Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer, 1/2 Acre Coverage Review

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Are you tired of all the insects pestering your home? However small they may be, they still annoy you. If only there were an easy way to get rid of all of them!

Some say all you need to do is maintain the cleanliness of your house and surroundings, but that may not work if you live somewhere near trees, ponds, or other typical habitats of insects. It can be really hard to eliminate them if that is the case.

But do not give up; everything has a solution. And as for this particular problem, you may need to get help from technology. Insect killers that ‘zap’ insects and bugs have existed for quite some time now. The first bug zapper was patented in 1932.

Yes, these devices electrocute bugs by attracting them with ultraviolet light. Once the insects are drawn in and get close to the device, they are killed by electricity.

So there is a way to solve your insect problems! Why don’t you start with the Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer, 1/2 Acre Coverage, to enjoy a bug-free life?

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Features

• It uses an advanced electronic insect killing grid powered by a high voltage transformer
• It has a 5600V non-clogging killing gird with ½ acre killing radius
• Warning: Not recommendable for use within 25 feet of the area meant for human activity
• Must not be attached to house, deck, or other structures
• Operates instantly with uninterrupted and continuous service; uses a 15-watt bulb
• Uses an attractant. Replace the Octenol cartridge every month for best results
• Outdoor use and recommended for areas up to ½ acre only

Pros

The Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer is a lantern-style bug zapper that uses nontoxic ultraviolet light to eliminate biting flies, mosquitoes, and other insects in a 1.5-acre area.

Easy to use. It comes ready to use with no lengthy preparation. You need to find somewhere to hang the device. It should be hung about 6 – 8 feet from the ground level.

This one is considered cleaner and safer than other chemical equivalents. Its original, non-clogging killing grid eradicates the chances of congesting the grid that can short-circuit the unit.

A clogged grid could also cause flare-ups of insect remains. It also features high-impact construction and a protected outer enclosure that stops pets, birds, wildlife, and children from having contact with the charged grid.

Customers are also happy with how it helps them get through the night bug-free. They can plug it in 24/7, and it still works despite the continuous use. Its light is not too bright, serving as a soft night light outside the house.

The zapping sound of a bug being grilled now and then will become music to your ears as you know that bugs can’t get near you.

This insect killer is small, measuring just 8.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches. It’s good for half an acre of protection from flying insects. This is the perfect-sized bug killer if you have a large deck or patio with a fairly small lawn.

This product also feels like the most environmentally sensitive way to remove bugs off your patio and lawn. And because it only needs 15 watts of power to function, this product is considered one of the most affordable insect killers.

In addition, this zapper comes with a strip of bait, Octenol, a component of our respiration and sweat that attracts mosquitoes. The heat and convective airflow vaporize the lure, making it irresistible for mosquitoes. The strip of attractant should be replaced every 30 days.

Furthermore, users report that it kills many bugs because it clogs up rarely. This is because the electric rods do not have cross wires and, instead, are just straight up and down, so clogging does not happen too often. Dead insects fall straight to the bottom! But even so, be sure to frequently clean with a soft brush or blow clean it once a month.

Attractive design and reasonable price

Cons

There are complaints about the bulb’s life span since, in some cases, it stops working after just a few months of continuous use. It is not guaranteed by Flowtron and replacing the bulb costs around 20$.

Over a period of time, the UV bulb loses its ability to attract insects. The “black light” isn’t visible to the human eye, but although the light seems to be working, it should be replaced every season to provide optimal UV light effectiveness.

The cord is very short; you will need an extension lead to place the insect killer about 25 feet from your patio.

Also, just like other insect killers, this one seemed to attract lots of moths, but very few mosquitoes, which are the ones that actually bother humans.

Placement

Your electronic insect killer should be placed about 25 feet away from the areas you will be using to lure the insects away from you. Don’t set it up near zones of human activity, or you will attract the flying bugs towards you.

Hang the zapper from a bracket, mounting pole, tree, or another free-standing object. It shouldn’t be hung from a building or attached to a deck. The ideal height is about 5 to 7 feet from the ground.

The ideal position would be between the areas you want to protect and the source of insects – trees, shrubs, or ponds. On hot sunny days, many insects such as mosquitoes shelter in shaded areas and venture away from these zones as the sun goes down. Placing your insect killer near a shaded area should keep the bugs away from you. You may need to experiment to find the position that gives the best results.

Is this Insect Killer Effective Against Mosquitoes?

Some reviewers say the Flowtron Insect Killer worked well for mosquitoes, while others say it didn’t kill any mosquitoes. Using the attractant in this insect zapper will probably attract some mosquitoes during the season.

However, the American Mosquito Control Association states that in two controlled studies using bug zappers, carried out by independent investigators at the University of Notre Dame, only 4.1% and 6.4% of the season’s catch was mosquitoes.

At the same time, an estimated 71 billion to 350 billion beneficial insects may be killed annually in the United States by this and similar electrocuting devices!

Maintenance

Although this bug zapper is equipped with a “self-cleaning grid,” you may still need to brush or blow clean insect remains off the grid. The frequency you have to do this will depend on the number of insects you kill and the type of insects. Some people who catch many insects have to do this every day, while for others, once, every two weeks is sufficient.

Apart from that, as mentioned above, you will just need to clean insect debris from the bottom of the device. You can do this with a soft brush or blower.

Verdict

This one is actually a ‘trial and error’ product for users. Reviews about Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer, 1/2 Acre Coverage are mixed as some find it works great while others see it as useless.

It still falls under the recommendable category, as one of the best bug zappers, since positive reviews far outweigh the negative ones. Of nearly 13000 reviews, two-thirds are 5-star reviews!

You will still have to see for yourself if this insect killer kills the annoying and biting bugs in your area. And remember, it may also kill quantities of beneficial insects.

If your primary problem is with mosquitoes, you may want to consider a mosquito trap.

However, if you want to focus on the benefits, well, many users claim that it zaps over a dozen bugs with just a minimal noise. Of course, when you hear the zapping sound, that means it has killed a bug, letting you know that it actually works. And even if its cord is very short, less than a foot, it is not a hindrance. A suitable extension cord and it can work beautifully.