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The sun is out... and so are the bugs. While insects can be a buzzkill at summer cookouts and parties, you don’t have to relinquish the backyard to the invaders.
The best way to do battle with an army of flying menaces on their turf is with a bug zapper. They attract and demolish all forms of flying insects in and around your yard, generally via UV light, and sometimes with an added form of bait. There are even several models that work indoors and outdoors.
The Best Bug Zappers
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What to Consider
Keep the following in mind when shopping for an electric insect repellent for your space:
- Coverage Area: If you’re in need of a bug zapper for your bathroom, you’re not going to need much coverage (200 square feet will suffice!). But if you want to secure an outdoor space like a patio or pool area, you’re going to want to look for one that can cover 1,500 or more square feet. We include many bug zappers on both ends of the spectrum and in between.
- Type: If you’re looking for an indoor zapper, a plug-in, hanging, or lightbulb-style zapper may be best. For the outdoors, a pole-mounted or lantern style would be ideal.
- Power Source: If you don’t have a source of electricity handy in your backyard, you’re going to want a solar-powered zapper, but if you live in a cloudy area, solar may not be practical. We have electric, solar-powered, and electric-solar zappers on our roundup to offer up some options.
We all know what bug zappers are for, but there’s a lot more to think about than just how effective they are. Rest assured that all of the zappers we include are efficient insect-killing machines sure to give you a swat-free summer.
Pros
- Effective
- Safe
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The cord is short
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 6.8x6.8x11.2 inches
- Coverage: 1,100 square feet
- Type: Lantern
- Power Source: Electric (comes with 6-foot cord)
This bug zapper is Amazon’s number-one best-seller, and it’s easy to see why. The compact lantern-style kills flies, moths, and mosquitos, and can be placed indoors or outdoors. It covers 1,500 square feet of space.
The zapper features a narrow housing interval, which means bugs will be killed, but no one will accidentally touch the power grid. This zapper is also portable and can be hung or placed anywhere: from a ring, a branch, or on a pillar.
Reviewers say this zapper is one of the best on the market, prompting many to buy more for the ultimate backyard coverage.
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2
Best Hand-Held Racket
mafiti Electric Fly Swatter Fly Racket
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Best Hand-Held Racket
mafiti Electric Fly Swatter Fly Racket
Pros
- Effective at killing flying insects
- Portable
- Indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- You need to actively be involved in the zapping
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 17.3x8.3x1 inches
- Coverage: Direct hits only
- Type: Handheld racket
- Power Source: Batteries (2 AA, not included)
Now, this is a mosquito swatter. At just 10.5 ounces, this powerful swatter kills flying insects on impact. It’s easy to use — simply hold the button down on the handle to activate it. A green LED will light up to indicate it’s ready to go.
This swatter comes with a three-layer mesh and double trigger design to protect you and your family members from accidental zaps. This bug zapper does require two AA batteries to work, which are not included.
Reviewers say this swatter works well and is surprisingly satisfying to use. Others warn that it does get noisy (but others insist that’s part of the “fun”).
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Pros
- Triple trapping technology
- Two speed settings
- Powerful UV light
Cons
- Indoor only
- Works best with lights off
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 5.5x5.5x9.1 inches
- Coverage: 320 square feet
- Type: Plug-in
- Power Source: Electric (plugs into the wall)
This electric insect killer provides triple trapping technology so you can say 'good riddance' to those annoying gnats, fruit flies, and mosquitos that are wreaking havoc around your household.
Simply plug in the trap near insect-prone items like fruit, trash, or houseplants and the catcher will handle the rest.
The UV lights attract the bug and the fan will suck in any nearby insects which will stick to the glue board inside, trapping unwanted insects for good.
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4
Best LED Indoor Zapper
Hywean Two-Pack Indoor Bug Zapper
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Best LED Indoor Zapper
Hywean Two-Pack Indoor Bug Zapper
Pros
- Two-packet
- Budget friendly
- Small but effective
Cons
- Small coverage range
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 2.36x4.13 inches
- Coverage: 215 square feet
- Type: Plug-in
- Power Source: Electric (plugs into the wall)
This bug zapper is great for smaller spaces that are haunted by bugs, like bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. You simply plug one of the sets of two zappers into an outlet, and the insects are attracted to the LED light.
When caught inside, a high-voltage grid zaps the insects. The grid features a safety shield that makes it safe to plug in near children and pets.
Reviewers love how small but effective these zappers are, with many saying they quickly eliminated problems in their home’s bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
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Pros
- For use inside and outdoors
- Portable
- Effective
Cons
- Solar charge isn’t as long lasting as some
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 5.2x3.7x8.3 inches
- Coverage: Half-acre
- Type: Lantern
- Power Source: Electric/solar
This waterproof electric-solar bug zapper works inside and outdoors. This zapper uses UV light to attract insects and then zap them. It features three lighting modes: the zapper light kills pests, the white light provides a night light and the flashing light can be used in emergencies.
Because it’s electric and works on solar power, it’s a great option for homes and campers who want to bring it on the road. The bug zapper charges in direct sunlight, or via USB charging.
It also features a rechargeable battery, which is included. The reviews on the length of the solar charge are mixed, with some saying it conks out after several hours, and others saying it lasts a full day.
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Pros
- Eco-friendly materials
- Versatile
- Effective
Cons
- You have to devote a light socket to it
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 3x3x6 inches
- Coverage: 850 square feet
- Type: Lightbulb
- Power Source: Electric (screws into a bulb socket)
If you need an effective bug-killer in a small package, this lightbulb is a great option. This LED blue-violet bulb emits a high-intensity UV light, creating a powerful attraction to mosquitoes and other flying pests.
The electrically charged metal grid kills the bugs instantly. This bulb is chemical-free and made of eco-friendly material, eliminating pests without toxic sprays, making it ideal for kitchens.
The bulb comes with three modes: a light, a zapper, and a combo of light and zapper. Best of all, bugs automatically slip off when they’re zapped, simplifying cleaning.
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Best Zapper + Accent Light
PIC Solar Insect-Killing Torch
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Best Zapper + Accent Light
PIC Solar Insect-Killing Torch
Pros
- Attractive
- Versatile
- Practical
Cons
- Requires sun to charge
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 12x3x17 inches
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Type: Pole-mounted
- Power Source: Solar
This bug zapper doubles as an accent light. The flickering flame effect LED lights up the night, while the blue UV LED light attracts unwanted insects and then zaps them.
The torch comes with three stakes of varying heights (48, 36, and 24 inches), plus a tabletop base, making it completely customizable to your space.
With a full daytime charge in the direct sun, the insect torch performs for up to six hours. Reviewers are impressed with how effective the torch is, while still being attractive. Many say they’ve permanently replaced tiki torches with these lights around their yard.
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Pros
- Includes attractant
- Efficient
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Doesn’t work well during the day
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9.7x9.7x16.5 inches
- Coverage: 1 acre
- Type: Lantern
- Power Source: Battery (AA batteries included)
This lantern-style bug killer attracts insects in a 1-acre range. The electronic zapper’s power is enhanced with the Octenol Mosquito Attractant Cartridge, which makes it more effective at killing certain mosquitoes and biting flies.
The attractant remains effective for up to 400 hours; there is one cartridge included per package, but additional cartridges can be purchased. It’s black, weather-resistant, and easy to put together and use.
The Flowtron comes with a two-year limited warranty. Reviewers praise the effectiveness of the zapper but say it works much better at night than it does during the day.
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9
Most Effective
DynaTrap Insect and Mosquito Trap
9
Most Effective
DynaTrap Insect and Mosquito Trap
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Attracts and traps bugs
- Can be hung up or placed on surface
- Attractive design
Cons
- Doesn’t work as well in lighted areas
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 9x5.5x11.62 inches
- Coverage: Half-acre
- Type: Lantern
- Power Source: Electric (power cord included)
This bug zapper works like a charm; while no bug trap is going to win a beauty award, this one comes close. The thoughtfully designed bug coffin features an elegant design and titanium dioxide-coated black surface and utilizes three-way protection to defend against pests.
The UV light and quiet fan attract and snag insects without the “zap.” The 10.5-inch-tall trap covers up to half an acre and includes a cleaning brush and chain for hanging.
Reviewers love the look, but one says the “quiet and unobtrusive” trap “works well on our back deck, no mosquitoes at all. But as soon as you walk off the deck, they are prevalent.”
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Pros
- Effective day and night
- Safe to use around kids and pets
- Can be used inside and out
Cons
- Small coverage range
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 5.3x5.3x9inches
- Coverage: 625 square feet
- Type: Lantern
- Power Source: Electric (power cord included)
If you want a quiet bug zapper, look no further: This indoor-outdoor zapper has a modern, sleek-looking black grid design that covers the mellow UV light.
The soft glow is easy on your eyes but tough on flies, mosquitoes, gnats, wasps, and other biting bugs. The zapper covers 625 feet, or about the size of a large deck.
The innovative unit attracts small and large insects via the clog-proof grid and features a removable tray to discard pests. Reviewers love that they can feel safe using this bug zapper around their kids and pets, and appreciate that there’s no noise when an insect is caught.
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Pros
- Easy to clean
- Good value
- Versatile
Cons
- Can be an eyesore
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 15x11.02x3.12 inches
- Coverage: 1,500 square feet
- Type: Hanging
- Power Source: Electric (comes with power cord)
If mosquitoes and flying insects need to be put in their place inside, this bug zapper is a fantastic option, thanks to its powerful electric grid. It can be hung on the wall or rested on a flat service, but it must be plugged in to work.
The 2,800-volt electric grid is the safest and most powerful available, with a tight mesh that doesn't allow fingers or paws to penetrate.
Reviewers say installation and upkeep are a snap with the removable plastic tray and self-cleaning grid. Some reviewers say it works well for a time but isn’t as long-lasting as other models.
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12
Best Pole-Mounted Zapper
DynaTrap Pole Mount Insect Trap
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Best Pole-Mounted Zapper
DynaTrap Pole Mount Insect Trap
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Durable in all weather conditions
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 11.5x11.5x44 inches
- Coverage: Half-acre
- Type: Pole-mount
- Power Source: Electric (power cord included)
This trap provides four-way protection against flying menaces — it attracts, traps, and kills insects, while also disrupting breeding.
It features a built-in water tray that attracts egg-layers, breaking the breeding cycle, and a powerful but quiet fan that captures insects.
The trap protects up to a half-acre of land and is appropriate for indoor or outdoor use. The trap itself is 11.5 inches tall and the pole is 44 inches high.
Reviewers love how effective and attractive this model is, saying it kills even the biggest bugs.
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Kathleen Willcox
Kathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine. Her work appears in a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics, Wine Enthusiast and SevenFifty Daily. She is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she lives with her husband and twins.