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What is a Bug Vacuum?
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
A bug vacuum is a device designed to capture insects. Marketed as an alternative to using toxic sprays, a bug vacuum can be used to suck insects in and trap them, preventing their escape. Bug vacuums are not only safe and toxin-free, but also effective. A bug vacuum may be a good choice for individuals who want to avoid messy powders and smelly sprays, as well as those who hate smashing bugs. Bug vacuums can be used for both flying and crawling insects.
Though there may be variations in the design of bug vacuums, many have built-in bases that feature electrified grids. This type of bug vacuum allows the user to zap pesky bugs, killing them within the vacuum. The electrified grid is not a safety risk, as it is automatically deactivated when the bug vacuum’s nozzle is detached. However, there are bug vacuums that simply trap insects inside, allowing users to release them outdoors. Depending on your preference, you can purchase a fully rechargeable bug vacuum or one that is battery powered.
Disposing of deceased insects is easy with a bug vacuum. All that is required is simply to detach the nozzle and dispose of insects in an ordinary trash receptacle. There’s no need to touch or even view dead bugs. You can just dump them in a bag and you’re done.
In addition to bug vacuums designed for pest control, there are models made just for fun. Toy bug vacuums allow the young or young at heart to capture bugs and examine them without causing harm to their fragile bodies. Toy bug vacuums are great for exploring the insect world up close and personal.
Though you may find as much variation in toy bug vacuums as you do in those created for pest control, common features include clear plastic chambers for bug viewing and magnifiers for seeing intricate body parts. Some toy bug vacuums allow for the easy transfer of insects to an insect habitat. If you chose to purchase a toy bug vacuum for a child, it is wise to discuss safety around stinging insects, as capturing and releasing bees, hornets, and wasps could prove painful.
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.
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![Bug vacuums are designed for people who want to avoid messy powders and smelly sprays.]()
By: demarfaBug vacuums are designed for people who want to avoid messy powders and smelly sprays.
Discussion Comments
I had a lot of fun as a kid with a home made bug vacuum. There are lots of videos online which run you through how to make one. I don't know why children are so fascinated with creepy crawlies but it is a great way to learn about the environment.
@Bakersdozen - If your mother has a lot of bugs around the house she may need to call an expert to help. If you are talking about the usual ants, flies, and spiders then I recommend a Lentek bug vacuum.
I bought one nicely gift wrapped last year for my grandmother. She had on and off problems with large beetles and this worked well for her. It's a great improvement on the bug zapper she had, which depended on fast reactions and still left her with the dead bug to pick up.
This sounds like a great product for my mother! She hates killing bugs but can't rest if there's something hanging around the house. I wonder how big they are though. Which would be the best bug vacuum for larger insects?
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