Can You Replace a Fluorescent UV Lamp with an LED Tube in an Insect Light Trap?

In many cases, upgrading an existing insect light trap to LED is simpler and more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit. Before choosing an LED replacement for a fly killer tube, it’s important to understand how different ballast systems affect compatibility.

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Why Use an LED Tube for an Insect Light Trap?

Switching to an LED tube in an insect light trap offers several practical advantages:

• Reduced energy consumption compared to fluorescent lamps
• Consistent UV output throughout the lamp’s life
• Longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements

For pest controllers, this means less maintenance, more consistency, and improved efficiency across multiple sites - all without changing the way you work.

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Can You Replace a Fluorescent UV Lamp with an LED Tube?

✔️ Yes - For Starter-Based (Magnetic Ballast) Units

If your insect light trap uses a starter-based (magnetic ballast) system, you can usually install an LED replacement for a fly killer tube without changing the fitting.

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Opti-Catch retrofit LED lamps are designed specifically for this type of upgrade and are compatible with:

• 15W T8 18" (450mm) lamps
• 18W T8 24" (600mm) lamps
• Units that use a starter

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Installation is straightforward:

1. Remove the fluorescent UV lamp

2. Replace the starter with the supplied LED starter

3. Fit the LED tube

This makes it easy to upgrade existing insect light traps to LED quickly and cost-effectively, without rewiring or replacing the unit.

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⚠️ No - For Electronic (HF Ballast) Units

If your unit uses an electronic (high-frequency) ballast, an LED tube will not work as a direct replacement.

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In this situation, you should either:

• Continue using fluorescent UV lamps, or
• Upgrade to a dedicated LED insect light trap unit

Where retrofit isn’t possible, Opti-Catch can support with complete LED unit options, helping you transition at a pace that suits your business.

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How to Check Compatibility Before Switching

Before choosing an LED tube for your insect light trap, check the following:

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Is there a starter fitted?

→ A small cylindrical component near the lamp usually indicates compatibility

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Lamp size and type

→ 15W (18”) or 18W (24”) T8 tubes

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Ballast type

→ Magnetic = compatible / Electronic (HF) = not compatible

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Opti-Catch compatibility guidance

Opti-Catch retrofit LED lamps are compatible with any fly killer that:

• Uses the standard T8 lamp sizes 18” or 24” (15W or 18W)
• Operates with a starter-based system

If you’re unsure, simply share the make and model - we can quickly confirm compatibility and recommend the right option, whether that’s retrofit or replacement.

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What If You Can’t Use an LED Tube?

If your current insect light trap isn’t compatible with an LED tube, there are still practical options:

• Stay with fluorescent UV lamps in the short term*
• Plan a gradual upgrade to LED units
• Replace older fly killers as part of routine maintenance

For many businesses, this becomes an opportunity to standardise equipment and reduce long-term maintenance costs with LED.

* Take a look at our blog that explains how long fluorescent lamps can be used under RoHS here.

LED Retrofit vs New LED Unit

Choose an LED retrofit if:

• You want a quick LED replacement for a fly killer tube
• Your units use magnetic ballasts
• You want to upgrade without replacing equipment

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Choose a new LED unit if:

• Your traps use electronic ballasts
• You’re standardising equipment
• Existing units are reaching end of life

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Opti-Catch supports both approaches, helping you upgrade where possible and replace where it makes sense.

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What This Means for Your Insect Light Traps

So, can you replace a fluorescent UV lamp with an LED tube?

Yes - if your insect light trap uses a magnetic ballast with a starter

No - if it uses an electronic (HF) ballast

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For many pest control professionals, switching to an LED tube for an insect light trap is one of the simplest ways to improve efficiency - without disrupting existing setups.

If you’re considering an LED replacement for a fly killer tube, the first step is checking compatibility. From there, it’s a straightforward upgrade - and one that can deliver immediate practical benefits.

If you’re unsure whether your units are compatible, contact the Opti-Catch team with your make and model and we’ll help you find the right solution.

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