The 7 Best Bug Zappers of 2023

Best Overall, Outdoor

Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

4.5

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Designed for outdoor use, the Flowtron BK-40D electronic insect killer uses a high-intensity UV light bulb to attract pests from as far as an acre away. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying bugs are zapped immediately on the electrified grid. Our at-home tester noted that this big and powerful zapper did an outstanding job eliminating flying pests in their backyard. "It takes about 30 minutes for the bugs to find the light attractive once it’s turned on," she said. "But when they do, the zaps start coming. In 2 hours, this machine killed several dozen mosquitoes and smaller flying bugs."

The zapper comes with an octenol (an active ingredient in many pesticides) attractant cartridge to lure mosquitos. While each one only lasts for 30 days, replacement cartridges are available. Our tester noted that the bug zapping seemed to escalate more with the cartridge, but the lantern still works without it.

This durable, polycarbonate, lantern-style bug zapper plugs into a wall. We recommend hanging it out of the way to attract nearby bugs away from your outdoor seating area—you'll probably need an extension cord since the power cord is short. Although it is brighter and louder than some other models, we think its coverage area and effectiveness make it the best choice for your outdoor space, especially if you're looking for something that covers a large area.

Price at time of publish: $65

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}

Best Overall, Indoor

Aspectek 40W Electric Indoor Insect Killer

4.2

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For an indoor solution, your best bet is the Aspectek Bug Zapper, a grid-style contraption boasting 40 watts of power and a one-acre range. The high-voltage metal grids eliminate houseflies, mosquitoes, boxelder bugs, moths, gnats, and even wasps. "The zapper’s ultraviolet light appears to be quite attractive to bugs of many sorts," our at-home tester reported, "from gnats and flies to mosquitoes and beetles. In 2 hours, our test collected nearly 20 bugs."

As long as there's an outlet nearby, you can set this insect killer on your counter, shelf, or floor or hang it up with the included chain and hooks. We also like that it's easy to clean—remove the plastic tray from the bottom and wipe away the leftover debris. The light bulb's lifespan is impressive and can last up to 5,000 hours.

Our tester did note that this indoor zapper is a bit loud and very bright, so they placed it in an area they could avoid and limited its use to a few hours at a time.

Price at time of publish: $63

_{Type: Hanging | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor}

Best Budget

Gloue Bug Zapper Light Bulb

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With the Gloue Bug Zapper Bulb, you can turn virtually any old lamp into an insect-killing device. This is a great option for any areas inside your home where you don't want to use pesticides, poisons, or chemical sprays.

This bulb emits LED ultraviolet light at a high wavelength and delivers an electric charge through its built-in metal grid—a fatal attraction that kills mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, and other insects on contact.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Type: Light bulb | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Electric | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor}

Best Racket

Zap It! Electric Bug Zapping Racket

4.2

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When it comes to electric swatters, Zap It! is tough to beat. This ergonomically designed mesh racket runs on a rechargeable lithium battery and switches on with the press of a button. You can swat the occasional housefly or wasp that wanders into your home and kill it mid-air.

When the 4,000-volt grid activates, extra-bright LEDs will ignite to attract vexing insects. We like its three-layer design to prevent accidentally shocking yourself or your loved ones. All the same, leave the swatting to adults to protect kids from a painful jolt.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Type: Racket | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor}

Best for Mosquitoes

Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper Insect Killer, Includes Black Flag Mosquito Octenol Lure

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Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, and they aren't lured in as effectively by UV light alone compared to other flying pests. If you're mainly looking to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your space, consider a zapper that uses octenol, like this Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper. One lure will last about a month, so you should only need to replace it a few times to get through the season.

One unit can cover about half an acre. The company recommends placing the zappers about 20 feet away from where you spend your time—so not only are you zapping bugs, you're also attracting them away from you, your family, and your guests.

Price at time of publish: $43

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 0.5 acres | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}

Best for Flies

Black + Decker 36W Electric Bug Zapper

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Got flies? Say, "Shoo, don't bother me," with Black + Decker's Electric Bug Zapper. This high-voltage lantern can be placed on any flat surface on your patio, porch, or deck or hung up using the included chain and ring hook.

The UV light lures in flies and other bothersome bugs, day or night, and kills them instantly. Cleaning is a breeze: Just pull out the tray, empty it out, and wash as needed with the included brush.

Price at time of publish: $47

_{Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor}