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268 of 271 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.
271 of 277 found the following review helpful:
Stinger vs Flowtron (Winner!)Sep 09, 2006
By scottls1
"scottls1"
Stinger:
Pros- With mosquito lure, killed lotsa bad insects- BUT!
Cons- Their electric wire grid uses square wires that QUICKLY clog up. Pretty soon it was packed solid & killing nothing!
I had to keep blowing it out ( air compressor) every couple of
days- HASSLE!
Flowtron BK-80D (took the wimpy 40w back!)-
UPDATE-
NOTE!- Spray electrical grid bars with PAM when new for easier cleaning later, but be SURE & remove bulbs FIRST or they will crack.
-I tried Carefully spraying Just the bars with water, and ruined the unit (saved the old bulbs)!
Pros- Killed lots more bugs, because it NEVER clogs up! The electric rods are straight up/down, so no cross wires to catch falling insects & clog. Dead insects fall out the bottom- Blow clean once a month.
Update!-
Forget the pricy attractant! My Flowtron 80w kills mosquitos!- Hundreds of dead ones underneath! My Flowtron 15w didn't do much, but 40w was pretty good (much cheaper bulbs)!
My theory!- Mosquitos are attracted to the heat that is generated when moths... are zapped!
I've watched the mosquitos come as moths are being zapped!- Love the zapping noise (not that loud)!
Cons- The only con is that the outer protective plastic cage HAD bars only about 1/2" apart (same with Stinger)- This kept larger moths... from being able to easily get in to the electric grid.
I used a large wire cutter, to cut out every 3d bar, on top 2/3ds of cage. Alternating..., so cut bar was in the middle of two solid bars on adajacent side- Still rigid!
I put it on an outside timer (for when evenings cool down- Not much insect activity below 55 degrees...). Adjust accordingly.
Never hang it near a door, as their is always a 10'+ swarm of insects around it.
Try to hang it over head high, in a DRY (electric) area.
Removing the bulbs to clean them WILL cause the socket contacts to fail!- I never did figire out how to thoroughly clean the bulbs (High psi compressor helps, and IS a must!- Vacuum cleaner is too wimpy!)!?
181 of 184 found the following review helpful:
Allows us to enjoy the outdoors again!!Jul 04, 2001
By momof2greatboys
"momof2greatboys"
Here in Houston we have had a particularly difficult time with mosquitos this year (due to heavy rainfall). I almost felt like we were held "hostage" inside our house, since going outdoors meant a barrage of mosquitos! But thanks to the Flowtron bug killer which we now have on our back patio, we can enjoy the out-of-doors again! We purchased the 80-watt model, even though our yard is only 1/3 acre. It has been very effective in eliminating our mosquito problem. One word of caution: the zapping noise generated by the Flowtron really bothers our Golden Retriever. He has even tried to escape from the back yard! We're hoping he eventually becomes accustomed to it. Just keep this in mind if you have pets ............
171 of 174 found the following review helpful:
Does what it's supposed to doAug 28, 2006
By F. Rabi
There are two ways to measure the quality of an insect zapper. First, how powerful is it light? That will determine from how far away insects will be attracted. Second, how powerful are its "shocks"? That will, of course, determine what happens to the hapless critters. The Flowtron BK-40D performs both of these admirably.
This should be set up AWAY from your seating area - at least 10 yards. It will attract and kill so many insects that if it is near you, you will get covered. Also, the zapping noises it makes as it kills can be intimidating to young kids.
The plug comes off a short (6 inches or so) wire from the top as it hangs down from your pole. Make sure whatever extension cord you use is rated for outdoor use.
There is a compartment just below this model, which will fit a sticky mosquito attractant - one comes free with this package. You can get refills easily at Target or WalMart. Cost about $4. You probably will not need them, however, because the UV light does a good job of attracting insects.
I recommend it fully.
129 of 130 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.
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