If you're not able to enjoy your home's outdoor space without getting bothered by flying pests like mosquitoes and flies, we get it. Luckily, the best bug zappers can kill flies, mosquitoes, or other flying bugs that insist on getting in our faces, and most annoyingly, our food.
Once set up—which usually entails just plugging them in and letting them get to work—these handy machines will leave you with one less thing to worry about.
It's important to note that the products on this list aren't meant to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects—they are meant to kill them.
This process usually works by drawing them to the device and zapping them, so you'll want to set up whichever device you choose a ways away from where you and your friends and family will be sitting to prevent yourselves from being in the insect's path as they flock towards the light.
What We Researched
- We evaluated six bug zappers for their type, power type, effective radius, dimensions, and weight.
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Why You Should Get It
This affordable insect zapper works well both inside and out.
Keep in Mind
The cord is only 6 feet long, so you'll probably need an outdoor extension cord if you want to hang it up.
With its respectable 1,500-square-foot effective radius, the Livin' Well Bug Zapper is the best bug zapper. It lets you spend time outside without having to continuously shoo flies away from your snacks or have to slap yourself silly going after mosquitoes.
This weather-proof machine will remain damage-free even if it suddenly starts to rain and you forget to bring it inside. It has a hanging ring so you can hang it up out of the way on your patio or deck, allowing it to get to work while you hang out a few feet away.
This machine has powerful UVA light bulbs that attract all manner of insects into its plastic housing. Once inside, they get zapped and fall into a collection tray that is large enough not to need emptying throughout the day. It is also quiet when in action; there's no annoying buzzing coming from the machine.
The cable on this zapper is 6 feet in length which, although longer than some other similar models, still means that if you want to hang it up in a larger outdoor area, you will most likely need an outdoor extension cord.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 1,500 square feet | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Key Terms to Know
- LED: LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting options are thought to be more efficient than other lighting options.
- UV: UV, or ultraviolet, is a common lighting type that's more often found in bug zappers.
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Why You Should Get It
You have a large open-plan space to protect from flying insects.
Keep in Mind
It's for indoor use only.
Granted, it's not the most attractive device you could have in your home, but if you're fed up with being inundated by swarms of flies and bugs every time you crack a window for a little fresh air, you will love this machine.
Bigger than your average home bug zapper and often used commercially, the Aspectek Electric Insect Killer is the best bug zapper for those looking for an indoor option. It looks a bit like a heater and has two extra-large UV bulb tubes going across its length that are just too tempting for any flying bug to resist.
With its effective radius of up to 6,000 square feet, this zapper is ideal for large, open-plan areas and especially kitchens or anywhere where flying insects are a real nuisance and perhaps even a danger.
You have the choice of either keeping the machine freestanding somewhere on a countertop or table, or you can hang it up on a wall by its incorporated chain.
The bug tray that collects the dead insects is large, spanning almost the entirety of the 15.6-inch length of the machine, and is extremely easy to clean, as it just slips out and back in again.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 6,000 square feet | Dimensions: 15 x 10.6 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.7 kg
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Why You Should Get It
It's a great option for those who don't have a massive fly problem but want to deal with unwanted buzzing visitors immediately upon arrival.
Keep in Mind
This isn't a passive bug zapper; you will always have to do the "hunting."
If you don't really like the idea of having an unsightly fly killer on display and plugged in at all times, you could opt for a handheld bug zapper and fly swatter like the Faicuk Handheld Electric Racket Bug Zapper.
If you don't mind having to physically take care of the situation yourself, this super-charged swatter can be a very effective (and dare we say it, fun) way of seeing to any unwanted flying visitors.
Available as a single item or in a pack of two (which actually works out a little more cost effective), this electric fly swatter has a large racket head that simply shocks the flying insect upon contact with an electrical current, rendering it dead on the spot.
No wires, no charging, and no plugging in of any cords are involved. For anyone who has already taken the necessary precautions against flies, i.e., fly screens on windows, this type of bug zapper might be the only thing needed to get rid of any strays that slip in through the cat flap or when you open the door.
Another differentiating factor about this model compared to other zappers is that it works on all types of flying insects including moths, gnats, wasps, mosquitoes, and jumbo flies that otherwise would not be able to get through traditional zappers in order to be zapped.
It is easy to clean with a soft cloth or brush and, because you only need to switch it on for the duration of each zap which is about a second, the battery lasts an impressive amount of time.
Product Details: Type: Electric fly swatter | Power source: 2 AA batteries | Effective radius: n/a | Dimensions: 17.5 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 0.56 pounds
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Best Design
Black+Decker Bug Zapper
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Why You Should Get It
If your bug zapper must be visible, it might as well look nice (or at least not look like a bug zapper).
Keep in Mind
This device made for indoor use only.
With its modern white and grey design, not only is the Black+Decker Bug Zapper more attractive than its competitors, but it can also tackle all manner of bugs including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, wasps, moths, beetles, and yellow jackets.
It covers an impressively large area of 6,000 square feet, so it's the best bug zapper for large open-plan areas or entire floors, but you can also use it in large, covered conservatories, balconies, patios, or verandas, as long as it is in no way exposed to the elements and is brought in at night.
You can use it as a freestanding unit on a table or a countertop or hang it up on a wall via its hanging chain. The 4-foot cord is disappointingly short and means you have to place the machine either right near an electrical outlet or use an extension cord with it, but that's a small price to pay for the powerful bulbs with their large surface area that do an excellent job of attracting insects.
The machine has a large collection tray that is easy to remove and empty to get rid of all the dead bugs.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 6,000 square feet | Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds
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Why You Should Get It
It is simple and easy to use, lightweight, and you can take it with you while traveling to keep bugs at bay.
Keep in Mind
For the best efficiency, you'll need one of these in each room which might work out to be a bit pricey.
Possibly the most simple-to-use of all the bug zappers on the market, the Brison Plug-in Bug Zapper works by simply plugging it in and leaving it there in the outlet. When you want to turn it on or off, you can do so by flipping the switch on the side of this super lightweight device.
To clean out the dead bugs, there's a flip-down, washable tray at the back of the zapper that you can simply brush down, rinse off, wipe dry, and put back in the device before putting the whole thing back in the outlet.
Also available in white and as a pack of two, these plug-ins are quiet (apart from when the bugs make contact with the electric current—you can definitely hear when that happens) and they are efficient for attracting and killing smaller flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.
Its small size means that it is inconspicuous and doesn't stand out as an eyesore. It will do the job you bought it for, and you'll practically forget it exists. It works best, however, if there is at least one of them in each room.
Product Details: Type: LED | Power source: Electrical outlet socket | Effective radius: Small room | Dimensions: 4.77 x 2.55 x 1.38 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds (approximately)
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Why You Should Get It
If you need some serious bug-killing capabilities for either inside or outside (or both) over a large area, this is the zapper to go for.
Keep in Mind
It is overkill for smaller areas and needs to be hung 6 feet above the ground and 25 feet away from people.
If you love spending time outdoors and hosting friends and family, but are inundated with flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, this completely weatherproof machine is the best bug zapper for you.
The Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter is the type of machine that is used in commercial kitchens, butcher shops, and for events like weddings and outdoor parties with catering. These machines are also commonly used in barns and stables too, and anywhere that flies and mosquitoes could be a health and safety concern.
The MC9000 is a heavyweight, durable item that weighs 13 pounds and was built to last. Though it is designed for professional use, it works if you have a big back yard, as well.
Unlike other zappers, there is no bug collection tray in this USA-made machine as all dead insects simply fall to the ground, so you'll want to keep it at least 25 feet away from people and hung six feet up in the air.
Its 2-acre radius sees to it that flying insects from all over your property are properly seen to, leaving you and your guests to enjoy your day without having to swat flies away from your food and faces.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 2 acres (87,120 square feet) | Dimensions: 20.38 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 13 pounds
The Bottom Line
With no need to change its powerful insect-attracting UV bulbs for up to 8,000 hours, and with an effective radius of 1,500 square feet, the Livin' Well Bug Zapper is the best bug zapper. It is reasonably priced and is excellent at drawing in and killing flies, mosquitoes, moths, and wasps both inside and outside.
What to Know About Bug Zappers Before Shopping
Type
The main types of bug zappers used in residential and commercial settings are freestanding or hanging versions. Plug-in zappers and handheld electric swatters are also available, but these are designed more for low-scale and domestic use.
All bug zappers use some type of light to attract insects, most commonly UV-emitting light bulbs, but more recently LED light technology has entered the scene.
Within the pest control industry, electric bug zappers are known as EFKs, or electronic fly killers. EFK machines work by attracting insects to them via a fluorescent light provided by light tubes.
This light is surrounded by wire grids that are electrified via a transformer that increases the voltage significantly as soon as an insect passes through the wire grids. When the electronic pulse zaps them, they drop either into the machine's tray (which should be emptied every day) or onto the ground.
Power Source
Most commonly, bug zappers are corded and need to be plugged into an outlet to work. However, battery-powered and rechargeable options are also available.
Solar-powered bug zappers are the best bug zappers for those looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative that uses green energy. They charge all day with the sun and usually have enough power to work all night long.
Effective Radius
The best bug zappers should be able to cover a decent radius. The area that each bug zapper can cover is usually written in the product's descriptions, but as a general rule, the larger the machine and the more wattage it has, the more area it will be able to cover.
"A bug zapper's effective radius depends on the size of the machine," Andrew Frost, founder of Wild Things Pest Solutions, says. "But in relation to the average unit for domestic use, you'll need one per room."
Design and Use
"Looks-wise, bug zappers are not the prettiest machines around and people tend not to want them on display," Frost says. "The design of EFKs has improved somewhat over the decades and you can now find many that are small and inconspicuous or have a contemporary chrome and steel look."
Unless specifically stated, bug zappers should not be used outside. Zappers designed for outdoor use are weatherproof and made to withstand the elements. For use in a kitchen, a bug zapper with a tray that collects the dead insects is necessary.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you use bug zappers indoors?
"For the most efficiency indoors, you'll need a bug zapper in each room," Frost says. "Unless used in commercial spaces like restaurant kitchens, or butcher shops which are regularly audited for health and safety, there are many good small and economical devices that will suffice for home use. These units are great at attracting insects and keeping them away from you."
The Aspectek Electric Insect Killer is the best bug zapper for indoor use because of its wide radius and ease of cleaning.
Do bug zappers work on flies?
"Bug zappers are predominantly used for flies, but they work just as well on all types of flying insects," Frost says. To minimize flies in the house, Frost suggests installing fly screens on the windows. "This way, you can still keep your windows open without letting in hundreds of flies and mosquitoes," Frost adds.
For mosquitoes, Frost suggests using a mosquito repellant instead of an attractant like a bug zapper. "Mosquitoes are a whole other issue to which bug zappers are a temporary fix," he says. "If you have a big mosquito problem, it's best to spray bodies of water to deter the breeding process and put out a repellant near you and on you when you're sitting outside to keep them away from you."
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What kind of light do bug zappers use?
Most of the products on our list use either UV or LED light. There are many theories as to why insects are attracted to UV light. One of the most popular is that, since flowers have nectar and flower petals reflect UV light from the sun, insects are drawn to UV light because they think that's where the food is.
Another is that UV light has a shorter wavelength than regular light which attracts night-flying insects that cannot see other types of light. For this reason, Frost informs us that "bug zappers predominantly use UV light technology with shatterproof UV tubes."
But as technology is evolving, a lot of companies are starting to bring in new LED light zappers that are just as efficient at attracting insects.
Who We Are
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce writing experience. Kat is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. To find the best bug zappers, Kat reviewed and tested multiple devices and spoke to Andrew Frost, founder of Wild Things Pest Solutions. She also researched factors such as each bug zapper's type, power source, style, effective radius, and value for money.
