The Best Bug Zappers
If hot and hazy evenings outdoors are becoming intolerable because of airborne bloodsuckers, take the fight to them with a bug zapper. Most mosquitos seem to be attracted to three things: light, heat, and flesh. While pointing a flashlight at a disliked acquaintance may be a good distraction, the trusty bug zapper often meets the first two criteria without being overly cruel. By providing intense UV lights that captivate flies and kill more efficiently than a fly swatter, this device instantly makes outdoor hangouts enjoyable when the weather is too nice to stay indoors. Whether you're heading out to the wilderness for a serene campout or just need some extra reinforcements around the backyard firepit, the bug zappers we've selected are perfect for helping you achieve a relaxing, pest-free environment.
Severino Bug Zapper
Light up the night
To justify the purchase, a bug zapper needs to be able to tame your outdoors area discreetly and efficiently during hazy nights. While it’s not meant for the open trail, Severino’s zapper is our go-to choice for complete at-home patio protection. This unit is extremely dependable because of the hardwire power source and reinforced ABS plastic core. Unlike other devices that require disposable batteries or tedious cleanup, with Severino, all you’ll need to worry about is where to hang the long-lasting ultraviolet lamp. If your balcony, backyard, or outdoor event can’t stand the bites, this zapper keeps bugs at bay without excessive light or noise.
Pros:
- The plastic housing prevents electrical accidents
- The removable tray is easy to clean
- Recommended for use indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- This unit is not fully waterproof
Zap It! Electric Zapping Racket
Add some power to your swing
When you need to take matters into your own hands for pest prevention, check out the electric bug swatter by Zap It! This innovative company lets you take the fight to the enemy. While regular swatters can be effective, precision and speed is a prerequisite. Although both traits are still helpful, the Zapping Racket kills on contact, meaning solid contact is no longer necessary. Both sides feature a mesh lining that protects your hands against electricity, too. Whether you’re at a campsite or hanging around the household firepit, this racket will deliver a shocking blow to gnats and skeeters.
Pros:
- Available in three sizes for adults and kids to enjoy
- LED built in to the handle makes swatting more accurate
- USB chargeable device
Cons:
- The charging indicator is poorly designed
Mostatto Plug-In Bug Zapper
Electrify home invaders
If you’ve ever experienced the displeasure of mosquitos flying around your home, it’s safe to assume you’ll never want a repeat performance. Mostatto’s plug-in zappers eliminate flying bugs on contact without leaving a mess or oversized footprint. While other mosquito catchers are fairly obvious, Mosatto’s product takes the form of a hallway nightlight. We’re huge fans of this subdued design because its generous safety guard won’t harm children or pets. All in all, this device does more than tidy up after late-night barbeques. When your windows or doors stay open for slightly too long, you can trust Mostatto to keep your family healthy while they sleep.
Pros:
- Automatically switches on and off with ambient light
- Includes miniature brush for regular cleanings
Cons:
- Not very effective in larger rooms or high ceilings
Apder Solar Powered Bug Zapper
The lamp you've been waiting for
These solar-powered bug zappers by Apder are an environmentally conscious solution to all of your bug troubles outdoors. This product is the epitome of “set it and forget it” technology, with no installation process or maintenance required. If you need to illuminate a walkway or make gardening a little more enjoyable, you can’t go wrong with this zapper. While the light source is certainly not as pronounced as bigger lantern designs, this multifunctional tool is useful nonetheless. No matter the weather patterns in your neck of the woods, this zapper will endure everything the outdoors has to throw your way, including pesky swarms.
Pros:
- Two different light option settings available
- IP65 waterproofing makes this device secure and long-lasting
Cons:
- Cannot be charged via wired power during overcast days
Katchy Indoor Insect Trap
Shock and awe
While the traditional electrified lamp effectively eliminates unwanted flying guests, we’re not the biggest fans of the byproduct. If scorched insects are stinking up your home, turn to Katchy’s insect trap for a more practical bug barrier. This sleek device hardly looks like a lean, mean, mosquito-killing machine, yet it excels at its job with its unorthodox design. It combines the attractive scent of a glue trap with a powerful fan to suck in curious pests inconspicuously. Best of all, this product is completely silent. When you need to eliminate insects in commercial settings without raising suspicions, or you can’t stand obtrusive lights and sounds at night, turn to Katchy.
Pros:
- The low power UV light adds a stylish ambiance
- Perfect for bartenders, kids’ rooms, and porches
- Works against moths as well
Cons:
- The glue traps must be replaced regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are mosquitos attracted to light?
The genetic code of mosquitos predisposes them to specific stimuli that help when they’re hunting prey. While mosquitos are naturally attracted to heat, carbon dioxide, and some organic scents, they are not attracted to light. Instead, these bloodsuckers evolved to use celestial light sources as a reference point when navigating at night. This misinterpreted magnetism towards artificial lights is actually the result of the confusion that’s caused by an overloaded navigation system.
Where should I place mosquito traps for maximum effectiveness?
Don’t place a trap near where you or your acquaintances will be active. Although you may have to deal with stragglers the old-fashioned way, a trap aims to keep the swarm at bay from a minimum of twenty feet away. We recommend placing it near thick bushes, close to standing water, and upwind from potential nests to maximize its efficacy.