Best Overall
Livin' Well Bug Zapper
- This affordable insect zapper works well both inside and out.
This affordable insect zapper works well both inside and out.
- The cord is only 6 feet long, so you'll probably need an outdoor extension cord if you want to hang it up.
The cord is only 6 feet long, so you'll probably need an outdoor extension cord if you want to hang it up.
With its respectable 1,500-square-foot effective radius, the Livin' Well Bug Zapper is the best bug zapper. It lets you spend time outside without having to continuously shoo flies away from your snacks or have to slap yourself silly going after mosquitoes.
This weather-proof machine will remain damage-free even if it suddenly starts to rain and you forget to bring it inside. It has a hanging ring so you can hang it up out of the way on your patio or deck, allowing it to get to work while you hang out a few feet away.
This machine has powerful UVA light bulbs that attract all manner of insects into its plastic housing. Once inside, they get zapped and fall into a collection tray that is large enough not to need emptying throughout the day. It is also quiet when in action; there's no annoying buzzing coming from the machine.
The cable on this zapper is 6 feet in length which, although longer than some other similar models, still means that if you want to hang it up in a larger outdoor area, you will most likely need an outdoor extension cord.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 1,500 square feet | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Key Terms to Know
- LED: LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting options are thought to be more efficient than other lighting options.
- UV: UV, or ultraviolet, is a common lighting type that's more often found in bug zappers.
Best Indoor
ASPECTEK Electric Indoor Bug Zapper
- You have a large open-plan space to protect from flying insects.
You have a large open-plan space to protect from flying insects.
- It's for indoor use only.
It's for indoor use only.
Granted, it's not the most attractive device you could have in your home, but if you're fed up with being inundated by swarms of flies and bugs every time you crack a window for a little fresh air, you will love this machine.
Bigger than your average home bug zapper and often used commercially, the Aspectek Electric Insect Killer is ideal for those looking for an indoor option. It looks a bit like a heater and has two extra-large UV bulb tubes going across its length that are just too tempting for any flying bug to resist.
With its effective radius of up to 6,000 square feet, this zapper is ideal for large, open-plan areas and especially kitchens or anywhere where flying insects are a real nuisance and perhaps even a danger.
You have the choice of either keeping the machine freestanding somewhere on a countertop or table, or you can hang it up on a wall by its incorporated chain.
The bug tray that collects the dead insects is large, spanning almost the entirety of the 15.6-inch length of the machine, and is extremely easy to clean, as it just slips out and back in again.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 6,000 square feet | Dimensions: 15 x 10.6 x 3 inches | Weight: 1.7 kg
Best Handheld
Faicuk Handheld Electric Racket Bug Zapper
- It's a great option for those who don't have a massive fly problem but want to deal with unwanted buzzing visitors immediately upon arrival.
It's a great option for those who don't have a massive fly problem but want to deal with unwanted buzzing visitors immediately upon arrival.
- This isn't a passive bug zapper; you will always have to do the "hunting."
This isn't a passive bug zapper; you will always have to do the "hunting."
If you don't really like the idea of having an unsightly fly killer on display and plugged in at all times, you could opt for a handheld bug zapper and fly swatter like the Faicuk Handheld Electric Racket Bug Zapper.
If you don't mind having to physically take care of the situation yourself, this super-charged swatter can be a very effective (and dare we say it, fun) way of seeing to any unwanted flying visitors.
Available as a single item or in a pack of two (which actually works out a little more cost effective), this electric fly swatter has a large racket head that simply shocks the flying insect upon contact with an electrical current, rendering it dead on the spot.
No wires, no charging, and no plugging in of any cords are involved. For anyone who has already taken the necessary precautions against flies, i.e., fly screens on windows, this type of bug zapper might be the only thing needed to get rid of any strays that slip in through the cat flap or when you open the door.
Another differentiating factor about this model compared to other zappers is that it works on all types of flying insects including moths, gnats, wasps, mosquitoes, and jumbo flies that otherwise would not be able to get through traditional zappers in order to be zapped.
It is easy to clean with a soft cloth or brush and, because you only need to switch it on for the duration of each zap which is about a second, the battery lasts an impressive amount of time.
Product Details: Type: Electric fly swatter | Power source: 2 AA batteries | Effective radius: n/a | Dimensions: 17.5 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 0.56 pounds
Best Design
Black+Decker Bug Zapper
- If your bug zapper must be visible, it might as well look nice (or at least not look like a bug zapper).
If your bug zapper must be visible, it might as well look nice (or at least not look like a bug zapper).
- This device made for indoor use only.
This device made for indoor use only.
With its modern white and grey design, not only is the Black+Decker Bug Zapper more attractive than its competitors, but it can also tackle all manner of bugs including flies, gnats, mosquitoes, wasps, moths, beetles, and yellow jackets.
It covers an impressively large area of 6,000 square feet, so it's the best option for large open-plan areas or entire floors, but you can also use it in large, covered conservatories, balconies, patios, or verandas, as long as it is in no way exposed to the elements and is brought in at night.
You can use it as a freestanding unit on a table or a countertop or hang it up on a wall via its hanging chain. The 4-foot cord is disappointingly short and means you have to place the machine either right near an electrical outlet or use an extension cord with it, but that's a small price to pay for the powerful bulbs with their large surface area that do an excellent job of attracting insects.
The machine has a large collection tray that is easy to remove and empty to get rid of all the dead bugs.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 6,000 square feet | Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds
Best Small
Brison Plug-in Bug Zapper
- It is simple and easy to use, lightweight, and you can take it with you while traveling to keep bugs at bay.
It is simple and easy to use, lightweight, and you can take it with you while traveling to keep bugs at bay.
- For the best efficiency, you'll need one of these in each room which might work out to be a bit pricey.
For the best efficiency, you'll need one of these in each room which might work out to be a bit pricey.
Possibly the most simple-to-use of all the bug zappers on the market, the Brison Plug-in Bug Zapper works by simply plugging it in and leaving it there in the outlet. When you want to turn it on or off, you can do so by flipping the switch on the side of this super lightweight device.
To clean out the dead bugs, there's a flip-down, washable tray at the back of the zapper that you can simply brush down, rinse off, wipe dry, and put back in the device before putting the whole thing back in the outlet.
Also available in white and as a pack of two, these plug-ins are quiet (apart from when the bugs make contact with the electric current—you can definitely hear when that happens) and they are efficient for attracting and killing smaller flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.
Its small size means that it is inconspicuous and doesn't stand out as an eyesore. It will do the job you bought it for, and you'll practically forget it exists. It works best, however, if there is at least one of them in each room.
Product Details: Type: LED | Power source: Electrical outlet socket | Effective radius: Small room | Dimensions: 4.77 x 2.55 x 1.38 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds (approximately)
Best Heavy-Duty
Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter
- If you need some serious bug-killing capabilities for either inside or outside (or both) over a large area, this is the zapper to go for.
If you need some serious bug-killing capabilities for either inside or outside (or both) over a large area, this is the zapper to go for.
- It is overkill for smaller areas and needs to be hung 6 feet above the ground and 25 feet away from people.
It is overkill for smaller areas and needs to be hung 6 feet above the ground and 25 feet away from people.
If you love spending time outdoors and hosting friends and family, but are inundated with flies, mosquitoes, and wasps, this completely weatherproof machine is the best choice for you.
The Flowtron MC9000 Residential Bug Fighter is the type of machine that is used in commercial kitchens, butcher shops, and for events like weddings and outdoor parties with catering. These machines are also commonly used in barns and stables too, and anywhere that flies and mosquitoes could be a health and safety concern.
The MC9000 is a heavyweight, durable item that weighs 13 pounds and was built to last. Though it is designed for professional use, it works if you have a big back yard, as well.
Unlike other zappers, there is no bug collection tray in this USA-made machine as all dead insects simply fall to the ground, so you'll want to keep it at least 25 feet away from people and hung six feet up in the air.
Its 2-acre radius sees to it that flying insects from all over your property are properly seen to, leaving you and your guests to enjoy your day without having to swat flies away from your food and faces.
Product Details: Type: UV | Power source: Corded electric | Effective radius: 2 acres (87,120 square feet) | Dimensions: 20.38 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 13 pounds