The Best Bug Zappers To Keep Pests From Ruining Your Outdoor Party (2024)

Updated on 10/16/23

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Designed for outdoor use, the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer uses a high-intensity UV light bulb to attract pests from as far as an acre away. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying bugs are zapped immediately on the electrified grid. We tested this zapper in one of our own backyards and found that it did an outstanding job of eliminating flying pests. We noted that it took about 30 minutes for the bugs to find the light attractive once we turned it on, but after that, this zapper killed dozens of mosquitoes and smaller flying bugs.

The zapper comes with an octenol (an active ingredient in many pesticides) attractant cartridge to lure mosquitos. While each one only lasts for 30 days, replacement cartridges are available. We found that the bug zapping seemed to escalate more with the cartridge, but the lantern still works without it.

This durable, polycarbonate, lantern-style bug zapper needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. We recommend hanging at a distance to attract nearby bugs away from your outdoor seating area—you may need an extension cord since the power cord is short. Although it is brighter and louder than some other models—another reason to keep it at a distance from where you are entertaining—we think its coverage area and effectiveness make it the best choice for most outdoor spaces.

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}

For an indoor solution, your best bet is the Aspectek Bug Zapper, a grid-style contraption boasting 40 watts of power and a one-acre range. The high-voltage metal grids eliminate houseflies,boxelder bugs, moths, gnats, and even wasps. While testing this zapper at home, we found that the ultraviolet light attracted a variety of bugs, including gnats, flies, mosquitoes,and beetles. In 2 hours, we counted about 20 bugs.

You can set this insect killer on your counter, shelf, or floor or hang it up with the included chain and hooks, as long as an outlet is nearby. We also like that it's easy to clean—remove the plastic tray from the bottom and wipe away the leftover debris. The light bulb's lifespan is impressive and can last up to 5,000 hours. However, keep in mind that this zapper is loud and very bright. While testing indoors, we placed it in an area we could avoid and limited its use to a few hours at a time.

_{Type: Hanging | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor}

If flies are ruining your outdoor fun, the Black + Decker's 36W Electric Bug Zapper is a great solution. This high-voltage lantern can be placed on any flat surface on your patio, porch, or deck or hung up using the included chain and ring hook. Plus, it has a large coverage area of up to one acre, so it's a great choice for larger patios or yards. However, like other electric models, it does need to be plugged into an outlet to work.

The UV light lures in flies and other bothersome bugs and kills them instantly. Cleaning is a breeze: Just pull out the tray, empty it out, and wash as needed with the included brush. It does not include an octenol attractant, so it is not the best option for attracting mosquitos. However, if you find yourself swatting flies, this easy-to-clean option will help keep them from bothering you.

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors and outdoors}

Requiring no electricity, the Electric Solar Mosquito Killer can be used anywhere on your patio or backyard, without worrying about where to plug it in. It's also great for camping trips since it doubles as a lantern, and can be set on a surface or hung on a hook. Plus, this zapper is waterproof, so you can take it with you when you go fishing or want to relax by the water. It's effective against most flying pests, including mosquitoes and wasps, disposing of them with a 300-volt electric shock.

The Elechome model charges in about 3 hours and can deliver up to 10 hours of functionality, according to the manufacturer—we recommend an all-day charge before using it. Also, you can charge the product with a standard USB cable (not included). An indicator lets you know when it's fully charged, but note that some customers found it difficult to find.

We like that this product is three lights in one: a purple 365 Nm wavelength UV zapper; a bright white light without the zapper; and a flashlight for emergencies. However, it's worth noting that the light doesn't turn on and off automatically at dawn and dusk. Instead, you have to control it manually, but it is simple enough to do with the on/off buttons. All bug zappers require cleaning, but this one is simple, requiring no disassembling. It comes with a small brush to assist in the chore.

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: .5 acre | Power Source: Solar | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, and they aren't lured in as effectively by UV light alone compared to other flying pests. If you're mainly looking to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your space, consider a zapper that uses octenol, like this Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper. One lure will last about a month, so you should only need to replace it a few times to get through the season.

One unit can cover about half an acre (although it will need to be plugged in to work). The company recommends placing the zappers about 20 feet away from where you spend your time—so not only are you zapping bugs, but you're also attracting them away from you, your family, and your guests.

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 0.5 acres | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}

With this bug zapper bulb, you can turn virtually any old lamp into an insect-killing device. This is a great option for any areas inside your home where you don't want to use pesticides, poisons, or chemical sprays. Since it offers three modes, this versatile bulb can function as a light bulb only, as a dim light bulb with a zapper, or as a zapper only. It can also be used indoors or outdoors.

This bulb emits LED ultraviolet light at a high wavelength and delivers an electric charge through its built-in metal grid that kills mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, and other insects on contact. However, it does not work as well for houseflies. According to the manufacturer, this bulb has a 50,000-hour lifespan.

_{Type: Light bulb | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Electric | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/outdoor}

When it comes to electric swatters, Zap It! is tough to beat. This ergonomically designed mesh racket runs on a rechargeable lithium battery and switches on with the press of a button. You can swat the occasional housefly or wasp that wanders into your home and kill it mid-air.

When the 4,000-volt grid activates, extra-bright LEDs will ignite to attract vexing insects. We like its three-layer design to prevent accidentally shocking yourself or your loved ones. All the same, leave the swatting to adults to protect kids from a painful jolt.

_{Type: Racket | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor}

Final Verdict

The best bug zapper for outdoor use is the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer. With a high-intensity UV light, an octenol cartridge, and an electrified grid, bugs are effortlessly lured in and immediately zapped down. If you're dealing with indoor pests, your best bet is the Aspectek 40W Electric Indoor Insect Killer. This versatile zapper can be hung or placed on any flat surface and kills flies, mosquitoes, moths, and gnats with ease.

FAQ

• How do bug zappers work?

  Bug zappers emit bright light (usually from UV bulbs) to attract flying pests. Insects are lured into a high-voltage metal grid at the center of the device, where they're killed through electrocution. Some bug zappers also use octenol, a known mosquito attractant, to help draw in biting insects and cover a larger range.

• When should you use a bug zapper over a bug repellent?

  You should use a bug zapper instead of insect repellent anywhere you want to avoid pesticides or other chemical formulas. For this reason, they're great for inside the home. Additionally, a bug zapper can kill certain pests that a repellent may not keep at bay, so it's a great way to increase your protection both indoors and outside.

• Can bug zappers harm you?

  Many bug zappers have multi-layered mesh grids to prevent accidental shocks and burns to humans. As for the ultraviolet light, the wattage is strong enough to attract bugs but typically not strong enough to be harmful to humans, especially when you keep roughly a foot or more from the light.

• How do you clean a bug zapper?

  Some bug zappers are self-cleaning, meaning the bugs drop out from underneath, so all you have to do is sweep them up from the floor or ground. Many lantern-style insect killers have removable trays on the bottoms, which you can pull out and wash with soap and water.

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