Philips Actinic BL PL-L 36W/10/4P
Philips' Actinic PL PL-L 36W/10/4P stands out as the market leader for fly control light traps due to its high actinic UV output and long rated life, making it well suited for large commercial traps where sustained attraction is critical. Although it carries a higher upfront cost than smaller compact models on this list, its superior UV flux and longer replacement intervals deliver lower lifetime cost per lumen-attracting-insect compared with the lower-wattage Sylvania, GE, Feit, and TCP options.
Strong UV pull
Long service life
Strong UV pull
Long service life
Review Summary
"Users consistently report the Philips Actinic PL-L 36W/10/4P as a durable, high-output actinic tube that reliably attracts flies in commercial traps, though some note it is pricier than generic alternatives. Longevity and consistent UV output are the commonly praised points."
Moth disco glow
36W actinic PL-L 4-pin compact fluorescent designed for commercial fly/bug traps.
Moth disco glow
36W actinic PL-L 4-pin compact fluorescent designed for commercial fly/bug traps.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Philips' Actinic PL PL-L 36W/10/4P stands out as the market leader for fly control light traps due to its high actinic UV output and long rated life, making it well suited for large commercial traps where sustained attraction is critical. Although it carries a higher upfront cost than smaller compact models on this list, its superior UV flux and longer replacement intervals deliver lower lifetime cost per lumen-attracting-insect compared with the lower-wattage Sylvania, GE, Feit, and TCP options.
Strong UV pull
Long service life
Moth disco glow
36W actinic PL-L 4-pin compact fluorescent designed for commercial fly/bug traps.
Emits UV-A actinic spectrum that strongly attracts flies and other flying insects.
Strong UV pull
Long service life
Moth disco glow
36W actinic PL-L 4-pin compact fluorescent designed for commercial fly/bug traps.
Emits UV-A actinic spectrum that strongly attracts flies and other flying insects.
$30-50 CAD
Sylvania BL368 18W Compact UV Bulb
Sylvania's BL368 18W compact UV bulb offers a strong middle ground for fly-control traps, balancing higher UV output than the 13–15W compact options with a lower price and smaller footprint than Philips' 36W linear lamp. It is a practical choice for medium-duty installations where improved attraction is needed without the capital outlay of the highest-output commercial lamp, and it competes well on availability and compatibility with a broad range of compact trap fixtures.
High compact output
Simple retrofit
High compact output
Simple retrofit
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Sylvania BL368 18W for bright, effective UV output and dependable run time in both residential and light-commercial traps, with occasional reports of slightly reduced output after many months. Overall seen as a solid mid-range choice."
Pocket-sized fly siren
18W compact blacklight fluorescent sized to fit many plug-in fly trap fixtures.
Pocket-sized fly siren
18W compact blacklight fluorescent sized to fit many plug-in fly trap fixtures.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Sylvania's BL368 18W compact UV bulb offers a strong middle ground for fly-control traps, balancing higher UV output than the 13–15W compact options with a lower price and smaller footprint than Philips' 36W linear lamp. It is a practical choice for medium-duty installations where improved attraction is needed without the capital outlay of the highest-output commercial lamp, and it competes well on availability and compatibility with a broad range of compact trap fixtures.
High compact output
Simple retrofit
Pocket-sized fly siren
18W compact blacklight fluorescent sized to fit many plug-in fly trap fixtures.
Produces UV-A/blacklight output tuned to attract flying insects efficiently.
High compact output
Simple retrofit
Pocket-sized fly siren
18W compact blacklight fluorescent sized to fit many plug-in fly trap fixtures.
Produces UV-A/blacklight output tuned to attract flying insects efficiently.
GE F15T8/BL 15W Blacklight Blue
GE's F15T8/BL 15W Blacklight Blue is a cost-effective, lower-wattage solution tailored for small or space-limited fly traps; its established T8 form factor and reliable manufacturing make it a dependable replacement where energy use and initial cost are primary concerns. While it delivers less UV than the Philips and Sylvania products, GE's bulb is often the most economical choice for light-duty commercial or residential applications requiring frequent, inexpensive replacements.
Trusted brand performance
Slim T8 fit
Trusted brand performance
Slim T8 fit
Review Summary
"Users find the GE F15T8/BL 15W Blacklight Blue well-built and consistent in performance for smaller light traps, though some say its attraction can be less than dedicated actinic tubes. It’s regarded as a reliable, mainstream option."
Classic blacklight party
15W T8 blacklight-blue tube with standard bi-pin (G13) base for direct T8 replacements.
Classic blacklight party
15W T8 blacklight-blue tube with standard bi-pin (G13) base for direct T8 replacements.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
GE's F15T8/BL 15W Blacklight Blue is a cost-effective, lower-wattage solution tailored for small or space-limited fly traps; its established T8 form factor and reliable manufacturing make it a dependable replacement where energy use and initial cost are primary concerns. While it delivers less UV than the Philips and Sylvania products, GE's bulb is often the most economical choice for light-duty commercial or residential applications requiring frequent, inexpensive replacements.
Trusted brand performance
Slim T8 fit
Classic blacklight party
15W T8 blacklight-blue tube with standard bi-pin (G13) base for direct T8 replacements.
Emits UVA/blacklight wavelengths commonly used in fly control and insect monitoring.
Trusted brand performance
Slim T8 fit
Classic blacklight party
15W T8 blacklight-blue tube with standard bi-pin (G13) base for direct T8 replacements.
Emits UVA/blacklight wavelengths commonly used in fly control and insect monitoring.
$10-25 CAD
Feit Electric BPL13/BLB 13W Compact UV
Feit Electric's BPL13/BLB 13W compact UV lamp targets budget-conscious homeowners and small businesses that need a plug-and-play bulb for compact fly traps; its low wattage keeps operating cost down and initial purchase price is typically lower than bigger-brand commercial tubes. It sacrifices peak UV output and lifespan compared with the Philips and Sylvania offerings, but for small-area control its affordability and easy retrofit into compact fixtures are compelling advantages.
Low energy draw
Tool-free swap
Low energy draw
Tool-free swap
Review Summary
"Shoppers like the Feit Electric BPL13/BLB 13W for its low price and easy replacement fit, but many note shorter lifespan and weaker fly attraction compared with higher-end actinic bulbs. Value-conscious buyers are satisfied, while heavy-use customers report mixed longevity."
Quiet bug whisperer
13W compact blacklight (spiral) offering a small, energy-efficient replacement for traps.
Quiet bug whisperer
13W compact blacklight (spiral) offering a small, energy-efficient replacement for traps.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Feit Electric's BPL13/BLB 13W compact UV lamp targets budget-conscious homeowners and small businesses that need a plug-and-play bulb for compact fly traps; its low wattage keeps operating cost down and initial purchase price is typically lower than bigger-brand commercial tubes. It sacrifices peak UV output and lifespan compared with the Philips and Sylvania offerings, but for small-area control its affordability and easy retrofit into compact fixtures are compelling advantages.
Low energy draw
Tool-free swap
Quiet bug whisperer
13W compact blacklight (spiral) offering a small, energy-efficient replacement for traps.
Produces UV-A wavelengths that attract flies while minimizing visible glare.
Low energy draw
Tool-free swap
Quiet bug whisperer
13W compact blacklight (spiral) offering a small, energy-efficient replacement for traps.
Produces UV-A wavelengths that attract flies while minimizing visible glare.
$10-20 CAD
TCP 32013BLB 13W Spiral Bug Light
TCP's 32013BLB 13W Spiral Bug Light is designed as a purpose-built compact spiral bulb for insect control, combining a bug-optimized spectral output with a form factor that fits many consumer and light-commercial traps. Comparable in wattage to the Feit 13W unit, TCP often differentiates on packaged value (multipacks) and robust availability, making it a smart choice when per-unit price and replacement convenience are as important as modest UV performance.
Spiral UV focus
Fast installation
Spiral UV focus
Fast installation
Review Summary
"Customers report the TCP 32013BLB 13W Spiral Bug Light performs well as a budget spiral option with decent life and fit for small traps, although its UV output is described as modest and less effective in larger spaces. Good value for smaller applications."
Twisty bug beacon
13W spiral bug light with a medium (E26) base for easy installation in standard fixtures and traps.
Twisty bug beacon
13W spiral bug light with a medium (E26) base for easy installation in standard fixtures and traps.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
TCP's 32013BLB 13W Spiral Bug Light is designed as a purpose-built compact spiral bulb for insect control, combining a bug-optimized spectral output with a form factor that fits many consumer and light-commercial traps. Comparable in wattage to the Feit 13W unit, TCP often differentiates on packaged value (multipacks) and robust availability, making it a smart choice when per-unit price and replacement convenience are as important as modest UV performance.
Spiral UV focus
Fast installation
Twisty bug beacon
13W spiral bug light with a medium (E26) base for easy installation in standard fixtures and traps.
Emits blacklight spectrum optimized to lure flies and other nuisance insects.
Spiral UV focus
Fast installation
Twisty bug beacon
13W spiral bug light with a medium (E26) base for easy installation in standard fixtures and traps.
Emits blacklight spectrum optimized to lure flies and other nuisance insects.
$10-25 CAD