Bug Zapper Circuit: All You Need to Know

It is very inconvenient to deal with bugs, considering they are dangerous, transmit diseases and contaminate surfaces. Scientists have recently developed many innovative measures to prevent bug infestation: from bug repellents to nets and anti-lava methods. This article considers bug zappers as a trusted device for dealing with bugs, and it explains the bug zapper circuit and how to build a DIY bug zapper.

What Is A Bug Zapper?

A bug zapper attracts insects by emitting ultraviolet light and electrocutes them between two metal grids. It contains a light bulb surrounded by an electric grid.

Alternatively, a bug zapper is an electrical discharge insect control system or an electrocution insect trap. It attracts insects with its ultraviolet light and electrocutes them when they contact its high-voltage wire grids. The name "bug zapper" comes from the "zap" sound when the device electrocutes bugs.

How Does A Bug Zapper Circuit Work?

A bug zapper uses a high-voltage alternating current to kill bugs. Most bugs and mosquitoes have a resistance of 0.70 – 0.75, whereas the voltage for the Zapper is between 500 to 1800 volts ac.

The bug zapper circuit comprises a fluorescent bulb surrounded by wire grids, and Flyback transformers electrically power these wire grids or mesh.

There are three stages to a bug zapper circuit:

• Charging circuit stage
• Transistor stage
• Voltage booster stage

Charging Circuit Stage

The charging circuit stage comprises a capacitive power supply that rectifies the voltage by adjusting the current from the source. It allows battery charging and filters out noise on the DC voltage produced. The fixed voltage is adjusted to match the required battery voltage level using a Zener Diode and a capacitor.

Transistor Stage

In the transistor stage, the transistor allows the current to flow through the primary coil to the secondary coil, which induces a voltage in the feedback coil.

When the transistor's conduction breaks, a counter voltage is created in the feedback coil, causing a collapse of its core.

The collapse of the ferrite core creates a pulsed DC, which results from electrical energy from the secondary coil.

Voltage Booster Stage

Diodes and capacitors boost the DC generated by the voltage multiplier. A secondary transformer multiplies the voltage and passes it onto the three-layered wire mesh.

Gaps separate the high voltage wire mesh such that it fits a bug. With the UV bulb serving as bait to attract the bugs, the wire mesh electrocutes the bug as it attempts to fly through.

Electrocution of the bug does not happen when it comes in contact with the mesh. The voltage-induced mesh forms an arc of electricity in the gaps between the three-wire mesh, which electrocutes the insect on contact.

This circuit ignites the UV fluorescent lamp through a voltage multiplier. After the light is on, it ionizes its gas at approximately 700V, and capacitor C7 functions as a balance, lowering the light's resistance to maintain AC flow.

The voltage multiplier, built around C1 through C6 and diodes D1 and D6, also charges the grid. The high grid voltage causes a discharge when a bug passes through the grid.

How To Build A Bug Zapper

Building a DIY bug zapper is not a complicated process; you can get a bug zapper built in no time with a few simple steps. Here are a few things you need:

A Light Bulb

First off, you need an ultraviolet light bulb. Insects get drawn to ultraviolet light more than visible light because they can see it better and are more attracted to it.

The Mesh Grid

Build the mesh grid design around the UV light bulb. The goal is to connect the wire mesh to both ends of the electrical circuit. You should separate each from the next by at least 0.2 inches to form an electric arc that electrocutes the bugs.

A Transformer

A DIY bug zapper produces at least 120 volts, but you need a transformer to boost the voltage to around 1800 to 2000 volts, which will kill bugs.

An Outer Casing

The DIY bug zapper requires an outer casing to hold all the components. External cases are usually wooden, plastic, or metal, a poor conductor of electricity. The outer casing can have any shape you prefer, from a lantern to a bad swatter or any other form, provided you have the required skill.

To build a bug zapper, you will need the following tools and materials:

• An old rechargeable lantern circuit
• 6V rechargeable sealed lead acid battery
• Garden plant vase cover - 2 pieces
• Long wooden rods - 6 pieces
• Screws
• Soldering gun
• Stapler wire
• UV LED light
• 1 yard squared 1/4" mesh wire
• Plywood
• Drill
• Glue gun
• Handsaw

Step 1 - Making The Bug Zapper's' Framework

• For each plant vase cover, make a round wooden base plate with the same diameter as the inside of the plant vase cover. Drill the sides of the vase covers to tighten them with the wooden base plates.
• To reinforce the frame and provide insulation between the mesh, you must drill six holes on the wood base plate, equally spaced around the circumference.
• Roll the mesh into cylinders, overlapping each other without touching. Drill a hole in the center of the wooden base plate to accommodate the light bulb fitting.

Step 2 - Fitting The Zapper Light Bulb

Following the construction of the pillars, mesh, and wooden base plates, the electrical fittings for the light are fitted and held in place.

Step 3 - Electrifying The Mesh Grids

At the top of the mesh are black and red wires soldered together. After which, a soldering gun welds the overlapping and wired mesh.

Step 4 - Adding The Bug Zapper's' Component

Glue or wire the lantern components, battery, and circuit boards into the designated compartments on the bug zapper.

Step 5 - Adding A Handle To The Bug Zapper

Reuse the lantern's carrying handle for the bug zapper. Drill a hole through the endcap and mount the handle, switch, LEDs, and power cord.

The Final Product

How To Troubleshoot A Bug Zapper

1. If the bug zapper does not have an indicator light, plug the power cord into a power source. If it does not turn on, unplug the Zapper and plug it into a different power supply to ensure the problem is not with the previous power supply.
2. The Zapper can kill bugs while the light is off. To fix this, unplug it, open the bulb compartment, and check the bulb. Sometimes the bulb may need a few minutes before it comes on.
3. You must clean the bug zapper if the light bulb is on, but there is no sparking on the grid. Turn off the device, clean the grid with a soft-bristle or blower, and do not clean the mesh with water.
4. If the bulb is on, but you do not notice any sparking on the grid, it may also mean a problem with the connection, perhaps a crossed wire. Turn off the device, check the links, uncross all cables, and disconnect no wires.

Summary

Bug zappers have proven to help eliminate bugs. It is also cheap and easy to produce and poses almost no threat to its users save for when it comes in contact with the user while working. Despite its slight disadvantage, it is consistent in protecting homes, restaurants, and other public areas from insect infestations.

We provide a custom approach to the bug control and product choice suitable for your home and business. If you have any questions, contact us; our team of experts will be happy to help.