Dangers of Bug Zappers

By David Perlmutter, MD, FACN

Now that summer has arrived many of us make plans to participate in various outdoor activities. One area of constant concern is what can be done about the various insects that prove to be such a nuisance at our picnics and other activities. Over the past ten years there has been a large increase in the use of so called "bug zappers". These are very high voltage devices that attract bugs to a light bulb and then incinerate them with high voltage. While at first these devices might seem to be a great idea - killing bugs without pesticides, there may be an important downside.

In a recent article appearing in the Journal Lancet, (June 12, 1999), some significant concerns were raised about the use of these devices. Researchers at Kansas State University found that these devices actually release large amounts of insect particles as well as un-killed bacteria and viruses. Entomologist, Alberto Broce and his colleagues found that when bugs were "zapped" particles extended out for a distance of at lest 2 meters containing insect parts as well as viruses and bacteria, representing a significant health concern according to the researchers. It is known that flies, for example, carry several potentially dangerous organisms including staphylococci, enterococci, and Campylobacter jejuni. Dr. Broce is particularly concerned about the use of these devices in enclosed environments. As he stated "under no circumstances should there be insect electrocutors in a sterile environment, in any hospital, or anywhere that handles food because the possibility that pathogens will be spread. Thus, while these devices may seem like an appropriate alternative to dangerous insect sprays, there may be some very important down sides in terms of health risks. Perhaps we should go back to fly paper.