Best Bug Zappers

What is the best bug zapper? It is important that the product is made by a reputed company and contains high-quality materials. The construction should be rugged and durable as the device is intended for outdoor use. Another essential aspect to consider is the coverage since flying insects easily cover distances and zappers working for short distances are likely to turn useless. Good protection is also important, especially if you have pets and kids who may accidentally touch the grid. Also, the device should be energy efficient while attracting bugs by emitting a bright light. The possibility to use other kinds of lures will also be helpful. We believe that Flowtron BK-80D Electronic Insect Killer fits these criteria best.

This guide is devoted to bug zappers, their mode of operation and types of outdoor and indoor bug zappers. We relied on scientific studies conducted in this area to find out what products should be viewed as the best bug zappers. In addition, we have analyzed customer feedback and compiled reviews on its basis.

3 Best Indoor Bug Zappers

Table of Content:

How Scientists Assess Bug Zapper Effectiveness

As we can see, the efficiency of a bug zapper is mainly attributable to the lamp’s capability of drawing particular pests. An important role here play its brightness and color. The studies demonstrate that LED lamps are brighter than regular ones and, hence, produce better results. This was scientifically proved. So, scientists at Nebraska-Lincoln University have revealed that traps fitted with LED bulbs produce more intensive light while consuming less energy compared to incandescent lamps.

Why opt for a LED lamp?

Now let’s move to the bulb brightness. The brighter it is, the more insects are brought in. But when measuring the bulb brightness, don’t look at wattages since it is the number of lumens that matters. The best mosquito zapper should be fitted with a lamp that has 1100 lumens and more.

For comparison, an 1100-lumen lamp is adequate to a 100-watt regular lamp while a 750-lumen lamp is about as bright as a 75-watt regular lamp. Bulbs with less amount of lumens should not be considered as they are not productive enough to attain an objective. So, why LED bulbs should be preferred?

The difference is that LED bulbs consume less energy and at the same time they really look brighter. Studies demonstrate that LED bulb traps help catch more pests than conventional ones, epidemiologists discovered. Secondly, they are cost-efficient and operate longer.

The wavelength range is another key factor. Mosquitoes do not perceive all colors of the light equally. In particular, they almost don’t see the red and yellow but are lured by the blue and green. Expressed in figures, this is the range between 400 and 600 nm. An article featured by Entomology Today states: “More recent studies have shown that light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which emit specific wavelengths instead of the entire visual spectrum (and beyond), can be more efficient at attracting mosquitoes.”

Read also: Bug light bulbs: Are new devices effective against mosquitoes & other biting insects?

Do bug zappers really work?

Nevertheless, many scientists are still skeptical. “Research has shown that bug zappers provide little mosquito control and actually kill more beneficial insects than pests,” scientists with Texas A&M AgriLife claim.

Indeed, if you have swarms of all sorts of insects, they will easily get into the trap, filling your zapper with fried bugs rather than mosquitoes. The latter will account for at most four percent of the total amount. Another weak point is that once it is turned on, it will gather all flying guys from around the area. And their number will inevitably exceed the amount of the killed ones. This is the fall-out you will have to deal with.

Then, how to increase the productivity? For outdoor bug zappers, experts with the University of California come up with an idea of adding chemical baits to make the unit more appealing to pests. Besides, locate any sticky surface beneath to catch those insects that managed to avoid the trap. Still, when choosing an item, bear in mind that indoor bug zappers provide better protection and kill more target insects than outdoors ones. When using indoors, place it in areas with high mosquito traffic.

Given the said weak points, why should we choose a bug zapper as a tool of eradicating mosquitoes? There is a number of reasons:

• They allow for avoiding the application of chemicals, which is particularly meaningful when you need to get rid of mosquitoes inside the house.
• Unlike regular sticky traps, they are reusable.
• Portable and can be mounted almost everywhere, without raising health concerns or causing inconvenience.
• A typical metallic grid can be cleaned easily with a dry cloth.

Types Of Bug Zappers

With technologies developed and demand on the rise, producers increasingly come up with new ideas. Now, we have a range of zappers that are appropriate for each particular case. Let’s get started.

A bug zapper swatter is a modern and efficient way to quickly fry mosquitoes approaching you. An added benefit is that this product helps to develop healthy lifestyle patterns. Also, instead of getting irritated by troublesome insects, you will find it quite entertaining. The racket electrocutes more mosquitoes than other zappers because it is the person who spots and targets the insect. There are two downsides though: you can get tired quickly and the electric swatter is not rainproof.

Bulb zappers. The strong point of a bulb zapper lies in its convenience. Portable and easy-to-use, such bulb be installed in the house or outside it, wherever a source of electricity is accessible. You will have just to plug it into the socket. You can also carry it around on a trip, without worrying about the added weight of the luggage. The weak point is that it is not powerful enough for a full-fledged mosquito control.

Portable bug zappers. If you find the bulb too simple, try portable bug zappers. These options have more sophisticated grid eliminating mosquitoes with the lamp concealed behind it. The major disadvantage is that most of them are not designed for using outdoors.

USB-powered. But what should you do when camping or hiking where no sockets are available? In this case, use a USB-powered product that can be connected to an adapter or PC. The downside is that it requires an equipment with a USB port to be nearby.

Indoor bug zappers. To considerably decrease the amount of mosquitoes, you may need something bigger and more potent. Something like an Aspectek-type bug zapper that covers a significant area — some 5,000 sq ft or more. It has a long lifespan since typically bulbs can be replaced there. Such products are popular with restaurants, hospitals and other public spaces as well as homes. The downside lies in their non-waterproof design, which makes them appropriate for indoor use only.

Outdoor bug zappers. As a rule, the best outdoor bug zappers are associated with those under the famous brand of Flowtron. These are big street lamps covering an area of up to two acres. Since such units are very powerful, they are equipped with a protective frame. Still, they shouldn’t be placed close to the site where people gather.

For those who favour eco-friendly and advanced technologies, there are products powered by solar energy. These are the best bug zapper for mosquitoes to be installed in the garden or patio. Apart from evident benefits of renewable energy, such as energy consumption and the possibility to recharge the unit, they turn on and off automatically depending on the time of day.

7 Best Bug Zappers

We have chosen seven bug zappers of different types. An electric swatter will appeal to sportive people and children. Portable bug zappers are convenient for traveling, while a big indoors bug zapper ensures the mosquito protection in the house. A lantern and solar-powered units are good for relaxing in the open air in a mosquito-free zone.

1. Best Outdoor Bug Zapper | Flowtron

An outdoor bug zapper shaped as a classic lantern is capable of protecting as much as an acre. It can be considered the best outdoor bug zapper, ensuring a non-stop operation, uninterruptedly struggling with bloodsuckers in the yard.

A LED lamp consuming just 15 watts is easy replaceable, while the rugged, rustless and water-resistant construction will successfully resist heavy weather conditions. Customers suggest hanging the lantern far away from the house as it really brings in lots of insects and produces a zapping sound. This is the simplest member of Flowtron family.

The average outdoor model with a capacity of 80 watts covers 1-1/2 acre. To increase its effectiveness, many customers buy an optional exclusive Octenol mosquito-instinctive lure attractant cartridge (6-pack), which is activated when the unit is turned on.

 What do buyers say? 

«I bought this insect zapper in a fit of rage, if those damn insects want a war ... I'll provide a war!!! The first night I plugged it in, I felt as countless little voices cried out in scary, as well as were unexpectedly silenced. Several of the insect residue, attempted to escape to a little moon, yet quickly recognized that was no moon ... it was the Fatality Zapper! As the last little mosquito was flying to its death, intoxicated of the envigorating radiance, I said finally, You fool. Only now, at the end, do you understand. Your weak bloodsucking skills are no suit for the power of my bug zapper! And now you shall the price for your bloodlust! Buzzzzapppppppp !!!!! And also easily, poof he was gone for life».

The most expensive and powerful (120 watts) commercial Industrial-size Diplomat model can be used both outdoor и indoor, covering 1,200 sq ft.

Flowtron: Check the current price

2. Electric Bug Zapper Swatter

This option combines benefits of human energy and precision of modern technologies. You see a mosquito, you swat it and the 4,000 Volt electric grid kills the target. You may do these exercises inside the house or in the open air — unless it is raining. Feel free to carry the racket with you when traveling since it can be recharged from any USB device.

It can be activated by pressing the button on the handle. It can also be used as a regular bug zapper with the LED light drawing mosquitoes at night. The item has gained 4.6 out of 5 stars. As for the effectiveness, this is the best bug zapper for mosquitoes.

 Excerpts from buyers’ reviews 

«Well, I just got my own today as well as after a week of handling flies, today there was simply one (I hunt them down last evening with my hoover), and also I chose to chase it with the zapper, I can not describe the feeling of toasting that little prick! I'm almost 30 as well as today I was seeming like a 10 y/o many thanks to this thing. I even went out to chase whatever I could locate in my deck. Many thanks Zap-it for bringing extra delight to my life».

Electric Bug Zapper Swatter: Check the current price

3. Pest Bug Zapper Bulb

It is multifunctional and can be utilized as a regular lamp or a mosquito killer. As zapper, it can operate with the LED bulb or without it. The pests are enticed by ultraviolet light and when they get into the trap, they are fried by electric shock. It operates noiselessly, with just a sound of crack heard when an insect is trapped.

The unit can be easily mounted — screw it into a lamp holder or plug into the socket through the adapter. It is designed to be exploited both indoors or outside the house but is not protected from rains. Since the LED bulb consumes less energy — just 10 watts — the product can be left switched on day and night, without increasing your bills.

Pest Bug Zapper Bulb: Check the current price

4. Best Indoor Bug Zapper Aspectek 20W

This item is the best indoor bug zapper, the most powerful and reliable one. Both sides are open to electrocute mosquitoes while a protective screen prevents any potential harm to people and pets. The grid emits 2,800 Voltage, which is less than that of an electric swatter though.

Two prolonged LED lamps will surely be visible to mosquitoes, significantly increasing the numbers of captured pests. They consume just 10 watts each and are very efficient. The protected area amounts up to 120 square meters.

Place it on the floor or use a special chain supplied with the product for hanging it on a vertical surface. It is easy to maintain. To clean it from the fried insects, remove a convenient tray beneath.

Bug Zapper Aspectek 20W: Check the current price

5. RockBirds USB-Powered Indoor Bug Zapper

Being an electric unit like other bug zappers, this one functions in a different way. It draws insects by imitating carbon dioxide and kills them by means of a big built-in fan. Another peculiarity lies in its method of consuming energy — through a USB port.

It is cleaned without a mess, with a removable storage box located beneath. The producer says the item lasts long, up to 20,000 hours. But remember that when using an indoor bug zapper, you should not expose it to rainfall.

6. Portable Bug Zapper

It is powerful, compact and lightful, which makes it useful for outdoor activities such as camping. It can be safely located close to the bed. For consumer’s convenience, it has an ergonomic handle on top so that you can carry it wherever you like.

It runs on 2000-mAh batteries, performing two functions: annihilates mosquitoes and provides an extensive illumination.

Portable Bug Zapper: Check the current price

7. Solar-Powered Bug Zapper

When installing a bug zapper in the garden or yard, it would be wise to take advantage of solar energy which is normally abundant by day. There will be no extra spending on batteries, no increased power bills. Instead, you get an eco-friendly unit. Moreover, it is automated, switching on at night and off in the morning. Due to the specific design, it will harmonize with the surroundings in the garden, so you may want to use it as a regular source of illumination as well.

Install it either by hanging on a tree or the porch or by placing on the flat surface. One of the customers says that after placing the product near the front door, he has noticed that the number of mosquitoes has lowered.

Solar-Powered Bug Zapper: Check the current price

Best Outdoor | Indoor Bug Zappers

How To Use Bug Zappers

First, check the instruction and follow it strictly. Before installing in the garden or on the porch, check that it is an outdoor bug zapper. Primarily, this means a rainproof design. Large units are generally put on the ground or any flat surface but many items come with chains allowing for hanging them on the wall. Portable zappers are plugged into sockets or run on batteries and usually are installed on vertical surfaces.

Bug zappers require little maintenance which is their strong point. Something needs to be done though. First, you will have to clean the trap from dead insects. So, use a rag or brush, with the latter often coming with the product. The rag should be dry and the trap should be cleaned only when switched off.

One more thing you will have to do when using certain bug zappers is to change bulbs. Some items do not allow for such a possibility and you will have to throw them away as soon as the bulb’s service life end. But most large and expensive products have changeable bulbs.