The complete guide
How to get the most from your Spectracide bug zapper
A UV bug zapper is a quiet, chemical-free way to keep flies and mosquitoes down — but a little know-how doubles how well it works. Here's how to get the best from the Spectracide 2400V UV Insect Killer (20W, Indoor).
Let the UV light be the brightest thing around
Insects head for the strongest ultraviolet source. That means the zapper works best in a dim room, or after dusk — if it's competing with a bright window, a TV or a ceiling light, the bugs go there instead. Turn other lights down where you can.
Height and placement
Mount or stand it around a metre off the floor, where flying insects tend to cruise, and give it a clear line of sight into the space. Keep it away from food-prep surfaces and out of easy reach of children.
Run it at the right time
Mosquitoes and many flies are most active from dusk into the night. Leaving it on through the evening catches the most, and a few consecutive nights makes a noticeable dent in the local population rather than a one-off.
Keep it clean and safe
Always unplug it before cleaning. Slide out the tray, tip away what it's caught, and brush the grid and tubes clear — a weekly wipe in a busy room keeps the draw strong. The protective grille keeps fingers off the grid, but keep it out of reach of young children and pets all the same.