Best bug zappers
Depending on where you live, a bug zapper could be a year-round necessity. But choosing which bug zapper is best for you can be difficult, especially with so many variations out there.
While some bug zappers are designed for use indoors, outdoors or both, other insect killers may include octenol attractants to draw in flying pests. Still, other bug zappers may have entirely different features, like fly-swatting capabilities or USB power.
Before you buy a bug zapper, it’s important to note the things you need in an insect killer, whatever your particular use may be. Below are some factors to consider when looking at insect killers, as well as the best indoor and outdoor bug zappers available.
Factors to consider when looking at bug zappers
Indoor vs. outdoor bug zappers
While many bug zappers are made to work both indoors and outdoors, there are also many that are made for one or the other. In particular, some outdoor bug zappers are probably too powerful for safe use inside, and alternatively, some indoor-only bug zappers may not be powerful enough to do justice to the insect population in your yard. In either case, it’s important to read any labels on a bug zapper you do purchase, to be sure it correctly fits your needs.
Bug zapper and attractant
Many bug zappers operate entirely by allowing bugs to fly up to them, and while those work fairly well, others take insect killing to the next level with the use of an insect attractant. An attractant does just what it sounds like—it attracts insects to increase the number of bugs zapped within a certain area, ultimately bringing the number of insects down even further. Many of these attractant packages include octenol, which is particularly useful for attracting mosquitoes.
Coverage area
With coverage areas ranging between 1,500 square feet to 1 acre, outdoor bug zappers often include information on their packaging or listing about the range of the actual insect killer. While those living on a farm, ranch or other plot of land may benefit from models with an acre of coverage space, those using bug zappers on smaller land or indoors can disregard this specification.
Best indoor and outdoor bug zappers
Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer
This electronic bug zapper has a strong UV light, an attractant, and a vast radius of 1 acre, making it very powerful. It eradicates pests using UV light and electrified grid work. Purchase includes one USDA-tested octenol attractant is included. The device is waterproof and clog-proof.
ZAP IT! Mini Electric Bug Zapping Racket
This super affordable mini bug-zapping racket features 4,000-volt mesh and triple-layered to protect against accidental shock. The handle has an LED light that illuminates pests, and the safety switch disables the current until needed.
This indoor bug zapper is known for its quiet standby, despite being loud when zapping a bug. The mesh screen makes it easy to avoid touching the grid. It doesn’t use any chemicals, and it is easy to clean.
YISSVIC Electric Fly Swatter 2 Pack Bug Zapper Racket
This combination fly swatter and bug zapper is super affordable and features USB recharging capabilities.
Elechome Electric Bug Zapper for Indoor Outdoor
This bug zapper, which uses UV LED light to attract its prey, is excellent for staving off gnats and other small pests. Its USB-powered design makes it easy to charge regularly or keep it plugged in and running continuously. The unique light tube design with no top enhances the coverage area.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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