Want to eliminate the most annoying pests of summer? Here's what to look for in a bug zapper to make sure you get those mosquitoes!
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These Mosquito Zappers & Electric Bug Killers Will Keep Your Home and Patio Pest-Free
Let’s face it: No one likes swarming bugs, especially those pesky mosquitos. Besides their annoying buzz and itch-inducing bite, they’re a potential source for diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitos found in the continental U.S. can transfer 13 viruses and three parasites through their bites.
“Most people experience the most pressure from flying and biting insects where it is hot and humid. So, people who live in the South to Southeast would benefit the most from a bug zapper,” says David Price, the Director of Technical Services and Associate Certified Entomologist at Mosquito Joe. “Also, areas with livestock as there is usually water accumulation and other conditions that increase the flying insect population.”
The first step toward reducing mosquitos in your yard is eliminating standing water, where they breed. Look for clogged gutters, rain barrels and non-draining plant pots. For standing water you can’t remove, try mosquito dunks. Dropping one of these little hard doughnuts in the water will kill mosquito larvae, yet it’s safe for humans, birds, fish, pets and wildlife.
Once you’ve taken that initial step, focus on eliminating adult mosquitos. One of the most popular ways to do this is with a bug zapper, which kills insects with an electrical shock.
Most Stylish Solar Bug Zapper
PIC Patio Lantern Bug Zapper
Typical bug zappers aren’t really about the aesthetics. Then there’s the PIC Patio Lantern Bug Zapper. It features elegant curves, an attractive finish and a flicker flame effect, making it a smart design choice on most backyard patios.
The PIC lasts six hours on a full charge. Choose from two light modes — the colorful flickering flame or white light. Either way it automatically activates at dusk, a true set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Note that this zapper lures insects with a UV LED light. So if you want it to kill mosquitos, you’ll need to add mosquito-specific bait. (See the last slide for recommendations.)
On Sale
Best Bug Zapper for a Large Area
Black+Decker Bug Zapper
Most outdoor bug zappers cover about half an acre. The Black+Decker bug zapper can handle up to one full acre.
It’s larger than most zappers, standing more than 16 inches tall. It can rest on a flat surface or hang with the included ring and chain. It advertises “relatively quiet” operation, although it doesn’t list dB.
Our one complaint: It relies on UV light as a lure, which isn’t effective for mosquitos. Plan on picking up a mosquito lure to make this a truly effective zapper. (See the last slide for recommendations.)
On Sale
Best Traditional Hand-Held Bug Zapper
Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper
One sub-category of bug zappers combines zapping and swatting. These devices resemble tennis rackets and don’t come with insect bait. Instead, you swing them through the air and swat/zap the flying nuisances.
These are cleverly designed and pretty fun to use. The problem is, many are poorly made, and their ratings reflect this.
The hand-held Anne Diary Electric Bug Zapper is an exception. It features strong ratings and a traditional multi-grid look to protect users and bystanders from accidental shocks. In a patent-pending design twist, the swatter head rotates 90 degrees to make zapping bugs on walls far easier.
It can also be operated while propped upright in its charging base. The UV light acts as a lure to eliminate flying insects without any physical activity on your part.
It’s sleek styling and polished white finish give the Anne Diary Bug Zapper a classic feel, not unlike the original generations of iPhones.
Most Shocking Hand-Held Bug Zapper
The Executioner
By contrast, The Executioner offers a master class in packaging and outside-the-box design thinking.
Rather than sleek lines and classical style, The Executioner’s label sports a masked figure out of a medieval tale. Even more surprising, it abandons the safety-first design of most hand-held zappers by eliminating protective grids. So when you push the button to activate it, anything or anyone touching the grid will be shocked.
This makes it much easier to eliminate bugs with a single swat, although it’s also easier to zap yourself or others. While extremely effective, The Executioner is definitely not for children.
Best Octenol Lures
DynaTrap Atrakta Mosquito Lure and Black Flag Mosquito Octenol Lure
To convert a traditional zapper into a mosquito-killing machine, you’ll need an octenol lure to draw in those biting pests. Here are two great options to consider:
DynaTrap Atrakta Mosquito Lure: This drops into the collection basket of any zapper and gives out enough attraction to last for about 60 days.
Black Flag Mosquito Octenol Lure: This clip-on bait cage was made for Black Flag’s zappers but fits on most other units as well. It lasts about 30 days so it must be replaced more often than the DynaTrap, but it’s about one-third the price.
What to Consider When Buying Bug Zappers
Bug zappers typically feature two sets of grids surrounding a light. The outer grid is for safety — plastic or grounded metal bars that prevent humans or pets from getting zapped. The electrically charged inner grid carries enough power to kill insects that encounter it. The light in the center attracts the bugs.
Many zappers combine visible and UV light. Those work great on moths and gnats, but not mosquitos, which are attracted by carbon dioxide and warm moisture. You’ll need a chemical bait or lure like octanol or titanium dioxide (TiO2) for mosquito control.
Some key considerations when shopping for a bug zapper include:
- The bait: A UV light is the only lure you’ll need for most flying insects. “Most bug zappers have a light designed to attract flying insects in the UV light spectrum and the most attractive is between 300-420 nm,” says Price. “Also, ensure there is an electronic grid to zap the insect once drawn by the light.” But to be effective against mosquitos, you must appeal to their senses. If a zapper doesn’t come with a mosquito attractant, don’t worry! You can add your own bait to most zappers. (See the last slide for two recommended bait products.)
- Clean-up: Does the zapper let the bug debris fall to the ground or collect it in a tray for easy disposal? Keep in mind that even bug zappers with trays will still likely leave some debris around them on the ground below. One way or another, you’re going to have to deal with cleanup, as dead bugs aren’t going to dispose of themselves.
- Noise: How loud is the zapper normally, and when does a bug hit it? Most models don’t include a decibel (dB) rating, so look for ones that brag about their quiet operation.
- Power source: Most use AC power. But battery-operated, rechargeable and solar-powered models are making headway into the market.
- Efficiency: Traditionally, bug zappers utilize a fluorescent element—yes, just like the lights—but they require a lot of energy and aren’t particularly efficient. LED options are available these days (and are much more efficient), but some users report they’re less effective. As always, this is about a balance: energy use vs. effectiveness.
- Usage: There are plenty of options for placing and using a bug zapper. Some rest on a table while others hang overhead. Some are even built like mini-tennis racquets and act as swatters!
Why You Should Trust Us
Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY, including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. His lawn care and outdoor product expertise helps him write knowledgeable content about bug zappers and other similar yard tools.
We contacted David Price, Director of Technical Services and Associate Certified Entomologist at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company, to help us better understand what to look for in a bug zapper. Price has been working in the industry for 26 years. His work includes developing mosquito abatement programs for military installations and federal properties across the U.S. and testing new treatment products.
How We Found the Best Bug Zappers
We researched hundreds of bug zappers, considering the different types, cost and desired looks. Then, we spoke to a mosquito and bug expert to clarify what makes bug zappers a good buy that will get the job done. Finally, we combed through user reviews to see how real people interact with these bug zappers to ensure they enjoyed summer nights free from bugs.
FAQ
Do bug zappers actually work?
Yes, but there are some caveats to that. These devices only work with close proximity—close enough for electricity to arc from the element to the insect—and they rely on their glow to draw insects within that proximity. Some insects are less attracted to light—like mosquitos and biting flies—and will, therefore, be less effective against these kinds of insects.
Do you leave the bug zapper on all the time?
If you’re looking to eliminate as many insects as possible, leaving your bug zapper on 24/7 will go a long way toward that goal and can actually interrupt the breeding cycle. However, this is not always an option for everyone, and there are, of course, risks of leaving something with an exposed electric element on all the time. If you’re home and can monitor it, you can leave it on whenever you want. Still, we’d recommend turning it off if you choose to leave the property like you might your oven or other potentially dangerous appliances.
Do bug zappers work on yellow jackets?
They can kill yellow jackets that get too close, but they’re not the most effective solution, as yellow jackets are more attracted to food than light, and bug zappers rely on attraction to a light source.
Why do bug zappers have to be 25 feet away?
Mounting your bug zapper at least 25 feet away from your home will ensure that the bugs aren’t gathering near you and your property. This recommendation is for your own comfort and to help increase your bug zapper’s effectiveness.
