A common way to get rid of annoying flying bugs is to use an outdoor bug zapper. These devices use ultraviolet light to attract bugs and then kill them with an electric grid. However, after months of use, the bulb that makes the light burns out and needs to be replaced. A quick and easy way to get your zapper shining bright again is to replace the bulb.
When to Replace Your Bug Zapper Bulb
The average lifespan of a traditional incandescent bug zapper bulb is around 1000 hours. That equals about one summer season of use if running nightly Signs your bulb needs changing include
- Diminished light output or flickering
- Dead insects collecting around bulb
- Zapper no longer attracting bugs
- Bulb doesn’t illuminate at all
To keep your zapper working at its best, replace the bulbs every year before mosquito season. Keep extras on hand so you can switch them out right away if one burns out.
Supplies Needed
Gather these supplies before starting:
- Replacement bug zapper bulb (match wattage and style)
- Work gloves for safety
- Safety glasses for eye protection
- Phillips or flathead screwdriver
- Step stool for high mounted models
Steps to Replace Your Bug Zapper Bulb
Follow these steps to safely change out your burnt-out zapper bulb:
- Unplug the zapper first so it’s not live when servicing.
- Locate the bulb compartment, usually at bottom or back.
- Open housing panel or access point, often secured by screws.
- Gently grasp old bulb and pull straight out from socket. Don’t twist.
- Inspect socket for damage or debris before inserting new bulb.
- Align pins on replacement bulb with socket holes and press gently until seated fully.
- Close up housing and secure protective cover back in place.
- Plug zapper power cord back in and verify new bulb illuminates.
- Turn on after sunset to test attractiveness and zap some bugs!
Take safety precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection when handling the electrified internal components. Only replace with the specified bulb style and wattage to avoid damage. Handle new bulbs carefully by the base to avoid fingerprints on the glass which can shorten lifespan.
Properly dispose of used bulbs, as they contain mercury. LED bulbs last 5-10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, so consider upgrading if compatible with your zapper. Record the date of bulb replacement to know when maintenance will next be needed.
Tips for Optimizing Your Bug Zapper
Besides regular bulb replacement, follow these tips to keep your zapper performing its best:
- Clean zapper grids annually using isopropyl alcohol on a cotton pad to remove dirt and debris
- Check that the protective casing is intact, no cracks or damage
- Ensure the unit is located away from competing light sources
- Try different bulb colors like blacklight or blue which may attract certain insects better
- Adjust zapper placement around your space to target problem areas
- Supplement with other deterrents like citronella candles or essential oils
- Turn off zapper when not needed to extend bulb lifespan
When to Call a Professional
If your zapper stops working properly even after replacing the bulb, it likely needs professional service. Signs of electrical issues or more serious problems include:
- Zapper trips circuit breaker or blows fuses repeatedly
- Unit sparks, emits smoke or burning smell
- You received electrical shock from touching unit
- Housing is cracked or internal parts are exposed
- Multiple bulbs fail quickly after replacement
Don’t attempt to service these types of issues yourself. Contact the manufacturer or authorized repair company to avoid injury or further equipment damage.
With a simple bulb swap, you can revive your bug zapper to keep patio and garden spaces insect-free. Schedule seasonal maintenance to replace bulbs proactively. Follow safety guidelines closely when servicing electrical components. And supplement with other deterrents for comprehensive protection from mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs!
- Bug Zapper Product Number #71362
- Replacement Globe Product Number #71475
- Unplug your bug zapper and remove from its mounting position
- Turn your bug spray upside down so the hood is facing away from you.
- Using a Phillips head screwdriver, take out the two or three screws on the bottom of the bug zapper.
- Take off the plastic cover that holds the bug zapper globe in place.
- Remove the globe from the lamp holder by slowly pulling it away.
- Replace with new u shape replacement globe cat number #71470
- Push the globe securely into the bulb holder
- Put the bug zapper’s plastic cover back on and secure it with screws.
- The globe should light up when you plug your bug zapper into the wall.
- After steps 1 through 4, make sure the globe is securely in the lamp holder and put the plastic cover back on.
- Use genuine yard guard replacement lamps in your bug zapper
- If these steps don’t help and your zapper still won’t light up, please get in touch with us.
- Our consumer warranty is 3 months on globes
Which is your Bug Zapper?Click the links below to find the instructions for that particular bug zapper.
- Bug Zapper Product Number #71800
- Replacement Globe Product Number #71450
- Unplug your Bug Vac and remove from its mounting position.
- When you put your Bug Vac on a stable surface, the water draw will stop.
- Find the hole in the middle of the lens’s base and carefully pull it out. To do this, squeeze the empty drawer holder together with your forefinger and thumb and carefully slide a thin metal object through it. a flat-bladed screwdriver or nail file into the space.
- To raise the center, gently tilt the object behind the lens. Then, slide the lens to the right to release the left tab. Slide the lens to the left to free the right tab again.
- To take the lamp out, twist the globe to open the lamp holder.
- Replace with new replacement globe cat number #71450.
- To close the lamp holder, twist the new globe into place.
- To replace the lens, put the left tab into the hole that it fits into and then do the same thing with the right tab.
- Push the lens down to secure it; you’ll hear it click into place.
- Put the drawer back in place after adding water and a few drops of detergent.
- The globe should light up when you plug your bug zapper into the wall.
- After steps 1 through 5, make sure the globe is securely in the lamp holder and put the plastic cover back on.
- Use genuine yard guard replacement lamps in your bug zapper.
- If these steps don’t help and your zapper still won’t light up, please get in touch with us.
- Our consumer warranty is 3 months on globes
DIY! How To Replace a Bug Zapper Light Bulb
FAQ
Can you replace an indicator bulb yourself?
Once you’ve located your side indicators and determined the type of bulb you need, installing the side indicator bulbs is a simple process. It will only take a few minutes, and can even be done without any tools at all.
Why don’t people use bug zappers anymore?
TIL Bug zappers fell out of common use because for every 10000 bugs it killed, only eight were found to be mosquitoes.
Do bug zapper bulbs need to be replaced?
One key component of your bug zapper is the light bulb, which attracts insects to the device. Over time, the bulb will need to be replaced in order to keep your bug zapper working effectively. Finding the right replacement bulb, on the other hand, can be hard if you don’t know what to look for.
How do I replace a Bug Zapper light bulb?
In most cases, you can simply unscrew the bulb from its socket. If the bulb is broken or stuck, you may need to use pliers to carefully remove it. When it comes to choosing a replacement light bulb for your bug zapper, it’s important to select the right type.
What kind of light does a bug zapper use?
UV: Bug zappers use ultraviolet light because pests seem to be drawn to artificial light more than any other source. However, some research shows that it just throws off the balance of some flying insects, like flies and moths. LED: LED stands for light emitting diode; it’s considered to be a more energy efficient source.