A bug zapper alleviates all sorts of insects from outside and even inside your home. There are units for both indoor and outdoor use, and depending upon where you live, you might have a need for both types.
Bug Zapper—First Step to Clean
The first step to cleaning your bug zapper is that assemble a few items that streamline the job. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of any house cleaning job and having to stop to hunt for more tools or supplies. To clean your zapper, you will need the following:
- Canned air
- Garbage can and liner bag
- Gloves
- Mask
- Toothbrush
- Vacuum cleaner
Clean Your Bug Zapper Outside
Whether your bug zapper is for indoor or outdoor use, you’ll want to go outside to clean it. Why create even more house cleaning by doing a chore? Set up a spot outside with all your gathered tools and supplies before proceeding.
Safety First
Put on your mask and gloves. This kind of clean-up can be germy, and you don’t want to inhale small parts of insects or the dust many of their bodies become once they find their way inside the bug zapper. Unplug your zapper before proceeding. Carry it to your outdoor clean-up spot.
Bug Removal
It’s time to remove bug bodies, parts, and debris from your bug zapper. This is done by first removing the collection tray. This should slide out easily from the rest of the unit.
Empty the tray into the trash can. There will undoubtedly be dead insects or pieces thereof that hang on to the tray. Holding the collection tray over the trash can, loosen this remaining debris with a toothbrush.
Lastly, vacuum any remaining debris away using a slim vacuum cleaner attachment. Anything left after this step will require a few strong sprays with canned air, after which you may repeat the vacuum cleaner step.
You may, if needed, wipe off the collection tray with a damp rag or paper towel moistened with water. Many manufacturers advise against using household cleaning solutions in a bug zapper. If plain water isn’t removing stuck-on dirt, you may try moistening the cloth with white vinegar instead.
Reassemble and Replace
The last steps to cleaning your bug zapper include reassembling it and replacing it. Making sure no moisture remain from wiping the collection tray out, place it back inside the zapper.
Carry your bug zapper back to its original location and plug it in. Then collect all of your cleaning supplies and store them somewhere handy so next time this house cleaning duty arises; you’ll be even better prepared.
A bug zapper can be costly, and some people maintain they are a waste of money. Others, who prefer to not be annoyed, bitten or stung by insects, believe investing in a zapper is money well spent. Cleaning it out on a regular basis will lengthen the life of your zapper and keep it working at peak level—ensuring countless hours of peace from pesky bugs.