Enjoy Your Summer Without Mosquitoes With The Best Bug Zapper
Do you need a bug zapper? It’s the middle of summer and you know what that means – all the bugs are out and about. Whether you are trying to enjoy an afternoon barbecue, or you simply like to sip a fresh glass of lemonade out on your back patio with friends, bugs can be pesky uninvited guests. One of the best ways to reclaim your backyard and free your space from bugs is by using a bug zapper, but which bug zapper is the best?
Within this article, we’ve got a rundown of some of the best bug zappers you can find in today’s markets that are available for purchase right away. All of these products are highly rated and are sure to get your backyard free from bugs quickly. Aside from the products, we’ve got some important specifications in bug zappers to help guide you into which product will be best for you and your household.
Top Two Picks
Best for Camping: Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer, 1 Acre Coverage
The Flowtron electronic insect killer is one of the best insect killers to take with you on a camping trip as it can kill bugs for up to an acre. This means that whatever bug may creep along to your campsite, will instantly be attracted to this bug zapper and be instantly killed. No need to worry about pesky invading bugs at your campsite anymore, as this is the best bug zapper you can find.
Best Bargain: ASPECTEK Powerful 20W Electronic Indoor Insect Killer
This ASPECTEK machine is a bug zapper light that will draw in plenty of insects that are attracted to light. The high power of this machine and the affordable prices make this bug zapper the number one contender in our best bargain spot. It is easy to use and easy to maintain, so you can plan to have this bug zapper for a really long time.
What is a Bug Zapper?
A bug zapper is an electronic pest control device that uses lights to attract insects. They come in indoor and outdoor varieties and can be utilized in all types of designs. Insects such as moths and mosquitos are naturally attracted to these kinds of bright lights that bug zappers emit, so it’s not uncommon to see a bug zapper plugged into a wall outlet outside and hung from a porch. There are lantern bug zappers, bulbs and even wall-mounted versions. The style is really dependent on your personal preference, as all of these models will get the job done quickly and effectively.
How Do Bug Zappers Work?
Bug zappers work basically by drawing in insects that are attracted to light and then electrocuting them. It may sound inhumane, but when you are having to swat away at mosquitos all night, you will be glad you have your bug zapper for backup. Mosquitos, as well as other flying insects, can pose a serious risk to you or your family as they can carry a myriad of infectious diseases. Mosquitos are notorious for carrying diseases, so it’s important to protect your family from these bloodsuckers to the best of your ability. A bug zapper is quick, so the insect will feel no prolonged pain or suffering. They simply fly to the light, become zapped, and fall off dead.
Different Types of Bug Zappers
As briefly discussed earlier, there are so many types of different bug zappers. They all work essentially in the same fashion, but the designs will look different. You will also want to pay attention to the bug zappers that will work indoors and outdoors, or both if that’s what you really need.
Portable
Portable bug zappers are great because you can easily take these along with you anywhere you go. Portable bug zappers will either have a plug setup or can be operated by batteries, or sometimes even be solar-powered. If you are going on a camping trip, for example, a portable bug zapper is your best bet as you may not have access to high-powered outlets. While a portable bug zapper may be a bit on the smaller side, they will still get the job done and keep your area bug-free for as long as you need it to.
Hanging
Hanging bug zappers are the most common type of bug zapper. They can be plugged into a wall and hung from a porch or patio hook in order to clear the area of insects such as mosquitos, gnats, and flies. While you may be able to find some solar-powered hanging bug zappers, the most common you’ll find are the ones that have power cords attached to them, which is why you will customarily see these zappers under porches. These come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, with different power degrees.
Pedestal
A pedestal bug zapper is a more modern take on this old concept. These machines stand tall on a garden spike or pedestal, so you can easily set this up far away from where you are intended to sit and enjoy the outdoors, so you won’t hear any loud zapping sounds. These are a more elegant design, as you can place these all throughout your garden and protect the inner area of your backyard in the most discreet way possible. These machines come in different designs, too, so you are free to choose different styles.
Indoor
Indoor bug zappers are great for just that – indoors. These tend to be a bit quieter and will rid your home of pests such as moths, mosquitos, and flies. These zappers are great to keep near a kitchen or doorway area where bugs like to travel through the most. These machines are great to get rid of any uninvited guests from your home and keep your home as sanitary as possible. While you may be able to use an outdoor bug zapper indoors, it is advised not to use an indoor bug zapper outdoors since these are not as encased as outdoor bug zappers and could break down if exposed to outdoor elements such as rain.
Outdoor
Outdoor bug zappers are sturdy, reliable, and a great way to get rid of pests outside. These bug zappers are usually very powerful so they must be plugged into a wall outlet directly. These machines are able to get rid of bugs for up to an acre, depending on your property layout. They are safe and effective and will definitely save your backyard from being overrun by mosquitos or gnats.
Do Bug Zappers Work for All Bugs?
Bug zappers work for most bugs, but if you are trying to eliminate specific bugs, like mosquitoes, from your backyard, you are going to have to do a little more digging. Mosquitos are attracted to inserts within bug zappers which are doused with octenol. This, combined with the UV light of bug zappers, will work beautifully in comparison to a bug zapper alone. Bug zappers are great at getting rid of moths and flies, as these two insects are attracted to light sources alone, but if you are wanting to find a bug zapper specifically for mosquitoes, make sure you are looking for a bug zapper that is designed specifically for this type of bug.
Best Bug Zappers
Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer
This Flowtron insect killer is one of the best you can find as it can cover up to an acre. This is a lightweight, easy-to-use bug killer that has a patented no-clogging mesh that is efficient for killing all types of insects. This comes to you fully assembled, so no more having to figure out how to put bug zappers together. This is a great zapper that would work great in a backyard setting or within a large property.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Comes fully assembled
- Great for killing porch insects
Cons:
- May not be super powerful
- May be too lightweight for some
ASPECTEK Powerful 20W Electronic Indoor Insect Killer
This bug zapper is great for indoor use as it will kill mosquitoes and flies with ease. This machine comes with a free two-pack replacement bulb package, so you are going to be set for a while. This machine features a zapper mesh screen preventing any accidental contact with the electrical grid inside, which is a great added protection if you have small children or pets in the house. This machine will attract bugs naturally to the high-intensity UV lights and kill them instantly without any worries.
Pros:
- Great indoor zapper
- Has mesh screen for safety
- Simple installation
- Easy to upkeep
Cons:
- May be too large for some
- May be hard to setup
Bug Zapper Attractant Electric Mosquito Zappers Killer Insect Fly Trap Repellent
This electric bug zapper uses ultraviolet light to attract insects and kills them with a high voltage. This machine covers a large area and it is safe to use all year long as this machine is waterproof. This would be a great addition to your apartment balcony, your backyard, a courtyard, or pretty much anywhere you need to get rid of bugs. This is a no-noise machine which makes it stress-free for small children and pets who are sensitive to noise. You can easily clean this zapper by emptying a bottom removable tray from the device.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- No noise
- Can hang anywhere
- Waterproof
Cons:
- May be too small for some
- Extremely bright
Bug Zapper Electric Fly Swatter USB Rechargeable
This bug zapper adds a little fun to the chore of getting rid of bugs. This fly swatter comes complete with electrified mesh that is rechargeable. This mesh is safe to the touch and will only work when it comes in contact with an insect, due to the highly protective mesh surface. This is a highly efficient bug killer that will instantly get rid of flies and mosquitos with ease. The three-layer mesh protects animals or children from getting hurt. This swatter comes with a rechargeable battery and it only takes up to four hours to fully charge so you can use it right away.
Pros:
- Safe to the touch
- Interesting design
- Three-layer mesh for protection
- Rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Design may not be for everyone
- Charging time may be too long for some
GLOUE Bug Zapper Light Bulb
This GLOUE bug zapper bulb is an interesting, more modern design that will save you money and work super great in the process. This is an advanced technology LED blue-violet light with a high wavelength that will not only kill mosquitoes but many other insects as well. This is a powerful and effective design that will kill a limitless number of insects. This is chemical-free and will get rid of pests without sticky messes or poisons. This is completely harmless to humans and pets so you can place this bulb anywhere you’d like.
Pros:
- Modern design
- Plastic materials
- Harmless to pets and people
- Great for getting rid of flies and mosquitos
Cons:
- Design may not be for everyone
- May not last as long as a standard zapper
Zap It Bug Zapper Rechargeable
This Zap-It zapper is a fun, easy-to-use rechargeable racket that comes with a USB charging cable. This racket features a 4,000-volt electric grid that is a modern take on a traditional swatter. This is great for getting rid of mosquitoes, flies, and other pests in a simple swing of your wrist. You can easily take this portable swatter out with you camping, hiking, or keep it handy nearby in your kitchen or living room. This swatter also has a bright built-in LED light so you can even use it at night if you need to. Bugs won’t stand a chance with this unique concept. It is ergonomic, lightweight, and has extremely easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to charge
Cons:
- May not be for everyone
- Not ideal for larger bugs
BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper and Mosquito Repellent
With a name like Black and Decker, you know this zapper means business. This hanging bug zapper is perfect for getting rid of flies, mosquitos, gnats, and other small to large flying pets. This zapper will cover up to an acre and can be used outdoors for gardens and patios. You can easily protect your yard from all kinds of pests with this versatile design which allows you to either hang this lantern or rest it on a sturdy surface.
Pros:
- Powerful zapper
- Easy to use
- Easy to hang
- Plug in
Cons:
- On the pricy side
- Very powerful
FAQ
How to clean a bug zapper
Bug zappers are pretty self-sufficient when it comes to clean up, as most bugs will simply drop off onto the floor. Some zappers do have trays or reservoirs that you can easily pull out and rinse off with water or deep clean with soap and water. For the most part, however, you may have to just sweep out all the dead bugs immediately under the zapper on the floor.
Can a bug zapper hurt a human?
These do have electricity so technically they could, but all bug zappers come with so many layers of protection, you’d have to really tamper with it in order to get shocked. All bug zappers come with powerful encasings which will prevent fingers or pets from reaching inside the encasing. To be cautious, however, always make sure that your bug zapper is placed safely away from any children or pets to avoid any accidents.
Should I leave bug zapper on all night?
As with any type of electrical item, you shouldn’t leave your bug zapper plugged in all night without supervision. Some bug zappers do come with timers to prevent any incidents from happening in the middle of the night, but to be sure that nothing will go wrong, just unplug the zapper whenever you are not outside or when the machine isn’t necessary.
Conclusion
AS you can see, there are so many great bug zappers in today’s market that will keep you and your family safe from awful pests outdoors and indoors. With so many great products to choose from, you will surely have your backyard a bug-free zone in no time.
Are you familiar with any of these products? We’d love to hear from you. Tell us all about your experiences with these types of bug zappers in the comments so that others can hear about them and gain some insight into which bug zapper would be best for them to own.