Shooing away flying and biting bugs is no small feat, as they are known to push our buttons. Nuisance aside, pesky creatures of this sort are rarely welcomed. Why would they be, especially when they bite, leave daunting marks on the skin, and may potentially transfer diseases? Then there’s the obvious fear component, that prevents consumers from simply enjoying the beauty that rests within our very Earth. Luckily for us, innovators have since engineered devices that tempt bugs to their death. As cruel as this all may sound, summer is just around the corner, and our editorial set forth on the mission to unveil the best portable indoor mosquito killers/bug zappers out there.

Our Top Bug Zappers

Before getting into the specifics and how our editorial team went about narrowing down the ranking criteria, we feel it is best to introduce our top performing bug zappers. Summarized below is a brief description on each one of our picks in an arbitrary manner:

1. 1TAC Zapper Mosquito Zapper

The 1TAC Zapper is a 180-lumen LED camping lantern that can light up the backyard, all while ending the lives of mosquitos and other pesky insects. What makes this device eccentric is that it carries three unique lantern modes (low, medium, and high) delivering a different strength of ultraviolet LED light. In addition to a maximum run time of 20 hours, each 1TAC Zapper is also deemed water- and shockproof. Although it does not come with a handle like most of its competitors, the pricing on this device is quite reasonable, if not inexpensive given its numerous features. In reality, the 1TAC Zapper is our cheapest find, yet it can lighten one’s fear of bugs.

• Starting Price: $19.49 (for a limited time only)
• Website: Click here

2. Anysun Solar Powered Bug Zapper

As the name hints, the Anysun Bug Zapper is a solar-powered mosquito exterminator that uses solar energy to charge the device. Fortunately, people wanting to use the Anysun Bug Zapper indoors can do so, as each device comes with an internal battery as well. Its three-in-one lighting modes allows for different killing rates. For instance, if mosquitos are outnumbering humans, then it is as simple as setting the device on the high mode. Regarding coverage, it can support up to 538 square feet, which is fair, seeing its lightweight, compact, and portable design. Other features that attracted us to the Anysun Bug Zapper include its waterproof rating of IPX65, convenient uses, hanger attachment, noise- and toxic-free testing and a 360-degree trap for maximum elimination.

• Starting Price: $21.97
• Website: Click here

3. Aspecteck Electronic Insect Killer

The Aspecteck Electronic Insect Killer is an indoor bug zapper that remains on not only our top list, but that of many customers to date. This doesn’t surprise us to say the least, as it has been engineered to house two UV bulbs that emit powerful attractant ultraviolet rays that tempt flies, mosquitos, and other flying insects. Above all, this device remains one of the fewest to provide a coverage of up to 5000 square feet with a shocking power of 2,800 volts.

Speaking of strength, throughout this process, individuals neither have to worry about unwanted chemical nor odor releases. The same applies to zap sounds, which are non-existent. Additionally, the embedded electrical grid is both powerful and safe for indoor uses thanks to the protective cage surrounding it. Matter-of-factly, the Aspecteck Electronic Insect Killer is both CE certified (i.e., meets the safety and environmentally friendly standards in the EU) and RoHS compliant (i.e., EU’s restriction of hazardous substances directive).

• Starting Price: $42.99
• Website: Click here

4. BLACK+DECKER Bug Zapper

Out of all the brands listed in this guide, BLACK+DECKER is by far the most recognized. The electric bug zapper from BLACK+DECKER supposedly provides fast and reliable control over pesky mosquitos, with a maximum coverage of up to one acre. Its sleek, lantern design has integrated within it, long-lasting UV lights that emit a powerful glow enough to lure in mosquitos, while being gentle on the human eyes. Whether individuals are hoping for indoor or outdoor uses, BLACK+DECKER’s take on a bug zapper supports it all. At the end, individuals are specifically required to pull out the collection tray, empty it out and wipe it down. In addition to mosquitos, this device can trick flies, gnats, wasps, moths, and other flying/biting insects to finding solace in it.

• Starting Price: $64.98
• Website: Click here

5. Buzz B Gone

One of the more recent bug zappers to have hit the market is Buzz B Gone, a device that not only takes the cake for its impeccable design but also its ability to instantly eliminate all pesky bugs. Like some of the other devices that have made the cut, Buzz B Gone also emits purple, ultraviolet light sufficient to attract mosquitos. Once approached, the embedded coil is said to zap said insects right in. As for some of its notable features, they include its rotating fans, a collection chamber for ultimate maintenance, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. There also is no way for anyone to let slip Buzz B Gone’s compact, portable and hangable nature.

• Starting Price: $40
• Website: Click here

6. Dynatrap DT1050

Dynatrap DT1050 is an insect trap that facilitates insects-trapping both indoors and outdoors. As for its function, this device has been designed to work in three different steps. First, it emits an ultraviolet light that produces warm, bright light meant to attract these critters. The next step is unique to Dynatrap DT1050, that is, it produces carbon dioxide that maximizes the odds of luring insects. Finally, its retaining cage sucks them right in until they are dehydrated to death. What makes this device desirable is that once the mosquitos are lured in there’s no turning back. This is because the insect trap is completely sealed when the fan is turned off. Other added benefits include its durable all-weather construction, smokeless feature, pesticide- and chemicals-free nature, and its ability to get the job done within a decibel of sound.

• Starting Price: $84.60
• Website: Click here

7. Flowtron BK – 40D

Flowtron BK-40D is an electronic insect killer that allegedly provides an environmentally friendly way of eliminating flying/biting insects outdoors. Designed to entice mosquitos, black flies, biting midges, and other pests, the Flowtron BK includes a killing grid with maintenance-free operation. Moreover, an outdoor mosquito attractant has been embedded with ultraviolet light for maximum termination. Apart from its esthetically pleasing design, this respective device has been patented non-clogging, is UL certified (i.e., confirming that the device can handle the amount of current advertised), durable, weatherproof, and can provide protection up to one acre to say the least.

• Starting Price: $68.39
• Website: Click here

8. Fuze Bug

A smaller device in comparison to most of our picks is Fuze Bug, but this device is an example of the saying “looks can be deceiving”. Despite its small, compact design, it can cover up to 250 square feet, has a battery life of 20 hours, is energy-efficient, and can effectively zap insects using ultraviolet light to their death bed. Visually, individuals are likely to be attracted to its basket-like design, vibrant color, and a caged coil, where said insects are trusted to be zapped right in. What’s surprising is that since its launch date, Fuze Bug remains at its discounted rate, which reflects high financial inclusivity.

• Starting Price: $39.99
• Website: Click here

9. Hemiua Bug Zapper

Hemiua Bug Zapper is a waterproof mosquito zapper that uses a 15W bulb to attract mosquitos, flies, and gnat. With an internal 4200V electric grid that has been fenced using an ABS housing, not only is this device’s intention to zap away bugs highlighted, but also the attention drawn to protecting people and animals from accidental harm. Another sought-for feature is obviously coverage and Hemiua Bug Zapper hits the mark. To be precise, the bug zapper can use its high-powered electric components to zap bugs over a span of 1500 square feet. Lastly, like many of our picks, Hemiua carries a removable tray that helps to collect leftover debris that can simply be brushed away.

• Starting Price: $49.99
• Website: Click here

10. Moskinator Pro

When it comes to a bug zapper, individuals are likely to think of a fan-like design that rarely fits into one’s home. Unfortunately, this is conventional, however, not all devices are made equal. This is where the Moskinator comes into play, as its neutral colors and sleek design will have people shocked that it is in fact a bug zapper. Don’t let its fashion statement feature fool you either, as it can zap bugs without any hazardous chemicals or smelly scents, protect consumers and animals from getting hurt, and it is easy to use. Then there’s the ability to charge it using a USB battery source, freeing individuals from the need to replace batteries.

• Starting Price: $75.00
• Website: Click here

11. MoskiX Band

MoskiX Band is different regarding its design, as it is neither bulky nor can it be hung anywhere. This is definitely a new take on a bug zapper, as it can be worn on the wrist. Clearly, the creators have taken a completely unique turn that even eliminates the need for ultraviolet lights. Precisely, the selected alternative, i.e., ultrasonic frequency is reckoned to eliminate bugs. One thing is for sure, MoskiX Band will not provide maximum coverage. Furthermore, the rate at which bugs are terminated might be prolonged or may only provide minor short-term impact on pests. However, this is great for people who admire hikes and camping, but fear of the flock of bugs waiting to surround them. Beyond its wearable and appealing design, each device is deemed non-toxic, and suitable for babies, pregnant women, kids, and elders.

• Starting Price: $108
• Website: Click here

12. MosQiller

Another sleek design to have made the cut is MosQiller, as the insect trap supposedly has four levels of traps, kills bugs (i.e., mosquitos, fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitos) by dehydrating them, and has a coverage of up to 430 square feet. Moreover, it is lightweight and compact, allowing individuals to place it wherever they please. Who can forget its added compartment, which facilitates smooth cleaning? Given its size and coverage, MosQiller could be worth considering, however, we are told very little about the four-step trapping process. By the looks of it, one of the four steps would entail ultraviolet LED light emission, but that’s as far as we can decipher at the time of writing.

• Starting Price: $69
• Website: Click here

13. Mosquitron

Mosquitron is a mosquito zapper more than it is a bug zapper. Similar in design to the MosQiller, this respective device terminates mosquitos without disseminating any chemicals that might be harmful to humans and animals. On top of that, it has been designed to lure mosquitos the same way most of our picks do (i.e., ultraviolet light) and minimizes the ability to escape its embedded coil. Given its small size, and lower power, Mosquitron should be used to protect one’s personal space, as its coverage ranges from 215 to 430 square feet. Despite its limitations, the reason why we decided to add this device to our list rests in the mere fact that it is rechargeable.

• Starting Price: $108
• Website: Click here

A Top-Down Approach to Narrowing Down the Ranking Criteria

As you can all clearly see from above, bug zappers come in contrasting shapes, sizes, and designs. Some may be equipped with more features than others, and approach bug-zapping through unique lens, while others may prefer to stick to the industry standards. One of our main concerns was price as a factor, as the selected devices needed to be affordable, yet effective. But of course, there’s more to the process of narrowing down products than simply investigating its prices, right? Well, here’s what we strongly believe should be part of everyone’s ranking criteria for the top Bug Zapping and Mosquito Killing devices.

Ultraviolet LED Lights & Wavelengths

The type of light for bug zappers matters and we were eyeing for companies that specifically went with ultraviolet LED lights of either blue or purple hues. Without getting too scientifically technical, research suggests that blue light at a wavelength of 467nm can be 100% lethal to most insects. Regarding mosquitos, any color ranging from violet to indigo at under 420 nm suffices. As for the least preferred hues, they can be anywhere between the reds, oranges, and yellows because they are deemed ineffective even at intense wavelengths. Any further additions made to the zapping part of this device, i.e., increasing carbon dioxide as a means of luring in bugs, was also welcomed.

Coverage

The whole point for a bug zapper is to lure in flying and biting insects. If they are resting afar, they should be able to see the bug zapper from that distance. Otherwise, the purpose for its existence is defeated. That said, our aim was to ensure a coverage area of anywhere between 215 and 1500 square feet. Devices that fell below the lower end of this range were immediately eliminated, however, those exceeding 1500 square feet were included as well. Ultimately, when individuals think of coverage, they need to think the larger, the better.

Maintenance

Once bugs are trapped, there is no way out for them. In most cases, they are dehydrated to death, but this means that individuals will need to dispose of them. The ideal scenario would be to have a separate compartment that can be pulled and emptied out. This way individuals can simply brush the debris out, rather than having to take a device apart or wasting time working around it. Dead insects cannot be left as is because this might lower the overall effectiveness of the device. Simply put, long-term uses are what our team sought for, and maintenance evidently plays a fundamental role.

Battery/Voltage

Voltage is an important factor to considering, seeing that it determines the extent to which bugs are killed. Generally speaking, a voltage of 4,000 volts is deemed the maximum killing grid that can instantly kill a bug before it can even think twice. Anything lower than this threshold is highly unlikely to kill insects to their roots. Sure, one might argue that even if they aren’t completely killed, they are at least trapped and will not be bothersome. Hence, it really boils down to what consumers want: complete termination or reduced nuisance.

Safety Precautions

With a killing electric grid at possibly high voltages, we had to be sure that safety would not be compromised for either humans or animals. And so, we wanted to bug zappers that have an added protective layer, whether it be a dual-layer grid or an extra cage. Even if these devices have a tip-over shut-off system in place, we were happy with them. That said, the risk is typically minimal if the device has an extremely low voltage compared to industry standards, so a dual-layer protection should do the trick here.

Lastingness

Lastingness or durability of a device is crucial, seeing that most bug zappers are meant to be placed outdoors. For instance, individuals may want to have a get together in their backyard free from mosquitos. Additionally, the opportunity to go camping may have come up, which once again requires protection against bugs. If kept for long periods of time, our picks for bug zappers had to be weather- and shock-proof, had to be manufactured using sturdy material as opposed to plastic and in the case of plastic, it had to be backed by a protection plan of sorts. The average bug zapper is not cheap, and it would be devastating to watch a device deteriorate in a matter of days to weeks.

Returnable

Continuing from where we left off (i.e., lastingness), we have policies that are meant to protect consumers. Should individuals have any issues with their bug zappers, they should be able to get things sorted out. This would mean a possible warranty or returns policy. The latter is rare to see, but warranties are always an option and individuals should choose to pay the extra sum, if the goal is in fact to facilitate long-term uses. Oftentimes, the charge may range anywhere between $5 and $20 depending on the original price of the device and the quantities purchased.

What Science Has to Say Regarding Bug Zappers

The idea behind bug zappers have garnered a lot of mixed opinions. In a 2017 study that looked at the device’s ability to trap insect pests in off-grid areas, a positive difference was reported. Specifically, the researchers used pulse width modulated light-emitting diodes (PWM-LED) and solar power and in the end found that 40% of the UV LED consumed power and 25.9% of the total load power consumption could be saved. Regarding its actual ability to trap mosquitos, the researchers noticed that there was a 250% increase when the PWM method was applied in their testings [1].

Similarly, a 2019 study that evaluated the efficacy of an ultraviolet LED trap against conventional mosquito traps found that when the former and latter were placed in the same semi-field chamber, the LED alternative caught twice as many Anopheles arabiensis (mosquitos) as the conventional approach. The same was supposedly witnessed when both devices were tested individually [2].

Finally, we have a piece from the New York Times [3], experts in mosquito behaviour were invited to discuss all things bug zappers. As per Leslie Vosshall, “bug zappers are good for attracting insects that are attracted to bug zappers […] This often doesn’t include mosquitos.” In fact, only 0.22% of the insects trapped end up being mosquitos, the expert insists. The worse part of this all is that the bugs that do get killed off are the ones with “a rich taxonomic diversity” essential for our ecosystem.

Another aspect that was highlighted in this talk was the electrocuting nature of bug zappers. With such a strong force, their body parts will be ripped right off. This is a rising concern because if these bugs carry any disease, they are now emitted to the air. A study conducted in 2000 that looked at the “spread of bacteria and a bacterial virus during electrocution of house flies,” arrived at the conclusion that such devices may contribute to the “spread of infectious disease agents,” quotes New York Times [3].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What is a bug zapper?

A bug zapper, commonly referred to as an electrical discharge insect control system, is a device that emits favorable lighting that draws and traps mosquitos, flies, gnats, and the likes. Clearly, the intention behind this invention is to protect consumers from pesky critters and biting insects while creating a safe space filled with comfort and enjoyment.

How do bug zappers work?

Further elaborating from above, bug zappers electrocute insects that are drawn to its emitted light. Once trapped in the center of the device and electrocuted, these bugs are left to dehydrate, eventually terminating them.

Are bug zappers as effective on female mosquitos as they are on male mosquitos?

According to the claims made, female mosquitos are nearly impossible to lure with ultraviolet lights. This is because they have been hardwired to detect the signals emitted by humans, and so, are drawn to humans than they are to bug zappers. To add to the latter, female mosquitos tend to bite humans, as the extracted blood can be used to produce their eggs.

How tedious are maintenance processes for bug zappers?

Bug zappers tend to carry an additional compartment, where all the leftover debris is collected at the end. Hence, it as simple as removing the compartment, emptying it out and placing it in back into the device. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about handheld bug zappers, thus, the cleaning processes may be a bit more tedious.

In what ways are bug zappers superior to bug repellents and the likes?

The main difference between bug zappers and bug repellents is that the latter is a chemical-free way of eliminating bugs, whereas numerous bug repellents use unheard of ingredients. Moreover, the zapper is a preferred alternative as consumers do not have to spray it onto their skins like that of a repellent. Topical uses can cause skin reactions in some and can even damage fabrics. Finally, repellents come with a strong chemical smell, which is not the case for bug zappers.

Can a bug zapper provide increased coverage?

Yes, some bug zappers can cover a maximum area of half to one acre, while others may provide less. The need for maximum coverage should be based on insects’ presence, location, and size of a home.

What is it that draws mosquitos toward a light source?

Mosquitos tend to lean towards a dark light source because they associate such hues to increased heat retention, whereas bright light tends to reflect heat. In addition to light, mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide, which is what we as humans emit. The reason why they find comfort in carbon dioxide is because of the gas’ ability to hold in heat.

Will bug zappers be bothersome to pets?

No, bug zappers have been designed to be safe around children and animals. As per the claims made, cats, dogs, and birds are neither sensitive to the zapping sounds nor affected by scents produced by a bug zapper if any.

What voltage is dangerous for bug zappers?

Bug zappers with 2000V or 5000V electric grids can stimulate an electric shock upon touch, however, the odds of experiencing such a consequence are deemed minimal because of the added protection that comes with each bug zapper.

Are bug zappers only effective on mosquitos? What about flies?

Yes, bug zappers appear to capture both biting and non-biting insects. As suggested above, bug zappers on average can lure in mosquitos, flies, gnats, etc. To enhance a zapper’s effectiveness, individuals may want to consider putting honey, sugar, or other foods that are likely to capture an insect’s attention. Of course, some thought will need to be given to the aftermath of such a decision, i.e., cleaning the device.

Final Thoughts

The idea of having a bug zapper is attractive, especially when insect pests and biting bugs are no longer incognito. While the innovation behind these devices is sound, it really boils down to what individuals plan to do with it. If the purpose is to capture and destroy bugs as they are present, then our top picks should suffice to complete the work! However, if individuals are trying to eye mosquitos-trapping, more research will be needed to say with certainty that the elimination rate is 100%.

The main issue reported by existing experts is that mosquitos may not be attracted to the light as suggested by all the brands listed on here. However, it should be noted that even if they aren’t as attracted, they are likely to visit the device (if placed indoors) and that’s really all that’s required to zap them to their death. In fact, extra measures can be considered to lure in mosquitos so that they are eliminated at a much faster rate. Taking everything into account, our editorial team is convinced that our list of the top-ranked bug zappers can be beneficial, more so for indoor uses than outdoor, which is what most people aim for. Until next time, we hope that we’ve successfully sparked interest on a whole new approach to fighting off flying and biting bugs.

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Disclaimer:

Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.