The Best Bug Zapper

Pest Strategies

When flying insects are bugging you, using a bug zapper is a highly effective way to get rid of them. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor gathering or enjoying an evening inside, the right product to get rid of bugs will make your time more enjoyable. Pest Strategies researched several products on Amazon to help you find the best bug zapper. Keep reading below to see our top findings.

1 Best hanging lantern
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004R9VW

Flowtron Bug Zapper

What We Like: Ideal to hang around your patio in the backyard or your front porch area, this lantern-style bug zapper features a durable, non-clogging electric killing grid to neutralize flying insects on contact. It uses little electricity — just pennies per day — and arrives fully assembled, so setup is a breeze. Bulb replacement is also easy, as no tools are required.

2 Best handheld zapper
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WW6831F

ZAP IT! Bug Zapper

What We Like: This highly portable electric bug zapper puts the control in your hands to effortlessly target and neutralize bugs. We like the LED safety light to let you know when it’s on, but if you or someone else touches it by accident, there are three layers of safety mesh to protect you from getting a jolt. It also comes with a USB charging cable, so you’ll have everything you need to start zapping as soon as it arrives.

3 Best panel-style zapper
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5TCXWM

LiBa Bug Zapper

What We Like: If you’re looking for a bug zapper that’s lightweight but has a large surface area, this is a product to consider. Free from chemicals or toxic materials, this bug zapper is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It also comes with a slip-out tray for easy cleaning, and it can be set on a flat surface or hung on a wall using the included mounting chain.

4 Best zapper alternative
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B6RZP4H

Katchy Bug Zapper

What We Like: A large, loud, and imposing bug zapper sitting in the corner of your living room is bound to make your guests feel uncomfortable. These effective but potentially hazardous bug zappers can accidentally shock you, and that’s why we recommend this zap-free bug catcher as an alternative. The sleek look of this bug “zapper” won’t look like an eyesore in your living space, but it’ll attract and catch bugs around the clock. The disposal chamber is easy to access to throw away dead bugs.

5 Best hybrid zapper
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHNY63V

WBM Bug Zapper

What We Like: If you want multiple bug zapping options offered in a single product, consider this bug zapper. It functions autonomously as a stationary zapper, but can be removed from the docking station and used as a portable bug zapper, much like a traditional fly swatter. The 1,200 mAh battery helps this bug zapper deliver a powerful shock to insects that venture near, and the handy USB charger allows you to quickly regain power when the battery is low.

Buying Guide

Bug zappers are available in the form of hanging lanterns, plug-in night lights, and handheld zappers. Find the best bug zapper for your needs using this helpful buying guide.

Indoor or outdoor use: The type of bug zapper you buy is dictated by where you’re going to use it. While it’s certainly possible to use outdoor bug zappers indoors, we recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines and only using the bug zapper in areas where it’s designed to function. If bugs are a major issue indoors and outdoors, consider getting two separate zappers for both areas.

Stationary bug zappers: Stationary bug zappers can either be plugged in or run on batteries, which are often rechargeable ones. These use a UV light to lure and kill insects who are attracted to the ultraviolet light and can double as a practical night light and insect killer.

Handheld bug zappers: A supercharged version of a traditional fly swatter, handheld bug zappers resemble the shape of a tennis racket. Instead of mashing flying insects into a hard surface to kill them, the electronic bug zapper will kill bugs the moment they come into contact with the zapper surface. Handheld bug zappers give the user the highest level of control, but make sure to exercise caution.

Non-electrocuting bug zappers: Some bug zappers — mainly indoor ones — don’t use an electric shock to kill bugs that fly near. Like traditional bug zappers, they use UV light to attract flying insects, but also use a powerful fan to suck bugs into a disposal chamber that contains a sticky adhesive to trap them. If you’re worried about accidental shocks, this is a good option.

FAQs

How do bug zappers work?

Bug zappers consist of a UV light, an electric power source (cord or battery), and a metal grid. The UV light attracts mosquitoes and other insects. When bugs encounter the electrified grid, they are instantly electrocuted and fall into a catch tray at the bottom of the zapper. In the case of handheld bug zappers, the dead bugs simply fall to the ground wherever you kill them.

Are bug zappers safe to use around pets and children?

Generally, yes. Most bug zappers have a durable metal grid or bars in place that prevent people and pets from accidentally shocking themselves. Should contact with the zapper element somehow occur, the resulting zap isn’t pleasant, but won’t actually electrocute or cause lasting harm.

Do I need to empty my bug zapper?

Most bug zappers aren’t self-emptying, so you’ll need to dispose of the dead insects yourself. Outdoor bug zappers may not contain a bug-catching chamber and instead, may allow the dead insects to simply fall to the ground beneath the zapper. In this case, it’s easy to simply sweep or vacuum the dead bugs. Other indoor bug zappers feature a disposal chamber that allows you to throw away dead bugs with little-to-no contact.

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.