Can My Bug Zapper Get Wet | Save Yourself From Rain Rescue

It’s midnight, and you hear the familiar rolls of a thunderstorm. You remember your favourite bug zapper left in the rain. Sigh.

Most outdoor bug zappers are able to handle your typical storms and periodic showers, even when left turned on. However, you have to check that your bug zapper is okay for outdoor use.

You have to also ensure that any plugs and cords are in an always-dry location.

Table of Contents

Can I Leave My Bug Zapper Outside?

Heavy-duty, outdoor bug zappers can be left outside when it’s wet. There are various types of bug zappers for different areas and where you’d like to put them.

Common ones are:

Outdoor lantern style
Outdoor solar torches
Indoor lantern style (hanging or tabletop)
Indoor briefcase-style
Handheld racket style

The two outdoor bug zappers (solar torches and lanterns) are waterproof and can be left outside, even when it’s raining. It can be on during this time as well, so you don’t have to shut them off when you hear the rainfall.

I like solar torches because I set them up and forget about them. I only bother about it when I have to change the batteries. This is so good for busy mums and the outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.

Anyway, having an outdoor lantern bug zapper means it has to be turned on all the time. So those can also be left outside. You have to make sure that cords and plugs are all covered and protected from the rain.

Outdoor Lantern With Bug Zapper — Source: pixnio Author: Leon Brooks https://pixnio.com/objects/electronics-devices/electric-lights-pictures/the-lesser-great-bug-zapper# Free to use CC0

So, Are All Types Waterproof?

Well, only outdoor ones are rated to withstand rain and storms.

However, you may have a problem identifying the indoor bug zappers from the outdoor ones. When buying your bug zappers, make sure to check the label!

Indoor bug zappers are not made to be outside in the rain. If they are exposed to rain, they can short-circuit and blow a fuse or cause the bug zapper to stop working at all. I’m sure you don’t want your money washed down like that!

Indoor bug zappers should always be kept on dry surfaces. Avoid taking them out to the pool, beaches, outdoor showers, and hot tubs. Store them properly when they are not in use.

Precautions With Outdoor Bug Zappers

Although they are designed to be wet, you shouldn’t try submerging these bug zappers in water. This can cause them to stop zapping.

Here are some precautions to make sure your bug zapper has a long life:

Protect the plug! Although your bug zapper can handle rain, your plugs cannot. If your electrical fittings get wet, it can cause a fire, electrical shorts, or harm someone who’s close by.
Avoid standing water. Accidents happen, and you may drop them into the pool. Instead, keep it far away or hang it up on the shelter. Also, make sure your bug zapper is secure and doesn’t fall in a rain puddle during the night.
Use outdoor outlets if you can. Ensure your outlets have covers or are in a dry area. Avoid using extensions coming into the house with multi-sockets if you are going to leave the bug zapper on for a long time.
Invest in waterproof covers. For the time being, if you don’t have an outdoor outlet, you should be sure to protect your plug with a waterproof cover.

If you brought your indoor bug zapper to the porch, don’t forget to take it back in!

A Bug On A Leaf — Source: pixahive Author: Sonu Kumarhttps://pixahive.com/photo/a-bug-on-a-grass-leaf-2/ CC0

Where Is The Best Place To Put My Bug Zapper?

I have my bug zapper at the perimeter of my porch, and it’s the best place. Don’t put it near the place where you sit or where the kids play, as the light will attract many insects. You are actually more likely to get bitten by a mosquito if you are too close to the bug zapper.

You should place them around 9 meters away from where you’re sitting.

If you’re hanging the bug zapper up, you should go at least 2 meters off the ground. This is best for pets who don’t like the zapper.

Don’t hang the device over food preparation areas like your BBQ grill. When your bug zapper ‘zaps’ the bugs, they release allergens and some pathogens that can settle on your food and irritate your sinuses. Sometimes, it can even make you or your family sick.

*Pro-tip- Try and purchase bug zapper models with a collection tray for easy cleaning!