Flowtron bk-80D Electronic Insect Killer Overview
The Flowtron bk-80D Electronic Insect Killer is the largest electronic insect killer the brand sells. The bk-40DK and bk-15DK models, which protect one acre and ½ acre, respectively, are identical but successively smaller than the large bk-80D. This model is advertised for areas up to 1-1/2 acres.
Flowtron, which produces a long list of outdoor products, is a branch of Armatron International, Inc. This American company has been around since 1920 and got its start on manufacturing car radios. All Flowtron products are still made in the United States and come with generous multi-year warranties.
The bk-80D Insect Killer is one of many pest control products that the company produces and one of the most popular.
This simple yet effective bug killer uses easily accessible UV lights to draw in insects. As the flying bugs move toward the light, they will come into contact with the electric grill, which zaps them in seconds.
Since mosquitoes are not attracted to light, the Flowtron bk-80D uses an octenol slow-release cartridge to bait mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and black flies to go near the zapper.
What really sets this outdoor insect killer apart from the competition is its durable, weatherproof construction. Even with frequent sun and moisture exposure, it can stand up to the elements and last for years.
The Flowtron Insect Killer has garnered a lot of praise on Amazon and other retail sites, but does this insect killer truly live up to the hype?
Keep reading to see my full Flowtron bk-80D Electronic Insect Killer review and see if this bug zapper is worth the price.
How It Performs
A bug zapper should not only be effective at killing flying bugs; it should also be easy to use, low maintenance, durable, and has the right features. Here's how the Flowtron bk-80D Electronic Bug Killer stacks up.
Bug Killing Power
There is no question that the Flowtron bk-80D can kill bugs. If you live in an area infested with flying insects, you're likely to hear the zapper go off almost as soon as you plug it in.
And, trust me, you will hear it.
Like many high voltage bug zappers, this one is impressively loud. If you were to use it indoors, the noise would be way too much to handle. But when you set it up outdoors (25 feet from high traffic areas as the manual recommends), the zapping sound is entirely reasonable.
The problem with bug zappers, in general, is that they kill harmless and even beneficial insects like moths and beetles attracted to light. Unfortunately, there is no UV-light bug zapper out there that doesn't share this pitfall.
The benefit of a zapper like this one, at least, is that you can be sure it is killing all the nasty bugs.
The two powerful UV lights are bright enough to attract bugs from an impressive distance. And the powerful electric grid does more than enough to assure they don't fly away once they enter the zapper.
But what truly makes this bug zapper an asset is the included octenol attractant that attracts mosquitoes to the electric grid. While the UV light does nothing to bring mosquitoes flocking, this odor certainly does the trick. If mosquitoes are in the area, they are more likely to fly toward the trap than to your barbeque grill.
The slow-release octenol cartridge only lasts for about 30 days. But you can easily buy replacements through Flowtron's website.
Features and Maintenance
This simplistic bug zapper is light on features, making it a more excellent buy than many others on the market.
It is made for outdoor use only, so there is no need for a removable bug tray or any other extra parts. The bugs fall to the ground after being zapped, and the grid is designed not to clog.
Some users have found that the clog-free feature is less than accurate in high-volume situations. But this is an easy enough fix; you can clean the unit using a hose-just make sure it is unplugged first and given time to dry before plugging it back in.
The cord is relatively short and will require an extension cord in most cases. This is a minor inconvenience and one we've run into with almost every zapper we've tested.
Changing out the bulbs is easy and doesn't require any tools or screw removal. The U-shaped bulbs are inexpensive and can be purchased through the manufacturer.
Its bulbs and the power grid are cost-effective to run- it only costs pennies a day to operate 24/7. This is one of those rare bug zappers that can truly hang and forget for weeks at a time.
Durability
Even after a year of continuous use through all three buggy seasons, this zapper holds up well. The strong polycarbonate frame does not fade or get brittle even when exposed to direct sunlight. It also doesn't have any problems with moisture or precipitation.
The one thing we do recommend is that you secure the ring well to an iron pole or hook. At nine pounds, this item is tough to blow off its hanger, but not impossible.
Of course, as with all bug zappers, it is best to store this one away for the winter to prolong its life.
With this minor upkeep, the Flowtron bk-80D should last for years. And it comes with a 2-year warranty should anything go wrong before that time has passed.
Alternatives
The Flowtron bk-80D Insect Killer is an excellent buy for large properties needing mosquito and fly mitigation. But if you are in the market for something a little different, some other choices are worth considering.
The Livin' Well Bug Zapper is a fantastic choice for those looking for a powerful bug killer indoors and out. This sleek unit effectively attracts flies and other photophilic insects with one large, bright UV bulb and traps their bodies in an easy-dump tray.
For outdoor-only use and at a more affordable price, the Electric Bug Zapper from InnooLight is worth considering. This UV-light killer also contains a mosquito attractant to make it more effective against all flying pests. Plus, it automatically powers the light off at dawn and turns it back on at dusk.
If mosquitoes are your main problem, check out our article on the best mosquito killers to see additional options for controlling mosquito problems.
Things to Consider Before Buying
A bug zapper can be a good purchase in the right situation, but it does not work well for every pest-related problem. Before you run out and buy a bug zapper, here are a few things to consider.
- What you are trying to target. Bug zappers kill indiscriminately. If you have only one type of bug that you are trying to eradicate, there may be a better, more focused solution out there. If mosquitoes happen to be your biggest issue, here is everything you need to know to get rid of them.
- Where you plan to use the zapper. If you want close-proximity bug control, a bug zapper is not likely to be the best solution. These things are loud and give off the smell of burnt insects. They are best used at a distance or in a room that you don't spend much time in.
- How long you plan to use it. If you want an outdoor bug zapper that will last from spring to fall, you'll need to invest in a highly durable model. The cheaper models are better suited for occasional use during outdoor parties or terrible times of the year.
Conclusion
Bug zappers are an effective way to rid your property of flying bugs without having to resort to chemicals or expensive repellants. If you have a large property and need help eliminating flies and mosquitoes, the Flowtron bk-80D Electronic Insect Killer is a great choice.
This large bug zapper is rated to cover up to 1 ½ acres of land. It is made of durable polycarbonate that can withstand the elements and comes with a 2-year warranty. Plus, the UV light, high-powered electrical grid, and included mosquito attractant make it effective at killing a wide range of insects.
To learn more about the Flowtron bk-80D or to buy your own, click here.