The Best Bug Zappers To Keep Pests From Ruining Your Outdoor Party (2024)

Our Top Picks

This bug zapper from Flowtron comes with an octenol attractant cartridge, making it highly effective at luring in mosquitoes. We tested this zapper in our own backyard and were thoroughly impressed with its performance. While it did take about 30 minutes for bugs to be drawn to the light once we turned it on, we noted that it killed dozens of insects after that time period. In addition to mosquitoes, it kills flies, gnats, beetles, and many other flying insects.

This unit is equipped with a 40-watt ultraviolet bulb that attracts bugs, which are then killed when they make contact with the high-voltage electrical grid. If you find the sight of dead bugs unappealing, you may appreciate the lack of a collection tray that requires emptying. Instead, the self-cleaning design lets dead bugs fall directly to the ground after being electrocuted.

We found that the lantern lures more mosquitoes with the cartridge installed, but it still works without it. Each cartridge is effective for up to 30 days, and you can order replacement lures at an additional cost.

The Flowtron bug zapper has an impressive coverage area of up to one acre, making it well-suited for larger yards and outdoor entertaining areas. Thanks to a handy hook at the top, this lantern can be hung just about anywhere outdoors.

Keep in mind that it is brighter and louder than some other models, but you can place it far away from gathering areas. It’s also important to note that it needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. At only 10 inches long, we found that the attached cord was too short to connect to our nearest power outlet, so you may want to purchase an extension cord.

_{Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches | Coverage area: 1 acre | Power source: Electric | Bulb type: UV light | Location: Outdoor}

This indoor bug zapper does a great job of eliminating flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other winged intruders that make their way into your home. We tested this zapper at home and were impressed with how quickly it could kill a variety of bugs. After having this zapper go for two hours, we found about 20 dead bugs in the tray.

It can be positioned on any flat surface, and you also have the option to hang it with the included chain and hook. We found that this zapper also has a short power cord—about 15 inches—which means you may need an extension cord, depending on where you intend to place it.

This electrical grid has a mesh screen to protect your family from accidental contact. However, since this unit is pretty powerful, we’d recommend mounting it off the ground and out of reach to prevent any mishaps.

We liked the fact that the collection tray is removable, allowing for easy cleanup. While this zapper’s ultraviolet light is highly appealing to all sorts of bugs, we found the light to be incredibly bright—almost overwhelming—particularly in a home setting. Depending on your layout, it would be a good idea to place it in a discreet location, if possible.

_{Dimensions: 25.6 x 3.5 x 12.8 inches | Coverage area: Not listed | Power source: Electric | Bulb type: UV light | Location: Indoor}

If mosquitoes are plaguing your yard, a bug zapper that uses octenol is your best bet. The Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper contains a specialized octenol lure that mosquitoes find irresistible, luring these pesky critters to their demise.

With two other lines of defense, it can also kill other flying insects, including biting flies, wasps, and moths. The powerful 2,000-volt electrified grid attracts bugs with its bright UV before shocking them to death. For added peace of mind, a durable plastic safety guard prevents children, pets, and wildlife from coming into contact with the grid.

This bug zapper provides half an acre of coverage, and it can sit on a flat surface or hung up using the built-in ring at the top. Since this is an electric model, it will need to be plugged into an outdoor outlet. The attached power cord is only about a foot long, which means you’ll likely need an extension cord.

Note that this unit doesn’t have a collection tray. Instead, dead bugs accumulate on the electrical grid. The manufacturer suggests using a blowdryer to remove them at least once a week. If you’re squeamish or simply don’t like the sight of dead bugs, you might want to go with another option.

_{Dimensions: 12.52 x 6.62 x 4.45 inches | Coverage area: 0.5 acres | Power source: Electric | Bulb type: UV | Location: Outdoor}

This handheld lamp from Mosiller is an effective tool for eliminating pesky indoor flies and mosquitoes. It consists of a handle that attaches to a circular UV light, which draws mosquitoes and other flying insects into a high-voltage electric grid. Delivering 4,000 volts (twice the voltage of our best outdoor pick), this electric bug zapper kills them instantly.

For added safety, it has three layers of mesh covering the grid to prevent accidental electric shocks. It’s worth noting that this racket makes a loud popping noise whenever a bug is killed. Though you will certainly know it’s working, the noise may be irritating to some.

Due to its compact size and streamlined appearance, we like that this mosquito racket has a more sophisticated design than other offerings. That said, it is significantly smaller than the larger, lantern-style options on this list. Therefore, it might not be the best option for combating larger outdoor infestations.

One major advantage of this bug zapper is that it’s wireless, and its light and portable design allows for versatile placement. This unit comes with a USB rechargeable base, allowing it to sit on a flat surface. You can hold it in your hand to manually kill mosquitoes, but it’s equally effective as a freestanding lamp. Keep in mind that the bug zapper lacks a collection tray, so dead insects will fall on any surface below it.

_{Dimensions: 9 x 1 x 16 inches | Coverage area: Not listed | Power source: Wireless (with rechargeable battery) | Bulb type: UV | Location: Both}

This mosquito zapper relies on solar power and requires no electricity, allowing for versatile placement almost anywhere outdoors. It can effectively kill mosquitoes for up to 10 hours after being fully charged. You can also charge it with a standard USB cable (which is not included). The waterproof, lantern-style design makes it an ideal choice for fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

It uses a UV light to attract insects and kills them instantly with a 3000-volt electric shock. In addition to mosquitoes, it eliminates a variety of winged insects, including gnats, flies, and moths. This bug zapper provides up to 2,100 square feet of coverage (nearly half an acre), and it can be used indoors as well, further adding to its versatility.

A convenient hook at the top makes it easy to carry and hang when you’re on the go. This portable device has three lighting modes: the bug zapper light kills insects, the white light provides illumination, and an SOS flashlight is included for outdoor emergencies.

It can be cleaned without disassembly, and it comes with a small brush to assist with the process. Compared to more advanced models, this light won’t turn on and off automatically at dawn and dusk. Instead, you will have to control it manually with the simple on and off buttons.

_{Dimensions: 5.12 x 3.54 x 9.45 inches | Coverage area: 2,100 square feet | Power source: Solar | Bulb type: UV light | Location: Both}

Featuring two large bulbs and an intense 5,600-volt killing grid, the Flowtron BK80D is the largest and most powerful bug zapper in our roundup. For that reason, it’s an excellent choice for protecting large yards (up to one and a half acres in size) and killing lots of insects.

It should be noted that it can be quite loud when it successfully captures an insect. Because this unit is so bright, all kinds of flying insects, including black flies and biting midges, are attracted to it. This unit also comes with an octenol attractant cartridge, which is particularly effective at luring and eliminating mosquitoes.

Intended for outdoor use, this bug zapper can be placed on a flat surface or hung from its built-in hook, as long as an outlet is nearby. Since the light is so bright, we recommend placing it a good distance away from outdoor gathering areas.

This unit has an exterior safety guard that protects children, pets, and other wildlife from accidental shock. It also has a non-clogging grid that allows dead bugs to drop directly on the ground—a nice perk for those who don’t want to empty them out manually.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 11 inches | Coverage area: 1½ acres | Power source: Electric | Bulb type: UV | Location: Outdoor}

With this light bulb, you can turn any ordinary lamp into an insect-killing weapon. The bulb offers you three distinct modes, so you can utilize it however you see fit. It can be operated as a zapper alone, as a dim lightbulb with a zapper, or as both, making it a fantastic choice for usage both inside and outside.

The bulb's high-wavelength LED ultraviolet light draws in fruit flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and other insects. An electric charge from the lamp instantly kills the bugs as soon as they touch the integrated metal grid. The bulb is designed with a 45-degree slope that helps dead bugs slide down instead of collecting on the unit.

Though the bulb zapper is a long-lasting and reasonably priced solution to your insect problems, remember that when the bulb stops working, you will need to throw it away and get a new one. Despite this, we think this is a great alternative to the other bulky lanterns on our list.

_{Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches | Coverage area: Not listed | Power source: Electric | Bulb type: UV | Location: Indoor/ Outdoor}

With a 4,000-volt grid, the Black + Decker Bug Zapper is one of the most powerful options on the market. It’s highly effective in areas with large fly populations, but it can also kill other biting insects, including gnats, wasps, and greenheads. Since it doesn’t contain an octenol lure, it’s not the best option for attracting mosquitoes.

This bug zapper has a large coverage area of up to one acre, so it's a great choice for larger patios and yards. This high-voltage lantern can be placed on any flat surface or hung up using the provided ring and chain hook. Like any electric model, it needs to be plugged into an outlet in order to operate.

This unit features a clog-proof grid and a removable collection tray to make cleaning a breeze. A cleaning brush is also included for added convenience. One potential drawback to a unit this powerful is that it is louder and brighter compared to other models.

We suggest hanging it a good distance away from areas where people gather so it’s less of a distraction. Depending on the amount of insects in your area, you may have to replace the bulbs fairly frequently, which is an additional expense to consider.

_{Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 28 inches | Coverage area: 1 acre | Power source: Plug-in | Bulb type: UV | Location: Outdoor}

Final Verdict

The best bug zapper for outdoor use is the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer. With a high-intensity UV light, an octenol cartridge, and an electrified grid, bugs are effortlessly lured in and immediately zapped down. If you're dealing with indoor pests, your best bet is the Aspectek 40W Electric Indoor Insect Killer. This versatile zapper can be hung or placed on any flat surface and kills flies, mosquitoes, moths, and gnats with ease.

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