Flowtron

June 13, 2023 by J. Hawthorne

The Best Bug Zappers (Electric Mosquito Killers)

Throwing a backyard BBQ is what summer is all about. And to do it right, you need to get your outdoor pest-control game down.

Bug zappers are straightforward in function. They’re equipped with a UV light that attracts mosquitos, flies, and other flying insects. Once bugs enter the center of the device, they’re swiftly electrocuted.

Cheap, Unremarkable Bug Zappers Abound

In a world full of difficult choices, it’s comforting to find clear winners every now and again.

There aren’t that many big players in electric bug killers out there. Flowtron, Koolatron, Stinger, Dynatrap and Westinghouse products make up the majority of the market.

Out of the bunch, Flowtron consistently makes zappers that get the best ratings in user reviews. Meanwhile, its strongest competitors are lucky to release a model that rises above mediocrity.

The problem with lesser zappers is consistent. Most of it doesn’t last.

May 15, 2017 by J. Hawthorne

Flowtron BK-15D Bug Zapper Review

Flowtron is known for their large, powerful bug zappers that cover a larger area than the competition.

The BK-15D is their most affordable, humble offering for people that need to protect a half an acre from pests, not engage a mosquito armageddon to benefit neighbors. By comparison the BK-40D and BK-80D are a little larger and cover 1 acre and 1 ½ acre respectively.

It’s made with the same high build quality as its larger siblings. Top of the steel exterior acts like the pitched roof of a home: rain water safely drips down the edges far from the electrical grid and UV lamp inside.

The 15-watt black light bulb attracts mosquitos, flies, gnats and other flying pests. Octenol attractant can be used to pull in mosquitos more effectively. Adding lure turns a device that only needs electricity to operate into a zapper that may cost an estimated $2.50 to $5 per month depending on the climate. Hot weather means the attractant doesn’t last as long. But keep in mind, the BK-15D may serve you fine without lure.

Along with the bulb, the heart of a zapper is of course the electrical grid and these are designed not to clog. Bugs go where they should: the pan at the bottom. You’ll be cleaning this puppy often. The thoughtfulness of details in its design puts Flowtron in a league higher than most insect killer stuff you’ll see on Amazon.com.

April 15, 2014 by J. Hawthorne

Flowtron FC-8800 Diplomat Bug Zapper Review

FC-8800 There’s nothing better than enjoying a cool beverage on the patio and admiring your own slice of nature in the backyard. If there’s one thing that sullies the experience, it’s bugs. The closer to the wild you get, the bigger, nastier and more plentiful they become.

The Flowtron FC-8800 isn’t for everyone. With up to 2 acres of coverage this puppy is not for city folk. It’s the big kahuna of bug zappers sitting at the top of Flowtron’s line of fly control products.

It isn’t flies homeowners are most interested in zapping however, it’s annoying mosquitoes. So I’m glad to report the FC-8800 handles mosquitoes just as well. In fact this may be the ultimate bug zapper.

Understandably this unit is formidable in size measuring 27” in height and 12” in width and depth.

Due to the effectiveness the bottom bug catcher quickly becomes full. It’s not easy to remove and requires either a very strong grip or a pry tool. You’ll quickly tire of emptying it so most find simply removing the tray to be the best solution if you’re using it outdoors.

Flowtron recommends you place it 50-75ft away from the patio. This is a nice advantage of having such a powerful device. You don’t have to place to so close to your guests to solve the bug problem.

Ironically I’ve found people are amused by it and eventually gravitate towards it, especially when drinking is involved. It’s a sort of retribution for all those unsightly mosquito bites we’ve acquired over the years.