Here Are the Best Bug Zappers to Rid Your Home and Yard of Pesky Insects

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 tester noted that this big and powerful zapper did an outstanding job eliminating flying pests in their backyard.

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.

Best Overall, Indoor: Aspectek 40W Electric Indoor Insect Killer

4

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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.

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.

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.

Best Racket: Zap It! Electric Bug Zapping Racket

4.1

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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.

Best Budget Racket: IDS Cordless Electric Bug Swatter Racket

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Even if you already have a lantern or wall-mounted zapper at home, it's always good to have a handheld option at the ready. This racket runs on two AA batteries (not included). It lights up to lure in bugs, then zaps them in a single swat. While it doesn't have a multi-layer safety grid, it's notably effective at killing a range of flying insects. Just be careful not to touch your own skin or those around you—the resulting shock wouldn't be pleasant.

Best Solar-Powered: Anysun Solar Powered Bug Zapper

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The Anysun Solar Powered Bug Zapper uses a purple light to draw in gnats, flies, no-see-ums, and mosquitoes, then exterminates them in its electric grid. 

This waterproof lantern-style insect killer takes about three hours to get a full charge and lasts about nine hours. While it charges in the sun, it can actually be used for indoor or outdoor use. Weighing just a little over one pound, it's also notably lightweight and portable.

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.