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224 of 226 found the following review helpful:
 Cost-efficient, environmenally-sensitive bug eliminationJul 21, 2000
By tropic_of_criticism
There are several different versions of this product, each one for increasingly large areas. This one--the smallest--is good for up to half an acre of protection. It's the perfect size for a large patio or deck and a modest lawn. Some may not like the zapping sound interrupting their nighttime outdoor fun, but it is probably the most environmentally-sensitive way to rid your lawn and patio of bugs. The 15 watts of power needed to run this machine also make it one of the cheapest bug eliminators. One of the great things about this model is unheralded in the list of features Amazon gives. With the addition of an (included) strip of UV-activated bait, it's positively lethal against mosquitos. We've found it to be much more effective than citronella torches. About the only thing that mars this otherwise excellent device is the need to place it in front of the area you mean to protect. This would typically mean placing it away from a house, not next to it. Depending on your particular site, this can mean using extension cords, which come with their own set of safety issues. Happily, however, this is an extremely energy-efficient device, so it's definitely not going to break your electricity budget.
115 of 115 found the following review helpful:
Bugs BewareAug 14, 2005
By Muriel Thompson
"wildlife lover"
I was so tired of replacing my bug zappers and had a hard time finding one that would last more than one season without the bulb burning out. I reviewed several on line as all I could find in the stores were the Stingers, and I definitly didn't want another one of those. The Flowtron I ordered worked so well that my dad had to have one too. We bought an extra bulb just in case, but neither one of us has had to replace one yet. This zapper works so much better than any I have ever tried. I noticed right away a huge difference in my flying bug problem. I live next to a lake in Florida, so you can imagine the mosquito battle I had. Now I can sit outside in the evenings and enjoy the peaceful setting without continuously swatting bugs. I bought the 1 acre light and my dad only needed the 1/2 acre one. Both do a great job and would highly recommend a Flowtron Zapper to all in need.
96 of 97 found the following review helpful:
Durable, effective on mosquitos, USA madeAug 28, 2004
By vintagerider
I have used these for a few years. They are the same ones sold under the Sears label. Experiment with the height from the ground for different types of bugs. For mosquitos, place no more than six feet from the ground. Place in a shallow tray of water and watch the kill rate! Do not immerse any part of bulb or grid in water (rain won't harm it).
80 of 81 found the following review helpful:
 Effective but not completely; and, it DOES CLOG (at first!)Aug 15, 2009
By JESSE DEROUEN
"Jesse DeRouen"
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2A84AG3BZYPT1 The box states that the unit has a patented non-clogging grid, but it does clog - a lot in my case. It does require maintenance, and besides that, I still get bit by mosquitoes (though not as often as before). I actually got bit in the few minutes I was outside making the video!
Some reviewers said they used a hair dryer to clean it, but I think it would take more pressure than that to clean mine. I might have to use canned air or something else. I recommend the unit because it does help, but just realize that you will have to clean it just like the Stinger brand zappers.
UPDATE: I used the water hose to clean it off, which made easy work of those clogged bugs. I waited 24 hours (to be on the safe side) before plugging it back in. It lit up without a hitch. It's like new and working as it had right out of the box.
UPDATE (Aug 2010): The unit is no longer clogging! I guess once the metal loses it's shiny new-ness, the bugs don't stick. I haven't had to clean the unit at all since I plugged it in this fall. I seem to have fewer mosquito bites this year, but I'm definitely not sure whether that is related to the point at which I began using it this year (versus being a bit "late" in buying one last year).
90 of 92 found the following review helpful:
15 watt Flowtron vs 40 watt modelMay 20, 2009
By Bob
Recieved this device, along with the spare bulb I purchased, and plugged it in 30 minutes ago about eight feet from my favorite couch.
It has already zapped well over a dozen bugs. Instead of using chemicals as I have in the past, sought a better way to rid my home interior of bugs. The noise is minimal.
Like one reviewer said: the cord is short- real short. Less than a foot. It's working beautifully. Now, just need to replace my roach baits and I'll be ready for the summer bug season here in my sub tropical, coastal, bug infested location.
Will likely need to fabricate a tray device to catch dead bugs as they fall. Think I'm gonna like this thing.
Update: It has now been five days since I received my 15 watt Flowtron bug zapper and I'm happy with it. It has been on 24/7 since I plugged it in. It's not terribly bright which makes for a soft night light for my den. As I kicked back with my laptop tonight and listened to a bug fry every now and then, just ordered two more 40 watt Flowtron units. Hope to have a very bug free summer in my home.
Be advised that these things do not discriminate between benificial bugs that we need for pollination of plants and such. Therefore, there is valid scientific criticism regarding their indiscriminate outdoor useage. Any bug inside my home is fair game. It did not zap every last bug but it has put a big dent in my bug population. My cats don't quite know what to think of it yet.
Update #2: Before buying my first Flowtron, sought information to help me decide what size unit to buy. Have now tried out a 40 watt model in my home. It works well, is significantly larger than my 15 watt unit and the transformer hum is a little bit louder. The bulb in the 40 watt Flotron cost twice as much to replace. Leave the 15 watt unit on 24/7 inside. It works well and uses less power. The 40 watt units are brighter and would be my choice for serious outdoor useage. Will use both of the 40 watt units if needed and turn them off when I go indoors.
Now, leave my door open longer when going to and fro knowing the 15 watt bug zapper is always at work inside. It's popping a bug every few minutes or so tonight. Should be able to use significantly less insecticide in my home now.
They do not zap every bug but work quite well. Only notice the 15 watt model eight feet from me when a bug gets zapped. Flowtron seems to make a solid, well thought out American made bug zapper and stand behind them.
June 25 2009: My 15 watt bug zapper has been on nonstop since I first plugged it in over a month ago. It has been frying bugs in my house day and night trouble free. Have not cleaned it yet. One of my cats runs and hides sometime when a big bug makes more noise than usual. If and when this one quits, will get another 15 watt model for my home interior. It does not zap them all but sure helps a lot.
July 29 2009: A house fly was bugging me bad in my home the night before last. Knew that if I was patient, the annoying little bug would find his way to my 15 watt flowtron at some point just like many before him. Sure enough, as I went to sleep, he fried- well done. Have used very little insecticide this summer in my home with this thing working 24/7 nonstop and consuming only 15 watts of electricity. Wish I had thought of using one of these things sooner. My jumpy male cat has gotten more use to it now. Would go with a 40 or 80 watt model for heavy duty outdoor use at night. The 15 watt size is perfect for my indoor purposes. Still haven't cleaned it. It's right trouble free. There is a bit of an odor when a house fly or large bug gets zapped. That's no problem relative to getting rid of the bugs.
April 8, 2010 : Since this makes a good night light, left it on all winter. Have not turned it off since I first plugged it in. It just zapped one of those large, lanky, mosquito looking type bugs. Was wondering how long it would take for him to get fried (about an hour since I first saw him). Have not needed the spare 15 watt bulb yet. With ten boxes of fresh new roach baits, am ready for bug season again. May mount one of my 40 watt Flowtron units inside this Summer if needed.
August 6, 2010: It's time to deal with hurricanes, bugs and heat now. My trusty 15 watt Flowtron is busy tonight for I have little nats and other flying bugs in my house. That same 15 watt unit has been on nonstop since I first plugged it in- same bulb with no problems. Just needs some cleaning up now and then. At less than $30 currently with shipping, think I'll buy another 15 watt unit to put in the other end of my home. Need to step up my roach battle also. Have four tubes of roach gel. It's impossible to keep them out around here. Like living near the ocean even with the bugs. Before I got this device, used insecticide (flying insect killer) every second or third day during the tropical season. Now, have not gassed my whole house like I use to do yet this summer. Surely that is healthier than the chemicals I used before. It keeps the bugs under control- they don't bother me with this device in service 24/7. Just use common sense if you intend to use it indoors. Keep it away from all flammable things. It's an electrical device that'll have dead bugs falling from it.
May 10, 2011: Ordered two 18" round pizza pans to suspend below my indoor units in order to catch most of the zapped bugs as they fall. Some black coat hanger wire and a drill should do the trick. Have not had my bug zappers on yet and I can really tell the difference inside already. Bought six cans of Raid insecticide for the summer. A roach actually bit me on my right arm tonight. He's high on Raid now. Wish I could find something like this Flowtron device to help zap the big roaches as they somehow find a way inside. It takes time for them to find the roach baits that are all over the home where food and water are available. There's no way to keep them out around here.
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based on 226 reviews