Restaurants, warehouses, office break rooms, and grocery stores are just some of the many communal spaces that attract flies. Insecticides and room sprays are effective tools for controlling large fly infestations, but for the occasional fly that may enter a building through an open door, there is another solution.
Fly light traps are a non-toxic alternative to chemical treatments. Flies are attracted to the UV trap, bringing them away from food and customers, and will stick to the included glue board for easy capture.
There are many different types and styles of fly light traps available for business owners, homeowners, and apartment dwellers alike. Read our guide to learn more about these lights.
What is a Fly Light Trap and How Does It Work?
A fly light is an insect trap that uses powerful ultraviolet rays of light to attract flies and other flying pests without the use of chemicals. Flies stick to glue boards hidden within the light, and the boards can easily be thrown away and replaced.
Some glue boards use pheromones to help attract flies that may not be fully attracted to the ultraviolet light. Pheromone traps are popular in grocery stores, restaurants, and other public and food settings.
Ultraviolet fly zappers also attract flies using ultraviolet rays. Flies are electrocuted by the traps rather than captured on glue boards. Fly Zappers are often found in warehouses and should not be used in residential areas, business applications, and food-preparation areas where fly body parts may fall into food.
Benefits of Fly Light Traps
Both homes and businesses can benefit from fly lights for many reasons, including:
1. UV fly light traps are not harmful to people or pets. Both people and animals can be in the same room as a fly light and do not need to clear a room for treatment.
2. Fly lights do not have unpleasant odors, unlike some chemical products. Most fly lights have no odor at all.
3. Ultraviolet light rays attract a wide range of flying insects, not just flies. This can help prevent infestation from flying beetles and the annoyance of flying pests around people.
4. Many fly traps are designed to look like ordinary light fixtures, making them ideal for the discreet control of pests in public venues, like restaurants.
Fly Light Trap Best Practices
When using a UV fly light trap, consider the following:
1. Where to Hang Your Light
When installing a fly light trap, be sure to install it away from sensitive areas, like right near where customers will sit or congregate. You do not want customers to be able to touch the trap or for an emptied trap to contaminate food products.
You will need to monitor and replace your glue boards often, so be sure your fly light is accessible to employees without much difficulty. Most traps also need to be plugged in, so access to a plug is important.
Fly lights should also be placed away from doors and windows that open to the outside as the pheromones on the glue boards could potentially attract flies from the outdoors into your buildings. Light from the outdoors can also compete with the light from the fly light. The fly light should be the primary light source for flies in the area.
2. Glue Boards and Light Bulbs Must Be Monitored
Check your glue boards at least once a week and replace as necessary. Dusty glue boards or glue boards full of pests will be rendered ineffective, so plan on replacing your boards at least every 4-6 weeks.
The UV lights of your trap will also need to be replaced every 4-6 months, according to the directions of your specific light. Ultraviolet light bulbs become weak over time and weak lights do not attract flying pests. Even if the light has not burned out, change your bulbs on schedule as instructed.
3. Insecticides and Other Fly Control Products May be Necessary
UV fly light traps are a great way to control the occasional flying insects that may enter your home or business but cannot control a heavy infestation.
Understanding and finding the source of your infestation and practicing some basic integrated pest management techniques will go a long way in controlling flies on your property. Aerosols, sprays, and fogging may be necessary if you have an intense infestation. And fly baits near dumpsters can also be a huge help in controlling the number of flies that enter your building.
4. Multiple Light Traps May Be Needed
UV fly light traps work within a certain square footage or range. If you are trying to control flying pests in a large building or restaurant, or across multiple floors, consider purchasing multiple light traps.
Shop our selection of fly light traps here. Have questions about selecting a fly light trap? Give our customer service team a call at 866-581-7378 or email [email protected].