The 5 Best Bug Zappers of 2020

Best Overall, Outdoor: Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

Excellent

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 Winning the war against insects on their own turf requires an effective outdoor bug zapper. The best model available for outdoor use is the Flowtron BK-40D. This corded bug zapper will attract and eradicate mosquitos and other flying insects in an area up to an acre in size (or more, depending on model purchased). It works by drawing pests in with a UV light (and optional bait attractant), then zapping them by means of an electrified grid.

The housing is made of a durable polycarbonate, so it won’t rust when exposed to the elements. You will likely need an extension cord to connect the unit to the power supply, since the included cord is short and generally not long enough to reach an outlet once the unit is hung up or installed.

The Flowtron BK-40D is a great choice for homes on larger lots that want to enjoy an insect-free outdoor environment. It’s also a great choice for barns, utility sheds, or garages where mosquitos and other flying insects are a nuisance. 

Best Overall, Indoor: Aspectek Bug Zapper & Electric Indoor Insect Killer

Very Good

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 For indoor mosquito and flying insect control, the Aspectek 20W Bug Zapper is a top pick — thanks to its versatile design and high-power electric grid.

The Aspectek is able to be hung on the wall with the included chain, or sit upright on any flat surface. This unit is powered by electricity, and needs to be plugged in for operation. The Aspectek’s biggest claim to fame is its 2,800-volt electric grid. This is the most powerful grid available on the market for bug zappers. Safety is a top priority in the design, however, and the Aspectek has a tight metal grid that doesn’t allow for fingers to pass through to the electrified grid below.

To keep your home or office free of pesky flying insects, set the Aspectek on a shelf or counter. Or, for more permanent installations or to keep it out of the way, hang it on the wall. The dual-sided design will allow insects to be caught from either side. The Aspectek is an affordably-priced electric bug zapper that will keep insects at bay when indoors.

Best Cordless: Stinger Electric Insect Killer

Excellent

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You may need a cordless bug zapper for outdoor insect control where there is no available power source. If so, the Stinger Cordless Rechargeable Insect Zapper is a great solution.

Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this lantern will run for several hours on a single charge. It can also be operated while plugged in (if you do happen to have a nearby electrical outlet available). The Stinger Insect Zapper uses a UV black light instead of a UV white light like many bug zappers on the market today. The UV black light doesn’t emit as much light as its white light counterpart, but black lights are shown to attract up to 40 percent more insects.

Additionally, the device has a lantern-like aesthetic that easily blends into a variety of décor styles. It features two white LED lights for ambient light when the bug zapper is not in use. 

Best Rechargeable Racket: ZAP IT! Bug Zapper Twin Pack

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If you love the idea of a bug zapper racket, but don’t like the hassle of changing batteries, then the Zap-It! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket is a great option.

The racket is powered by a rechargeable battery housed inside the base of the handle. To recharge the racket, simply plug in a USB cord connected to a power supply. When operating the racket, you’ll need to turn the unit on, then press a yellow button to activate the grid. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental shocks.

One other safety feature that differentiates this racket from the battery-operated model is the three-layer design with protective mesh to prevent contact with the electric grid. However, some find that the additional protective layers can be a small hindrance in killing some insects.