have been several reported cases of people receiving burns from electric fly swatters. In one instance, a 31-year-old female presented to the Accident and Emergency Department with a 15% partial-thickness flame burn to both lower limbs. The burn was caused when the electric arc produced by the insect incineration ignited an alcohol solution that the patient had rubbed on her legs. In another case, a 2-year-old boy suffered a 25% flame burn when he placed the electric fly swatter, which was still hot, onto a floor that had been painted with adhesive shoe glue, igniting the glue and consequently, the boy's clothes.
Electric fly swatters can also deliver electric shocks to humans. One person reported receiving a shock when they were carrying a few electric fly swatters and accidentally zapped their finger. While this particular incident did not cause any harm to the person's heart, it caused pain in their finger.
To prevent injuries, electric fly swatters should be used with caution and in accordance with the specific instructions provided. These instructions include the prevention of application of the metallic mesh to flammable surfaces and allowing the mesh to cool for a sufficient time following its use.
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Mechanical methods of killing lantern flies
While there is no explicit mention of electric fly swatters being used to kill lantern flies, electric fly swatters are a mechanical method of killing flies. Electric fly swatters kill insects when they are airborne, without having to crush them against a surface, thus avoiding a mess. They generate a voltage of between 500 and 3,000 volts (V) when a button switch is held down, with the voltage applied between two grid or mesh electrodes. When the fly's body bridges the gap between the electrodes, a current passes through it, and the resulting spark usually stuns or kills it. If the button is kept depressed, the continuous current will rapidly kill and incinerate a small fly.
There are also other mechanical methods of killing flies, such as the traditional fly swatter, which is a small, lightweight, and flexible rectangular or round sheet of vented material (usually thin metallic, rubber, or plastic mesh) attached to a long handle. This works by mechanically crushing the fly against a hard surface. Other variations of the fly swatter include the fly gun, which uses a spring-loaded plastic projectile to "swat" flies, and another gun-like design that consists of two mesh sheets that spring together when a trigger is pulled, squashing the fly between them.
However, when it comes to lantern flies, it is important to note that they are an invasive species that can cause significant harm to trees and other plants. While there are no specific mechanical methods mentioned for killing lantern flies, the use of insecticides is often recommended. It is advised to consult state agriculture regulations and seek professional help for larger infestations, especially indoors, as the indiscriminate use of pesticides can harm other beneficial insects, fish, birds, mammals, and even pets and humans.
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Chemical methods of killing lantern flies
The lantern fly, or spotted lantern fly (SLF), is an invasive insect pest found in Pennsylvania and some other eastern states. They threaten grape production and tree health and are considered a nuisance in landscapes.
To control and kill SLF, residents in infested areas use a variety of methods, including chemical control. Here are some chemical methods to kill lantern flies:
Insecticides
When using insecticides, it is crucial to carefully follow the directions and plan ahead. All insecticides present safety risks, so they should be used with caution. Ensure that the insecticide is registered for use on the intended plants or surfaces. For example, if you want to spray an insecticide on a grape vine to kill SLF, the product label must indicate that it is safe for use on grapes. Additionally, calculate the required amount of insecticide for the job to determine how much to purchase.
Systemic Insecticides
The success of systemic insecticides relies on adhering to the directions on the product's label. These insecticides are applied to the base of tree trunks to effectively kill SLF. There are different application methods for treating trees, and not all methods are suitable for every systemic insecticide product.
Trapping
Another chemical control method is to use traps to capture and kill SLF. You can purchase commercial traps, such as circle traps, or build your own. A simple trap design involves using a plastic bag or a jar to collect the trapped SLF.
Egg Destruction
Lantern flies lay egg masses or clusters of eggs that are brown, seed-like, and about one inch long. Destroying these egg masses is an effective way to control the SLF population.
While these chemical methods can be effective in killing lantern flies, it is important to exercise caution and follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided with any products or equipment used.
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Homemade solutions to kill lantern flies
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that was first discovered in the United States in 2014 near Pennsylvania. They have a reputation for being destructive pests of fruit, ornamental, and woody trees. Lanternflies feed on the sap of many plant and tree species, including grapevines, ornamental nursery plants, and trees such as tree-of-heaven and black walnut, literally sucking the life out of them. They also leave behind a sticky residue known as 'honeydew', which attracts more insects, creates destructive sooty mold, and causes staining.
While there are some insecticides available to combat lanternflies, these should be used with caution as they can harm beneficial insects, fish, birds, mammals, pets, and even humans if not properly applied. Untested homemade solutions can also be unsafe and illegal, so it is important to proceed with caution when considering homemade remedies.
- Traps: Place traps on every tree and woody plant that lanternflies prefer for feeding. One type of trap is a bowl of soapy water, which can trap and kill some nymphs, but it is not an effective way to manage a large infestation.
- Homemade spray: Spray the insects directly with a homemade mixture of Fels Naptha soap and water.
- Milkweed: While it has been suggested that milkweed can deter or kill spotted lanternflies, there is currently no data to support this claim.
- Mechanical methods: Simply squishing lanternflies with a fly swatter or your hand can be an effective way to kill them.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fly swatters are considered safe devices for eliminating insects and are used widely in many countries. However, they may not be very effective in killing lantern flies as lantern flies are not attracted to black light.
Yes, there are several alternatives to electric fly swatters for killing lantern flies. Some examples include traps, bait, and other mechanical methods. Chemical methods such as insecticidal soap, tested for safety on plants, can also be used.
Electric fly swatters kill insects when they are airborne, whereas traditional fly swatters require the insect to be resting on a surface. This avoids the mess that can be created when a fly is crushed against a surface.
Electric fly swatters are generally safe to use, but there have been rare cases of burn injuries caused by the device. It is important to follow the specific instructions for use, such as preventing application to flammable surfaces and allowing the mesh to cool sufficiently after use.
