Which bug zapper should you get? (2024)

Best bug zappers

When the warmer months come, most people enjoy relaxing outdoors and watching the sunset, or perhaps having an evening barbeque with friends. Unfortunately, insects seem to have the same idea, and buzzing flies and biting mosquitoes can quickly ruin a good time. If you want to enjoy your time outside without pests, a bug zapper is the way to go. They allow you to avoid chemical sprays and smoking coils, and also come in several styles to suit your preference. Keep reading to learn about the various types and which bug zapper you should get based on your needs.

Types of bug zappers to consider

Bug zappers come in two main types. You have stationary options that can either be placed on a table or hung, depending on the model. There are also bug zapping rackets, which quite literally look like a tennis racket. Both use electricity to kill bugs.

Stationary models are great because they allow you to sit back and simply relax, while the zapper does all the work. They also feature a UV light to lure in insects, and many include additional attractants, giving them a wider effective range than rackets. However, some may find the light to be annoying and a bit of an eyesore.

Bug-zapping rackets are electrified, and while some have various extra features, such as a stand or built-in light, they all work in essentially the same way. You press and button and swing them through the air to take out those irritating bugs.

Best stationary bug zappers

Flowtron Electronic Insect Killer: available at and Thanks to a bright ultraviolet bulb and the ability to add an attractant, this powerful unit can keep a one-acre radius bug free. It is designed to be hung and is styled like a lantern, giving it a somewhat decorative appearance.

Crio Indoor and Outdoor Bug Zapper: available at If you are on a tight budget, you’ll appreciate this model’s affordable price. Despite being inexpensive, it has an effective, high-voltage, double-mesh grid that effectively kills bugs on contact. It comes with a small brush for cleaning and a hanging hook.

Aspectek 20-Watt Indoor Insect Killer: available at and This option is one of the most convenient to maintain. It allows for easy access to the bulbs, so replacing them is breeze, and the catch tray slides out effortlessly when it is time to clean it. Unfortunately, it is not designed to be used outdoors where it may be exposed to moisture.

TBI Pro Bug Zapper and Attractant: available at With 4,250 volts running through its metal grid, pesky insects don’t stand a chance against this model. The included attractant effectively lures them in, allowing it to eliminate most flying bugs within a 2,100-square-foot radius.

Livin’ Well Bug Zapper: available at Smartly designed, this unit has a wide base for self-standing use on a table or other flat surface, but it also features a metal ring at the top in case you want to hang it. A six-foot power cord further adds to its placement versatility without requiring an extension cord.

Best bug zapper rackets

iMirror 2-in-1 Bug Zapper: available at An integrated purple light and an included stand allow this model to be used as both a racket and a hands-free, insect-killing lamp, making it a versatile choice. That being said, the base is a bit light, so it can be knocked over if it is too windy out.

Intelabe Bug Zapper: available at The handle of this racket unscrews to double as a helpful standalone flashlight. Because it disassembles, it can be stored in smaller places than most others, too. It is USB rechargeable and its rechargeable 1,200-mAh lithium battery lasts through plenty of use.

Zap It Bug Zapper: available at Available in three sizes, there is a Zap It well-suited to every need. You can get a small racket that perfectly fits in your child’s hand, and a larger model with a longer reach and bigger kill zone for yourself. Triple-layered mesh makes it safe to touch and ensures there are never any accidental zaps.

Mafiti Electric Fly Swatter: available at This basic option lacks the frills of some others but operates reliably and won’t break the bank. It has a red indicator light to let you know when the grid is electrified, and it runs on two AA batteries, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to charge it.

Faicuk Handheld Bug Zapper: available at If you need a wallet-friendly option, this is a smart choice. It is even available in a two-pack for a discounted price, so you can give one to a guest or your significant other when enjoying time outdoors together. It has both an on-off switch and a trigger button to prevent accidental activation, but it is less powerful than others.

Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Which bug zapper should you get? (2024)

FAQs

How to choose a bug zapper? ›

Indoor or outdoor

Make sure that you carefully check the product before buying so you know that it works in your space. The main difference between the two is that indoor-only models aren't as powerful as outdoor while outdoor bug zappers usually don't have a tray that collects dead insects.

Why do bug zappers need to be 20 feet away? ›

Ideally, place this device 20-40 feet away from areas where people gather. This gives room to draw bugs away from you while eliminating other light sources that might be near the zapper. Hang this device about 6 ft above the ground to ensure it's in insect flight paths.

Why is my bug zapper not attracting mosquitoes? ›

Why Aren't Mosquitoes Attracted to Bug Zappers? Female mosquitoes (the mosquitoes who bite us) are hardwired to sense the attractive signals that our bodies emit. They do not care about zapper lights. Fun fact: Only the female mosquito bite because they use your blood to create her eggs.

Why do people not use bug zappers anymore? ›

Bug zappers kill tons of beneficial insects while missing most of the biting insects that pest us. Bug zappers will not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dog flies, or deer flies. They simply do not work as advertised.

Do bug zappers actually work? ›

Bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands. But there's a problem: They kill the wrong bugs. They are ineffective against mosquitoes and other biting flies, and their otherwise indiscriminate killing can disrupt pollination and generally throw the environment out of balance.

How many watts is a good bug zapper? ›

Typically, an insect zapper uses between 5W and 40W. All Jackery solar generators can easily power it so that you can choose one according to your budget and needs.

What is the difference between blue and purple bug zapper? ›

That said, there's no difference in function between purple and blue bug zappers—they work the same way. So if you have a preference from an aesthetic standpoint, there's no harm in choosing the color you like the most.

Where is the best place to put a bug zapper? ›

Position your bug zapper away from outdoor dining areas, open windows and doors. The best location for your bug zapper is on a balcony awning, in a tree or hanging post, away from where you spend time outdoors.

Can bug zappers catch on fire? ›

Bug zappers do not present more of a fire hazard than other electrical devices. Most units have been UL-tested, but, as with any outdoor electrical appliance, care must be taken to ensure that electrical cords do not become frayed or wet. They should also be connected to GFCI-protected receptacles.

Should I leave bug zapper on all night? ›

Do I need to turn my bug zapper on and off each time I use it? The most efficient and effective way to run a bug zapper is to leave it on 24/7. By doing this, you help break down the insect breeding cycle. Alternatively, run your bug zapper from dusk to dawn.

Is black light or white light better for bug zapper? ›

"Black lights produce a light that is considerably more attractive to insects," Kaufman said.

What attracts insects to bug zappers? ›

Bug zappers attract primarily by light: They typically use ultraviolet (UV) light, which attracts many nocturnal insects, but unfortunately, this includes both harmful and helpful ones.

How many volts should a bug zapper be? ›

A bug zapper uses a high-voltage alternating current to kill bugs. Most bugs and mosquitoes have a resistance of 0.70 – 0.75, whereas the voltage for the Zapper is between 500 to 1800 volts ac.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated:

Views: 6043

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.