A lot of different images can come to mind when the seasons begin to shift from the colder months to that warmer time of year, lazy balmy days spent out in the garden reading a book or tending to the garden, swimming in the pool, or having a BBQ or dinner party with friends.
Unfortunately, the warmer seasons, especially summer, can attract those unwanted guests: creepy crawlies and flying bugs that bite and sting. Try as we might, it can be an ongoing fight to fend off those bugs that rudely invite themselves and invade our personal livings spaces.
In your efforts to try and repel these nasties, have you exhausted the available traditional methods of elimination: insect repellents: sprays, citronella candles and torches, and bug traps? If your answer is Yes! then it is time for you to invest in a bug zapper.
The 7 Best Bug Zappers
- Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer (Our Top Pick)
- Kapas Electric Insect Zapper Lantern
- Aspectek 20W Electronic Bug Zapper
- ERAVSOW Bug Zapper Camping Lantern
- Black Flag Handheld Bug Zapper
- LIGHTSMAX Solar Powered Bug Zapper
- Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer
Our Top Pick for the Best Bug Zapper
Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer
It’s a small device, but the huge coverage makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. For its price, Flowtron BK-15D is the best at zapping small to large insects. You can also buy the attractant bundle if needed.
Why Should You Invest in a Bug Zapper?
Bug zappers are the fastest and most efficient way of eliminating those nasty flying pests. There is quite a large selection of these bug zappers available: some are powered by electricity, others are magnetic, battery-operated or solar-powered. Some zappers can be attached to patios, some can be placed indoors, while others can be placed in and around the garden while emitting an attractive bluish or soft white glow. So which is the best choice for your home and garden?
Before you buy, here are some tips for reducing the number of insects in and around your home.
Although these zappy bug neutralizing products can keep a substantially large amount of flying bugs away from your home, you can also kick-start the pest elimination process by practicing these five helpful tips.
- Remove containers with standing water. Bugs and especially mosquitoes love stagnant water. It is their prime place for breeding, so be vigilant and regularly empty any containers around your home that have unused water sitting in them.
- Keep your food covered. Even if you have a bug zapper, it is a good idea to cover your food. Having a few of those Pop-Up Mesh Screen Food Cover Tents will protect your food and they look good at the same time.
- Move any trash cans away from your eating areas. Crawling and flying insects love overflowing trash cans, so it is a good idea to keep them clean, securely covered and move them away from eating areas.
- If you have a pool, keep it maintained. Checking chlorine levels, and clean the pool. Pool covers are great, but if they are placed over a pool for too long they can attract those unwanted crawling and flying nasties.
- Invest in plants that can help repel insects like beetles and mosquitoes. Herbs like basil, lavender, and rosemary can help to repel insects, and flowers like Marigolds and Petunias, and carnivorous plants like Pitcher.
But if you want a fast and effective way to rid your house and patio from unwanted bugs, invest in a bug zapper.
Although the above tips can help you to reduce the number of insects in and around your home, the best method of eradication is with a handy bug zapper.
A bit of bug zapper trivia. The bug zapper was also used by sound technicians to create sound effects for the lightsabers in the original Star Wars films, and they are the perfect weapon of choice in the war against bugs.
How Do Bug Zappers work?
Bug zappers contain a light bulb that emits a bright ultraviolet (black) light and a high powered electric grid that is housed inside an ABS plastic or polycarbonate cage. The ultraviolet light attracts most insects and once they draw near to the unit they receive an electric shock. A chemical or slow-release Octenol (which is found in human breath and sweat) attractant or bait is sometimes used, and some models come with a fan that sucks the insects in.
Research has shown that mosquitoes are not as attracted to UV light as other flying insects and so using an attractant like Octenol as well as the UV light bulb is more effective.
Bug Zappers for Indoors or Outdoors
Indoor Bug Zappers
There are many indoor bug zappers that do not use chemical attractants, but instead, they use natural-based attractants or just the ultraviolet light bulb. There are also bug zappers that have a dual purpose, they illuminate and also work as a bug zapper, and there are some types of zappers that like a tennis racquet, but emit a lethal zap of 2750 volts of power, and they only require two AA batteries.
But be vigilant: These handheld zappers are not child-friendly, and should not be used as a toy.
Outdoor Bug Zappers
Outdoor bug zappers use many ways of attracting and killing insects. Some of them may contain some high powered chemicals, which means they are very potent and effective at killing bugs, they need to be away from children, pets, and food sources, and they are bad for the environment. Other models offer environmentally friendly options that also work effectively at eliminating unwanted pests.
There is a range of styles available, some models require a power source, some are battery operated and solar powered zappers are also available. There are portable zappers that can be placed on a table and they look like ornamental lanterns, others look like heaters, and some have a more space-age look, and can be hung from the ceiling, or placed onto the ground, and can be used to illuminate your garden or pathways.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bug Zapper
To choose the best zapper for your home and garden and to get the optimal performance, follow these tips:
- Indoor or Outdoor. Check to see whether the model is suitable for outdoor or indoor use. The models that emit a chemical in order to attract the insect would not be suitable for indoor use, and some of the more natural baits may be unpleasant for some people. Some models are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Child & Pet Safety. They are many models that do not use harmful chemicals, fumes or poisons. They offer non-toxic alternatives to keep homes free of insects without poisonous repellants, pesticides, or baits, while still doing an effective job. Or they work with just an ultraviolet light bulb. Choose a zapper that has a protective enclosure that ensures the insect traps are completely safe around children and pets,
- Size does matter. Depending on the size of your verandah or yard or where you intend to place the unit, it is a good idea to read the model’s specifications or manual first. There are some models that claim that they can work effectively in areas up to one acre, but if you have a large area to cover, you may need more than one.
- Regularly clean the zapper. Most models have a tray for the dead insects, but they can build up quickly, so remember to clean the unit regularly.
- Waterproof or not waterproof. Although many bug zappers are waterproof, some are not, so again, it is best to check the specifications before you purchase.
Reviews: 7 Best Bug Zappers on the Market
1. Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer
Flowtron is a family-owned company and has been a worldwide leader in outdoor products for over 80 years. The Flowtron BK-15D is a smart black electronic lantern style zapper that packs a powerful punch. The high-intensity ultraviolet light effectively lures insects in through the weatherproof polycarbonate cage and traps them on the electrostatically charged grid.
It is also an environmentally friendly product as you can use a USDA tested Octenol attractant, a proven mosquito lure. The attractant can be purchased separately or for an extra charge, it comes as a package deal in a six-pack.
The zapper works effectively for up to ½ an acre radius, which means it is ideal for small to medium-sized yards. It is not recommended for placement within 25 feet from human activity and should be used for outdoor purposes only.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good design
- Effectively kills insects
- Perfect for a small to medium patio or lawn
- Minimal noise
Cons
- Bugs get stuck on the grid and can build-up
- Short bulb life
- Chord is too short so you may need an extension
2. Kapas Electric Insect Zapper Lantern
Kapas offers a range of products for your home and garden and their bug zappers are ideal for residential and commercial use. The super-strong Kapas Insect Killer Zapper is designed to kill a range of flying insects: flies, moths, and mosquitoes. It is ideal for use indoors as well as outdoors.
This modern-looking bug-zapping lantern has a waterproof rust-free, no crack, and no-fade strict metal design that protects your fingers from touching the grid, and the mesh is easy to clean. It can be either be mounted on a wall, suspended from the ceiling or free-standing on a table.
For a bug-free home and garden, the specially designed heavy-duty blacklight UVA 40-watt lamp can last up to 3-5 years and the effective high-voltage power grid has an efficient killing zone up to 16,000 square feet. The Kapas bug zapper comes with a removable collection tray and a brush for easy cleaning.
Pros
- Good coverage
- Waterproof
- Kills small and large bugs
Cons
- Problems with a defective bulb
- May need a magnetic screwdriver to put screws in when replacing the light bulb.
3. Aspectek 20W Electronic Bug Zapper
Milo Enterprises, which is the parent company of Aspectek, makes high-quality products, and environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient household products that instill confidence in their customers.
The Aspectek 20W Electronic Bug Zapper is a chemical-free pest control product that is designed for indoor use. The zapper comes with two ultra-violet 20 watt light bulbs that will attract bugs up to 6,000 square feet, and its powerful grid can easily eliminate flying insects like flies and mosquitoes. It comes with a removable washable collection tray, which means there is little maintenance required, and it is easy to clean away the dead insects.
The zapper comes with a metal chain so you can either hang it on a wall or place it on a flat surface. There are also models available in 30 and 40 watts.
Pros
- Works well at killing small and large flying insects
- Easy to clean
- Energy efficient
- Good coverage
Cons
- Only suitable for indoor use
- Noisy
- Needs to be placed near an electrical outlet
4. ERAVSOW Bug Zapper Camping Lantern
This bright yellow bug zapper from ERAVSOW is not just designed for camping but it is perfect for killing insects inside your home. The bug zapper is made from sturdy ABS plastic and has an IP67 waterproof rating. It is equipped with five LED ultraviolet lights and the 360-degree grid effectively lures insects like mosquitoes. You can use the bug zapper as a lantern or flashlight and power it up using a rechargeable battery, electricity, USB charger, car charger, or power bank.
The ERAVSOW bug zapper is a safe, chemical-free and noise-free solution for a small 16 x 16-foot room like a bedroom, and it is certified as a child and pet-friendly product. Compact and portable, the bug zapper is extremely lightweight and its cleverly concealed hook allows the lamp to be placed on a flat surface or hung up on a tent or tree branch.
Pros
- Ideal for small indoor spaces and camping
- Can be used as a lantern and flashlight
- Compact and portable
- Quiet operation
- Multiple powering options
Cons
- Not suitable for large areas
- Only kills a small number of insects
- Water can get trapped inside the unit
5. Black Flag Handheld Bug Zapper
The Black Flag Handheld Bug Zapper is a nifty idea as it looks like a tennis racquet, but it is a high powered insect-killing machine. The handheld bug zapper is ideal for those summer nights when insects rage through your house and disrupt your social events.
All it takes is just one push of a button and a well-aimed swipe to kill insects on contact, especially those high pitched micro mosquito monsters that haunt you in the night. With 2750 bolts of power it is ideal for insects and bugs of all shapes and sizes. It can be used for both indoors and outdoors, and only requires 2 AA batteries.
Pros
- Great price
- Effective for all insects, even mosquitoes
- Environmentally friendly and an energy saver
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Perfect for camping too
Cons
- Takes more than one swipe to kill insects at night
- Emits a loud zap
6. LIGHTSMAX Solar Powered Bug Zapper
With an insect-luring ultraviolet light and a low voltage LED bulb, the solar-powered LIGHTSMAX Bug Zapper is an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient 2-in-1 bug control solution for your patio or garden. The UV LED bulb attracts insects and the power grid kills them, while the ultra-bright white light beautifully illuminates your lawn, garden, path or walkway.
Featuring a durable IP55 waterproof plastic construction, the LIGHTSMAX bug zapper light will last for many seasons. For extra safety, the outer grid prevents accidental injuries in children or pets. Easy to install, just place the bug zapper in direct sunlight and the LED solar panel can produce up to 8-10 hours of light and bug-zapping power. You can choose from two modes, one for the zapper and the other for the solar light. The solar-powered bug zapper comes in a 2, 4 or 8-pack.
Pros
- Effective on mosquitos
- Easy to install
- Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient
- Can be used as a light as well as a bug zapper
- Looks good in the garden
Cons
- Solar Panel needs to be placed in full sunlight to be effective
- Not ideal for a large yard
7. Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer
This ultra high-powered electronic zapper is another product from the Flowtron range. It has up to one acre of coverage.
Once again Flowtron provides an environmentally friendly way of eliminating flying, biting insects from your outdoor living area. As well as the 40-watt high-intensity ultraviolet, (blacklight), bulb and the powered Vertical Rod killing grid system, effective scientifically tested attractants lure insects to a killing grid, which also provides maintenance-free operation.
A cartridge of Octenol mosquito attractant is also included with the zapper. The unit is made from sturdy weatherproof polycarbonate construction, which means it will not rust, crack or fade.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly and energy saving
- The ultraviolet light can be used by itself or with the repellent
- Provides a large kill zone up to one acre
- Effective at killing insects, including mosquitoes
Cons
- Expensive
- Suitable for outdoor use only
- Difficult to clean
Our Top Pick for the Best Bug Zapper
Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer
It’s a small device, but the huge coverage makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. For its price, Flowtron BK-15D is the best at zapping small to large insects. You can also buy the attractant bundle if needed.
The Flowtron BK-40D comes in at a close second. Both are basically the same zapper, only differ in size. We choose BK-15D because it’s more versatile. If you need it for larger areas, you can choose the BK-40D or buy two BK-15D.
The Flowtron family has consistently designed products that effectively eliminate unwanted flying insects from outdoor areas. As well as showing a commitment to environmentally friendly and energy-saving products, their bug zappers are aesthetically pleasing, and more importantly, they keep bugs away from your entertaining areas.
