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Mosquitoes, gnats, and other bugs can be a major nuisance whether you’re trying to enjoy time outdoors. A bug zapper is one of the most effective ways of combating bugs. With minimal setup and maintenance, they are better at keeping large swaths of unwanted insects away than items like fly swatters and mosquito repellent. Most high-quality bug zappers can be purchased for between $30 to $60, but some heavy-duty models that cover an acre or more can cost over $100 or $200.
To help you determine what bug zapper is best for your pest control, I examined the best bug-zapping options on the market. Overall, my top choice is the ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper, which features a lightweight but effective zapping grid that’s easy to set up and works on a variety of insect types. Read my buying guide below for more of my top picks.
Best Bug Zappers: Our Top 6 Picks
- Best Overall: ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper
- Largest Grid: Lulu Home Electric Bug Zapper
- Best Handheld Zapper: ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket
- Best Heavy-Duty: Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter
- Best Solar: Elechome Bug Zapper
- Most Versatile: Livin’ Well Blue Bug Zapper
Compare Top Bug Zappers
| Product | Design | Power Level | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper | Plug-in | 20 watts | 15.16 by 3.15 by 11.02 inches | 2.8 pounds |
| Lulu Home Electric Bug Zapper | Plug-in | 20 watts | 15.35 by 4.33 by 11.42 inches | 3.74 pounds |
| ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket | Cordless | 4,000 volts | 7.6 x 18 inches | 1.48 pounds |
| GTOCS Bug Zapper | Plug-in | 15 watts | 12 x 6 x 7 inches | 2.27 pounds |
| Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter | Plug-in | 5,600 volts | 9.5 x 9.5 x 20.38 inches | 13 pounds |
| Elechome Bug Zapper | Solar | 3,000 volts | 5.2 x 3.7 x 8 inches | 1.26 pounds |
| Livin’ Well Blue Bug Zapper | Plug-in | 4,000 volts | 6.31 x 6.31 x 13.18 inches | 2.32 pounds |
| Product | Design | Power Level | Dimensions | Weight |
Best Overall
ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper
- $31.07
- $50
- 38% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This high-voltage bug zapper from ASPECTEK has a powerful electrical grid surrounded by a protective mesh screen to safely eliminate flies, moths, mosquitoes, and other flying insects without shocking your children or pets. Though it’s large with its 15-by-11-inch dimensions, it remains lightweight at 2.8 pounds. This makes it easy to move it to different rooms or hang it from a wall.
Type: Plug-in | Power Level: 20 watts | Weight: 2.8 pounds
Good for: Homeowners looking for a portable zapper for indoor use.
Pros Can be set on a table or hung on a wall Can replace the two light bulbs easily by opening the protective grid Has an oversized, brightly colored on/off switch
Cons Has a higher price tag than similar grid-style models Could be a safety hazard around young children
What Are People Saying About the ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper?
Customers who loved this electronic insect killer frequently commented on its power source, claiming that it killed every bug it attracted. However, I did see some customers complain about the amount of noise that the zapper made, especially when bugs were being zapped.
“I didn’t think it would work as great as it does. I usually don’t leave reviews, but this thing works so well, I bought another one. The bugs I was after are very small, like gnats. I thought the grids were too far apart for the gnats. Wrong! This thing rocks!” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
“This item works perfectly, but every time it zaps a critter, you will jump off your chair. It’s really loud.” — Nina Sanchez via Amazon
Largest Grid
Lulu Home Electric Bug Zapper
- $31.44
- $43.99
- 29% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
I like that this electric zapper eliminates a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes, fruit flies, and gnats. This product has two 20-watt bulbs that attract insects and 2,800 volts of electricity that shock them. With its large dimensions of 15.35 inches wide and 11.42 inches tall, this zapper covers a large area.
Type: Plug-in | Power Level: 20 watts | Weight: 3.74 pounds
Good for: Homeowners seeking an indoor bug zapper with a large grid area that will catch more bugs.
Pros Has outside mesh to stop children and pets from touching the electric field Has an anti-rust and -clogging grid Comes with a removable, washable collection tray that holds dead bugs
Cons Can’t be used outdoors May be an eyesore because of its large size and non-decorative look
What Are People Saying About the Lulu Home Electric Bug Zapper?
I found that customers liked this product said that it was easy to assemble, simple to clean, and durable. However, those who didn’t like this product claimed that it often stopped working properly after minimal use. Others said that it was smaller than anticipated.
“Wow! One of the greatest products I’ve ever purchased! Mosquitos seem to rush in the house every time I let my dogs out. I’ve been getting bit up like crazy. I bought this and put it in my entryway, and I can’t even begin to describe the satisfaction every time I hear the ZAP and see a mosquito twitching on the tray of this device…This has been a fantastic addition to my home, and I now consider it a part of my family. Thank you so much for building this wonderful zapping machine!” — Ryan Ortmann Sanchez via Amazon
“It worked great for a month then it randomly stopped working. Tried getting fixed and didn’t accomplish a thing. Clearly, it’s not meant for long-term use. (Mind you, we never kept it on overnight, just used it when necessary)” — Daira Luna via Amazon
Best Handheld Zapper
ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket
- $22.99
- $24.99
- 8% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Each of the two rackets in this pack harnesses 4,000 volts of power that can act as mosquito killers when you swat at them. The rackets use a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 10,000 swats and have a built-in light to help you see where you’re swatting at night.
Type: Cordless | Power Level: 4,000 volts | Weight: 1.48 pounds
Good for: Homeowners who prefer a handheld zapper with high voltage.
Pros Is sold in three sizes IIncludes a USB charging port to save on batteries Has a built-in LED light for nighttime use
Cons Requires active use to kill bugs Requires frequent recharges
What Are People Saying About the ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket?
Customers praised these rackets’ lightweight, enclosed design, which made them easy and safe for even children to hold. However, I did see some negative reviews that stated the zappers stopped working soon after purchase and others said it struggled to kill mosquitoes.
“I’ve seen these for years but never thought they would work until my brother encouraged me to try it. I LOVE IT! It’s so effective. I had these little gnats that I used to catch with a little electronic thing that had sticky paper on them. They worked ok, but this was what really eliminated the issue!” — dt via Amazon
“I was so hoping it would work, once it did zap a couple of flies, I bought a few more. Bad decision. It didn’t zap any mosquitoes, just a couple of flies, when I waved inside a large cloud of flies. I didn’t find the light attracted any bugs, and the battery burns out fast when using the auto option, making this very impractical. I initially purchased the large size, but it was awkward, so I got the mini size. Same issues as the larger size except easier to hold up.”— pandrabear via Amazon
Best Heavy-Duty
Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter
- $219.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This heavy-duty zapper is not cheap, but I think it could be well worth the cost if you’re dealing with a large bug problem on a farm or other large land area. It can cover two acres and features 120 watts of black light energy, much higher than budget-friendly models. Additionally, this zapper has a no-clog killing grid which eliminates dead bug-buildup and reduces maintenance.
Type: Plug-in | Power Level: 5,600 volts | Weight: 13 pounds
Good for: Customers who own a lot of land or live close to a wooded area with a lot of bugs.
Pros Features a powerful 5,600-volt killing grid Has a durable, weatherproof design Requires minimal maintenance
Cons Has a high price point Needs to be set up at least 25 feet away from sitting area
What Are People Saying About the Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter?
Customers were impressed with the power level of this bug zapper, as well as the amount of bugs it was able to kill. Others liked how easy it was to set up and install. However, there were a few negative reviews about this zapper’s bright light, and some felt it was actually too powerful, also killing less harmful bugs like ladybugs and moths.
“This Flowtron MC9000 is one of my favorite products. What a BEAST of a bug zapper; finally we can BBQ in the backyard by the pool and be free of nuisance bugs! I tried several different top-selling bug zappers, which were either too weak or failed prematurely until I did some more research and found this one. This is the best out there because it is the most powerful residential bug zapper (and even stronger than most commercial units). The grid fries and smokes the bugs, nothing escapes once they fly near the grid. Although it is a max 120W unit, my watt meter measured a very reasonable 84W power draw at rest.” — D. Coral via Amazon
“…The Flowtron MC9000 is also very bright. While you really don’t need sunglasses, it will ruin any ambiance on your patio from landscape or patio lighting. You could easily read a book at night sitting 10 feet away from it. While the zapper is effective on unwanted flies and mosquitos, there’s also a lot of collateral damage as it will attract and kill any type of bug attracted to UV light, both good and bad. I discovered just how many ladybugs I had in my garden.” — Bob G via Amazon
Best Solar
Elechome Bug Zapper
- $37.59
- $45.99
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This solar bug zapper has a 360-degree design and uses a bright UV-light that acts as a repellent to electrocute bugs with a 3000-volt shock. I like that it has three different lighting modes, including a bug zapper light, a white light, and a flashlight.
Type: Solar | Power Level: 3,000 volts | Weight: 1.26 pounds
Good for: Homeowners looking for a solar zapper to be used in outdoor spaces like a deck or patio.
Pros Is equipped with a solar panel for wireless charging but can also be charged with a USB-C Is compatible for outdoor or indoor use Delivers 10 hours on a full charge
Cons Does not have automatic activation Charge indicator is somewhat hidden
What Are People Saying About the Elechome Bug Zapper?
I noted that customers who liked this mosquito zapper said that it was easy to clean up, had a bright light, and worked on multiple types of bugs. However, I also saw that some felt charging it with a USB-C cable was difficult, and others said it sometimes had a hard time attracting mosquitoes.
“I use this everywhere! Inside and outside, it’s effective at zapping all those pesky insects that make life miserable. I really like the lightweight, portable design. It’s super easy to clean it out by just blowing on it over a trash can or just shake it out onto your yard.” — ILuvFunStuff via Amazon
“...Unfortunately, this only works with USB-A to USB-C cables. My quest to charge all the devices with one USB-C cable has now hit a snag. If you have an actual USB-C brick and, consequently, a cable with USB-C on both ends, nothing will happen. I tested with multiple bricks and cables, and the one constant was a USB-A brick with a USB-A to USB-C cable is the only thing that would charge this.” —Chandler via Amazon
Most Versatile
Livin’ Well Blue Bug Zapper
- $39.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With the ability to run indoors and outdoors, this bug zapper is ideal for catching a small amount of mosquitoes or other annoying pests. It covers up to 1,500 square feet and comes with a hook for easily hanging in your kitchen, patio, or outside.
Type: Plug-in | Power Level: 4,000 volts | Weight: 2.32 pounds
Good for: Homeowners looking for a versatile zapper that can be used indoors and outdoors to catch a small amount of bugs.
Pros Has 4,000 volts of zapping power Uses an 18-watt UVA bug light with a galvanized steel grid Has a detachable bottom for cleanup and dead bug removal
Cons May require an extension cord for outdoor use Needs frequent manual cleaning to prevent overloading
What Are People Saying About the Livin’ Well Blue Bug Zapper?
Our team found that customers who liked this bug zapper said that it was highly effective against mosquitoes and gnats. Others complimented its long-lasting design and its quiet operation. On the other hand, some customers felt this product was difficult to clean, and others said it was not made with high-quality materials and broke easily.
“…Bug zappers are typically very loud, and I’ve only seen them used outdoors. When I stumbled on this product, some of the reviews mentioned it was quieter than traditional outdoor bug zappers. I went ahead and purchased the product. After receiving the unit and running it for 2 nights, the amount of bugs caught in the trap was startling. I had no idea this many bugs were coming inside my home. The noise is noticeable, but I’m able to sleep through it just fine. There is sometimes an off-putting smell from the burning bugs. Nothing you can do about this. I’m very happy with the product.” — Yvonne via Amazon
“…It’s incredibly hard to fully clean. You can unscrew the bottom with a substantial amount of force and get whatever dead bugs happened to fall into that part of if, but if you want to actually clean this out, you need to get to the metal contacts that electrocute the insects, which 99% get fused to after getting killed. To do that, you have to fully disassemble this light, you will need to be adept with a screwdriver, and it is extremely difficult to reassemble because of multiple flimsy plastic parts that have to be clipped into each other before the screws can be put back in.” — GregS via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Bug Zapper
Before selecting a bug zapper, you should consider what type works best for you, between handheld or plug-in models. From there, consider the coverage area, wattage, and voltage of the zapper to narrow down your choices. Read my buying guide below for more information on selecting the best bug zapper.
What are the types of bug zappers?
Bug zappers come in a variety of designs, with the most popular being handheld and plug-in models. Handheld bug zappers, such as the ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket, are affordable tools that zap bugs in the air. Unlike its plug-in counterpart, a handheld zapper doesn’t attract bugs on its own, requiring you to swing and manually zap bugs.
A plug-in zapper, such as the ASPECTEK Electronic Bug Zapper, uses UV light to attract and kill a variety of flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, and more. Because of their effectiveness and large size, plug-in zappers are typically more expensive than handheld models.
What is the typical coverage area of a bug zapper?
The coverage area of a plug-in zapper refers to how far out its light works to attract bugs. Most coverage limits are around 1,000 or 1,500 square feet. Powerful models can cover 1 acre or more.
How is the brightness level measured in a bug zapper?
The brightness of a zapper’s light bulb is measured in watts. A higher-wattage bulb is able to attract bugs in a larger radius. Most bug zappers have 15- or 20-watt lights.
What does voltage measure in a bug zapper?
Voltage is used to measure the strength of the zapper’s electrical shock. A higher-voltage zapper is able to kill bugs instantly, preventing them from suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Zappers
What types of bugs do bug zappers kill?
Bug zappers are designed to kill flying insects, including flies, moths, gnats, and mosquitoes.
Can I leave a bug zapper on all night?
Yes. Bugs are especially attracted to zappers at night when there isn’t natural light outside.
How do bug zappers work?
Most zappers work by using UV light to attract bugs and electrically charged wires to kill them. Many of them utilize a collection tray to collect dead bugs that you can then dispose of.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of bug zappers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
