I've seen bug zappers that use Blacklight (BL) tubes, zappers that use Blacklight Blue (BLB) tubes, or a combination of both. Can they be used interchangeably, or is there a reason to choose one type over the other. How about a combination of the two?

IMHO bug zappers are outright waste of electricity and lamps. Thats in addition that they pollute the adjacent area with flying pieces of bugs

Install mosqito nets on your windows to keep the bugs out



As a light fixture (i have one here in which i removed the electric grid, effectively turning it into simply light fixture), i like both and would like to have both (as accents or for stage props), but not together in the same fixture

All four bug zappers I have use one BL and one BLB.  They are made by "Insect-O-Cuter".  The combination seems to work well and it is what the manufacturer recommends.  Mine have a bug collection tray and I feed the zapped bugs to my chickens which LOVE them!  Bug zappers are fun and entertaining! I have one in my shed on a photocell and the others I plug in as needed in the shop and party area.

Ash: In my hostel, bug zappers are necessary because the salon and the corridor in it are large.
R U sure that mosquito nets in the windows, are sufficient?
But i noted that bug zappers are much more popular than anywhere in the world.
This maybe a hint to me why in the US, "blacklight" is a generic name for a bug-zapper lamp instead of a name for a real blacklight lamp (A UVA fluorescent lamp with wood glass for blacklight effects).
Edit: Ash: i don't think that the US knows of the mosquito nets, that are common in Israel in single, double and triple floors houses, like the hostel i live in.

Sure mosqito nets are better :

Mosqito nets prevent all insects (unless you leave some net open which you should not - use double doors if needed). Bug zapper only zaps some (not all) of the bugs that allready got into the room

Mosqito nets do not pollute the room. Bug zappers causes bugs to explode, and pieces of them are flying from the zapper (not everything gets in the tray) - Would you really like this, especially in a hospital ?

Mosqito nets dont smell. Bug zappers stink every time a bug gets zapped

Mosqito nets are install-once thing. Bug zappers need electricity, maintenance, lamps replacement, and so on

Mosqito nets are safe. Bug zappers are fire risk if improperly placed, and dont expect everyone to be smart enough to keep them away from curtains and other flammable stuff. At home its your probem, in the hospital it is not



UV lamps are so much more usefull in other applications

Ash: In my hostel, bug zappers are necessary because the salon and the corridor in it are large.
R U sure that mosquito nets in the windows, are sufficient?
But i noted that bug zappers are much more popular than anywhere in the world.
This maybe a hint to me why in the US, "blacklight" is a generic name for a bug-zapper lamp instead of a name for a real blacklight lamp (A UVA fluorescent lamp with wood glass for blacklight effects).
Edit: Ash: i don't think that the US knows of the mosquito nets, that are common in Israel in single, double and triple floors houses, like the hostel i live in.

---

Actually most people here are refering to BLB lamps when they use the word blacklight...

Also the majority of houses here in North America are equipped with mosquito nets more commonly referred to as "insect screens" or simply "screens" here. The only houses that don't have screens in my area are mainly older ones. They're quite effective preventing insects from coming it IMO.

Hi guys. As far as mosquito nets go, they're not an option in my csse. I have only a small balcony outside my condo, and I'm not permitted to screen it in. Besides, if I did screen it in, then I'd feel like I was the bug inside a cage. Besides, who among us doesn't love a preheat fluorescent fixture - even if it is inside a high voltage grid.

As far as the BL/BLB thing goes, I'm now thinking both types serve the same purpose in this application. I guess its up the the bug zapper manufacturer to decide which ones to use.

I will post a pic of my vintage bug killer soon. It uses BL lamps only, not BLB's. I bet all us LG members know the difference 

Here in Canada and the USA, insect traps are available and in use in restaurants and supermakets instead of bug zappers. They normally use two BL lamps (possibly F15T8, depending on the model) and a sticky pad containing undesirable insect pheormones (sexual hormones irresistible to the unwanted insects). The lamps are used as an aid to the lure. Once the insects land on the sticky pad, they are stuck there. The pad is replaced periodically. Since there is no zapping, there is no smell and no insect parts pulverized in the area. It is also less dangerous than a high-voltage grid. Typically the sticky pad is hidden from view so it minimizes the visibility of unsightly dead insects. High voltage bug zappers are available, but normally only used outdoors.

Portable, battery operated bug zappers are also available, but use no lamps. They are shaped sort of like a reduced-size tennis raquet, with the high voltage grid instead of the strings. When swinging it in the air, aiming for the flying insects, one can readily zap them. Although I never used one, some people I know claim they are effective, and fun to use.

Most homes here, including mine, use insect screens on windows. They are very effective, as Ash pointed out.

As far as the difference in BL and BLB as insect lure, I would believe that the difference is negligible, and that the lower price of BL lamps would be considered. I would imagine that Wood's glass is more expensive than ordinary glass.

I thnk the main reason or using BL and not BLB in insect traps is the cost. In fact BLB is technically a BL bulb with added color filter (the best, but most expensive use Woods glass as the filter, cheaper some lacquer), that pass only the UV-A. As in bug zappers the visible part is of no problem, the filter is not necessary. Moreover the blue and blue-green attract bugs as well (even some other species), so the filter would be rather contraproductive...