How to Maintain Your Flowtron Bug Zapper for Maximum Efficiency

So, you’ve got your hands on a Flowtron bug zapper and want to make sure you get the most out of your new bug-killing machine.

You’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll go over some important bug zapper maintenance tips to help you keep your zapper running at maximum efficiency.

From cleaning to replacing attractants, adhesive boards, bulbs, and starters, we’ve got specific instructions for maintaining each specific model.

Let’s get started!

Cleaning Your Electric Bug Zapper

Outdoor Bug Zappers (Models BK-15, BK-40, BK-80, MC-9000, FC-8800)

All Flowtron outdoor bug zappers are equipped with self-cleaning grids, so maintenance is minimal aside from cleaning built-up debris from the bottom of the unit.

This should be done frequently using a small soft brush or blower, like a portable hair dryer or the exhaust attachment of your vacuum.

Before cleaning, make sure to unplug the unit, and remember never to use water spray or the like on your outdoor bug zapper.

Indoor Bug Zappers (Models FC-7600, FC-7800)

Your Flowtron indoor bug zappers come with sanitary, removable collection trays that need to be cleaned in order to prevent buildup.

Make sure to unplug your unit first, then simply slide the collection tray forward to disengage it from the bottom plate and remove by pulling downward.

Important: Never attempt to use water spray or the like to clean your indoor bug zapper.

Replacing Octenol Attractant

Your Flowtron outdoor bug zapper attracts bugs using a combination of UV light and octenol attractant, which works by mimicking ruminants’ breath.

For maximum effectiveness, your octenol attractant should be replaced every thirty days. To replace the attractant:

1. Remove the octenol cartridge from the sealed pouch and peel the protective cover from the face of the cartridge.
2. Remove the tape from the pouch and peel the backing paper off one side of the tape.
3. Press the tape to the bottom of the cartridge (the side opposite the openings).
4. Peel the backing paper off the other side of the tape and press the cartridge firmly into the bulb retainer at the bottom of the enclosure.

Important: When handling octenol, be sure to avoid touching the cartridge openings and always wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Purchase replacement octenol attractant.

Replacing Fly Sex Lure

Your Flowtron indoor bug zappers use a combination of UV light and fly pheromones, Fly Sex Lure, to attract flies. Specific replacement instructions vary by model:

Model FC-4700, FC-7600, FC-7800, FC-8800

1. Attach the Sex Lure strip to the outer protective grill of your indoor bug zapper.
2. Wrap the used lure in newspaper and dispose of it in the trash.
3. Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with the lure strip.
4. For best results, replace every 30 days.

Model FC-4900

1. Remove the power cord from the side of the housing and raise the front grill.
2. Press the face of the replacement lure onto the adhesive board at the center of the two UV lamps.
3. Wrap the used lure in newspaper and dispose of it in the trash.
4. Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with the lure strip.
5. For best results, replace every 30 days or whenever you replace the adhesive board, whichever is sooner.

Model FC-4400, FC-4800

1. Lower the front panel of the wall sconce and remove the used lure strip.
2. Install the replacement strip on the post provided and labeled “Fly Lure.”
3. Return the front panel to its upright position.
4. Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with the lure strip.
5. For best results, replace every 30 days.

Purchase replacement Fly Sex Lure.

Replacing Fly Boards

Some indoor bug zappers use fly boards for a sure, silent capture of insects. Specific replacement instructions vary by model:

Model FC-4400, FC-4800

1. Lower the front panel of the wall sconce.
2. Remove the used adhesive board by gripping its non-sticky edge and pulling it out along the tracks located on the inside of the front panel.
3. Peel the covering from the replacement adhesive board and slide the board along the tracks until it is fully seated.

Purchase replacement fly boards here.

Model FC-4700

1. Slide the collection tray forward to disengage it from the unit.
2. Remove the tray by pulling it downward.
3. Grip the used adhesive board by its non-sticky edge and lift it out of the tray.
4. Peel the covering from the replacement adhesive board and place the board on the bottom of the tray.
5. Reverse these steps to replace the collection tray.

Purchase replacement fly boards here.

Model FC-4900

1. Remove the power cord from the side of the housing and raise the front grill.
2. Grip the non-sticky tab at the bottom of the adhesive board to remove the used board.
3. Peel the covering from the replacement adhesive board and position it along the back and bottom of the unit.
4. Make sure the top edge of the board is positioned behind the retaining clips at the top center and top edges of the back panel.
5. For best results, replace the adhesive board when 65-75% of the surface is covered with debris and less than half of the available glue surface remains exposed.

Purchase replacement fly boards here.

Replacing Lightbulbs

All Flowtron bug zappers use UV light to attract insects.

It is important to note that ultraviolet or “black” light is invisible to the eye and its ability to attract insects diminishes over time. So, even if the bug zapper light appears to be functioning, it should still be replaced every season to maintain optimal UV effectiveness.

Specific instructions vary by model.

Models MC-9000, FC-8800

1. Disconnect unit from electric source.
2. Remove the three screws holding the bulb retainer plate at the base of the unit.
3. Pull the used bug zapper light out of its socket and insert the replacement bulb.
4. Replace the plastic bulb retainer and secure with three screws.

Purchase replacement bulbs for the MC-9000 here, and for the FC-8800 here.

Models FC-7600, FC-7800, FC-4700

1. Disconnect unit from electric source.
2. Remove the right-side panel and remove the bulb retainer.
3. Pull the bug zapper light out of the unit horizontally.
4. Insert the replacement bulb and bulb retainer and fit the side panel.

Purchase replacement bulbs for the FC-7600 and FC-4700 here, and for the FC-7800 here.

Model FC-4900

1. Remove the power cord from the side of the housing and raise the front grill.
2. Rotate the bulb 180° and pull it horizontally out of its socket.
3. Insert the replacement bulb into the bulb socket and rotate it 180° into place.

Purchase replacement bulbs here.

Models BK-15, BK-40, BK-80

1. Disconnect unit from electric source.
2. Depress the latch and remove the plastic bulb retainer at the base of the unit.
3. Pull the used bug zapper light out of its socket and insert the replacement bulb.
4. Replace the plastic bulb retainer and secure the latch.

Purchase replacement bulbs for the BK-15 here, the BK-40 here, and the BK-80 here.

Models FC-4400, FC-4800

1. Lower the front panel of the wall sconce and remove the defective bulb(s).
2. Insert the replacement bulb(s) into the bulb socket and return the front panel to its upright position.
3. Ensure the replacement bulb is seated in the bulb support bracket.

Purchase replacement bulbs here.

Replacing Bulb Starter

Specific replacement instructions vary by model.

Models FC-4400, FC-4800, FC-4700

1. Lower the front panel of the wall sconce and remove the defective bulb(s).
2. Remove the electrical box from the back panel by removing the two screws that fasten the box to the panel.
3. Remove the starter located inside the electrical box by twisting the starter counterclockwise.
4. Install the replacement starter by inserting it into the starter socket and twisting clockwise.
5. Replace the electrical box and secure it to the back panel with the two screws.
6. Replace the bulb(s) and return the front panel to its upright position.

Purchase replacement starter here.

Model FC-4900

1. Remove the power cord from the side of the housing and raise the front grill.
2. Twist the starter counterclockwise to remove it.
3. Insert the replacement starter into the starter socket and twist clockwise.
4. Return the grill to its installed position.

Purchase replacement starter here.

Models FC-7600, FC-7800

1. Remove the left side panel.
2. Twist the starter counterclockwise to remove it.
3. Insert the replacement starter into the socket and twist clockwise.
4. Replace the side panel.

Purchase replacement starter here.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your Flowtron bug zapper is key to keeping your outdoor or indoor spaces bug-free and enjoyable.

Whether it’s swapping out the bulbs, replacing attractants, or cleaning the unit, regular bug zapper maintenance not only enhances efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your zapper.

By following the bug zapper care tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure your electric bug zapper operates at peak performance season after season.

Keep your space protected and pest-free with a little maintenance and let your Flowtron bug zapper do the rest!