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11 Best Bug Zappers in 2024 – Reviews & Analysis

Last Updated: 19.03.24

 

Top Zappers for Bugs – Guide & Comparison

 

If you’re having trouble finding the best bug zapper for you, then your search ends now. Read this post and choose an electric bug zapper to solve your insect problems. After analyzing many bug zapper reviews, we have compiled a list containing some of the highest acclaimed products that you might be interested in. Therefore, we recommend the Flowtron FC-8800 Diplomat, as it works great both as an outdoor and as an indoor bug zapper. It’s able to cover 2,000 square feet, luring the insects with 120 Watts of UV light. Moreover, it features a removable collection tray so you may easily clean it. This product is built to last, proving itself to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow. If you don’t find this bug zapper for sale, you may otherwise choose the Tregini Electric Fly Swatter, another great solution for your needs.

 

 

Comparison Table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

11 Best Bug Zappers (Reviews) in 2024

 

 

According to customer opinions, these bug zappers are great choices for anyone who has an insect problem in their house or on their property. The following list offers you many options regarding prices and functionality, so you can decide on the product that best suits your needs.

 

 

1. Flowtron FC-8800 Diplomat Fly Control Device

 

This industrial-size bug zapper is recommended to be primarily used outdoors. The device uses a 120-watt UV light to lure the insects from a 2,000-square-foot area. As it attracts bugs from all directions, the FC-8800 Diplomat features a 360-degree chrome-plated grid for protection.

The AC electrified grid produces 5,600 Volts at 2.4 Amps. This is no match for the flies, mosquitoes, and bugs flying around your house. All it takes for them is to make contact with this grid and they are instantaneously vaporized with a pop.

To facilitate cleaning, this bug zapper has a removable collection tray. This is mostly used when you place the unit somewhere inside or in a place that needs to be kept clean. You have the option of always keeping the tray removed if you are not concerned about dead insects falling under the bug zapper.

 

Pros

The 120-Watt UV light bulbs are bright and do a great job in luring all sorts of insects, such as mosquitoes, flies,, fruit flies, etc.

The product features an easy-to-remove collection tray that keeps the area directly beneath it clean and helps you clean the unit periodically.

The design is versatile; you can install the bug zapper horizontally or vertically and it attracts insects from all directions.

The device is made of durable materials and functions without any problems in bad weather. As long as it’s properly installed, the unit will function in strong winds, heavy rain or snow.

 

Cons

The transformers inside the bug zapper tend to heat up especially when a lot of insects are killed in a short period of time.

The UV bulbs that lure the bugs are quite expensive to replace and customers claim that these bulbs are not extremely long-lasting.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Tregini Large Electric Fly Swatter 2 Pack Rechargeable

 

The Electric Fly Swatter is a lightweight handheld electric bug zapper. Its tennis racket shape makes it intuitive to use and all it needs in order to dispose of the unwanted insect is to make contact with it.

The racket is powered by an integrated battery. This can be recharged as many times as necessary by using a USB cable that comes with the bug zapper. All you have to do is to connect it to any other USB device and the racket will begin charging.

This model has an LED flashlight included. This makes it a useful tool around the house at night or when you are in a dark room. Moreover, the LED light acts like a lure making the task of eliminating bugs a lot more easier.

In order to prevent any accidental electrocution of the handler or of any other person in close proximity, the electrified grid on the racket is covered with a triple layer of protective mesh. While this is a good safety feature, it also hinders the ability of the bug zapper to pop larger bugs.

 

Pros

The handle provides a good grip because its texture is abrasive. This lowers the chances of you dropping the bug zapper while swinging it through the air.

The triple-layer protective mesh is a great feature to keep you and your loved ones safe. This is especially useful if you have small children around.

The battery is rechargeable and can be connected via USB cable to any other device that supports this standard, such as laptops or power banks.

A built-in flashlight helps you find insects in the dark and lures them toward you for faster elimination. The LED flashlight can be used as a normal flashlight around your home.

 

Cons

This model does not hold an electrical charge for a very long time, so it needs constant charging if you are using it often.

If transported or handled incorrectly, the electrified grill may dent and touch another part of itself. This results in constant sparking and quick battery discharge.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. PestZilla Robust UV Electronic Bug Zapper

 

This product covers a wide area of 6,000 square feet by luring all kinds of insects using two bright UV bulbs. These bugs are then killed when they touch the high-voltage electrified metal grill. The device is powered by a wire, so you need to use an extension cord if you have to mount it somewhere far from a wall outlet.

The device can be placed on the floor or hanged up high on a wall or off the ceiling because it comes with two detachable chains. The electrified grill is protected by a wire mesh. This prevents accidental touching. You can rest assured that neither kids nor pets will be harmed if they get close to the bug zapper.

To aid you in the maintenance process, the PestZilla zapper features a removable tray that collects all the dead insects as they are zapped. This product doesn’t use any chemicals and does not produce any odor. The device comes completely assembled. All you need to do is to plug it in, turn it on, and watch how it solves your insect problems.

 

Pros

The area covered by this product is large. Install it wherever you need it and this bug zapper will lure insects from an area of 6,000 square feet.

The product comes already assembled and ready to be used. All you have to do is to connect it to a power source and turn it on.

A collection tray prevents dead insects from piling up under the unit and makes it possible for you to clean the bug zapper without touching the dead flies.

The product is safe to have around your home. A wire mesh around the electrified grid and the absence of chemicals protect your loved ones and your pets from injuries.

 

Cons

The electrified grill is found only on one side of the unit. This means that flies have to go all the way through the machine to reach it.

The spaces between the grid patterns are a little too large, so smaller insects are harder to kill once they reach inside the unit.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. ZAP IT! Mini Bug Zapper Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket

 

The company manufacturing this mosquito bug zapper is known worldwide for its high-quality products. Its handheld shape and light weight make it easy to transport, store, and handle. The device kills insects instantaneously with 4,000 Volts of electricity that run through its dense metal mesh.

It features a fast-charging battery that can be connected via a USB cable to any other device that supports this standard. This allows you to have the ZAP IT bug zapper always near you and ready to be used on the insects flying around you.

This product has an important safety feature that protects anyone who accidentally touches the electric wire mesh while it is electrified. A triple-mesh stops children as well as adults from being electrocuted, making this a great tool to have around the house. You don’t have to hesitate when using it or fear that the kids will injure themselves by playing with it.

 

Pros

It features a three-layer safety mesh that prevents accidental electrocution even if the product is touched. Moreover, a bright light indicates whether the device is on or off to prevent accidents.

The device can be recharged through a USB cable that comes with the product and can be connected to any USB device.

A bright LED light helps you see through the dark while at the same time lures the insects toward the bug zapper light for an easier kill.

The Zap IT comes with a lifetime warranty. If your device malfunctions, all you have to do is to contact the manufacturer and your bug zapper will be replaced.

 

Cons

It only works best for killing small insects such as mosquitoes and little flies. Larger bugs are not electrocuted by this product.

The bug zapper holds has a high voltage so precaution is advised despite the fact that the product presents safety features.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. The Executioner Fly Swat Wasp Bug Mosquito Swatter Zapper

 

This portable handheld bug zapper is ideal for both indoor as well as outdoor use. You can take it to your office, when you go camping, and even when doing a barbeque. Although this product does not have additional layers to protect humans from injuries, it features an on/off button. This shuts the electric metal grid off instantaneously once it’s released.

The absence of more mesh layers designed for protection comes with improved efficiency. The models that feature these triple layers have difficulties in zapping larger bugs as these insects don’t make contact with the 1.2 mm metal grid.

The material used in the manufacturing process of this handheld racket is ABS plastic, which keeps it durable as time goes by. The ABS isn’t as brittle as other types of plastics. The handle is thick and offers good grip. At the base the handle widens a little, so the bug zapper doesn’t slip when you swing it through the air.

The device is powered by 2 AA batteries which are not included in the package on the US market and must be bought separately.

 

Pros

The lack of additional safety meshes ensures the bug zapper will kill any type of insect as soon as it makes contact, even large ones.

An on/off button controls when the metal grid is electrified and when it is not. This button is highly responsive and breaks the circuit as soon as it’s released.

A warning LED visually indicates whether or not the grid is electrified so that the user is aware of the bug zapper state.

The composite materials make it extremely durable and shock-resistant. The ABS plastic is not as brittle as other types of materials used in other models.

 

Cons

This product does not come with pre-installed AA batteries, so they need to be purchased separately.

While the product is turned on, the device makes a high-frequency noise that scares dogs and the loud sound of popping insects makes them run away.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Black Flag ZR 7936-L Handheld Zapper

 

The Black Flag electric bug zapper is suited for killing yellowjackets, wasps, mosquitoes, flies and other flying bugs. This device uses 2,750 Volts of electricity to pop these insects. All you have to do is to make contact. The racket shape makes the use of it extremely intuitive.

The design allows you to take it wherever you go. It is easy to pack and portable. On the handle, there is a hook so you can hang it somewhere close in case you need it. This model can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

Its power comes from two AA batteries that are not included with the bug zapper and need to be purchased separately. A red LED light indicates when the metal grid is powered so that you can avoid unwanted injuries both to yourself and to others.

The surface of the grid is covered with a triple-layer mesh so that even when electrified, nobody touching it would get electrocuted. This device is safe around children and pets.

 

Pros

This model has a very low price, which makes it a good choice if you are on a budget, but really need a solution to your insect problems.

Regarding safety, it features a LED light so that you can tell if the metal grid is electrified. Moreover, it has a protective layer to prevent accidental touching.

The racket has a metal ring fitted on its handle that allows you to hang it wherever you like and have it close by when the need arises to use it.

It can be used not only on flying insects but also on spiders and other annoying bugs that appear around your home.

 

Cons

The case that stores the batteries is large and loose. Some customers had to place folded pieces of paper in there so that the batteries would make proper contact.

It’s not extremely efficient having a 50-50 rate of zapping the insects you hit.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. Bug Zapper Indoor Insect Killer by Tiabo

 

This large unit uses 2 replaceable UV bright bulbs to lure insects from most indoor environments. The manufacturer claims that this product can be used outdoors as well, with the condition that it must be installed in a dry place. After the insects are lured by the light, if they make contact with the electrified metal grid they are instantaneously killed.

The Tiabo Zapper is chemical and odor-free making it a good purchase for homes with young children and pets around. The product features a removable tray that captures all the dead insects. This speeds up the cleaning process and maintains the hygiene levels in your house.

The device is easy to use as it comes already assembled. All you need to do is to plug it in and turn it on from the main power button. You have a 1-year warranty with no questions asked. Return it and you get a full refund.

 

Pros

This model features a removable tray that collects all the dead bugs after they have been zapped. This facilitates the maintenance process.

The UV lights are replaceable, so if one or both of them stop working for whatever reason, you can go and acquire new ones and install them yourself.

No chemicals or odors are used to kill the lured insects. The zapper uses only electricity, which means it is much safer around kids and pets.

The device is effective, getting rid of all the insects found in any room in just a few days.

 

Cons

Sometimes the lights don’t do a great job in luring the insects. It works best if the UV lights are the only light source in the room.

The cord is short, so most likely you will need an extension cord to power the bug zapper, especially if you want to place it somewhere high.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Ryota Bug Zupper

 

You can say goodbye to mosquitoes waking you up at night with this portable lightweight bug zapper. The RYOTA bug zapper plugs directly into the outlet and shines a UV light that attracts all sorts of insects toward it. Once they are in the device’s proximity, the bugs need only to make contact with the metal mesh in order to be popped.

This unit is small. The design makes the product discreet and portable. You can carry it with you as it easily fits inside a traveling bag or any backpack. You can always leave this device plugged in and it will protect your family from insects without you even noticing. The RYOTA Electric doesn’t make any noise and it’s odorless.

The device is able to cover a 500-square-foot area, easily killing insects in any room or office. Moreover, it also functions as a nightlight.

The manufacturers offer you a full refund if you are not happy with this purchase with no questions asked.

 

Pros

This bug zapper is portable. Its small dimensions and light weight make it a perfect choice for traveling with it in your bag.

During the night, or in dark rooms, the unit doubles as a night light. This makes it perfect for the kid’s room.

The area covered by this bug zapper is more than enough to cover an entire room. The device lures insects from a 500-square-foot area.

As the bulb size is reduced, this bug zapper doesn’t consume much power, so you don’t feel the extra money spent on electricity.

The unit is extremely quiet. It doesn’t wake people up even if the outlet is close to the bed.

 

Cons

The device doesn’t feature a collecting tray, which leads to dead insects piling up on the floor just beneath where the bug zapper is plugged in.

To really observe a difference in the number of mosquitoes or flies, you have to permanently leave the bug zapper plugged in.  

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. The Executioner USA Patriot Limited Edition Bug Swatter Zapper

 

The USA Patriot is a great handheld bug zapper. It’s easy to carry around, lightweight, perfect for indoor uses. This product is made of ABS plastic, which doesn’t break as easily as recycled plastic, therefore making the handheld racket more impact-resistant.

The product features a single layer of zinc steel metal grill. This is 1.2 mm thick and once electrified, a warning LED lights up in order to prevent accidents. The LED turns off when you power the metal grill off again.

The exterior of this product is hand finished and displays the American flag. Because it’s handmade, the details may slightly vary from the pictures you see online. No two products are exactly the same regarding visual design.

The device is powered by two AA batteries, which are not included in the package. The electronics are tested and this model is proven to last over 100,000 zaps.

 

Pros

There is a warning LED that lets you know when the metal alloy grill is electrified so you don’t accidentally touch it or forget it on and drain the battery over time.

The composite material is ABS plastic which is shock-resistant. In case you hit something hard with the racket, the product will not break as other types of plastics would.

Because of its reduced size and light weight, this product can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

The durability of the Executioner Patriot is backed up by the manufacturers. You have 1 year of full warranty.

 

Cons

If you use this product indoors you have to clean the dead insects afterward, as this electric zapper has no system of catching them.

It doesn’t feature a safety mesh over the metal grill, so if someone touches it while the device is on, they would get electrocuted.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Electronic Ultrasonic Pest Repellent Control Plug in

 

This model is perfect to use around your home or when traveling. It features a foldable handle that reduces its length in half. Therefore, you can easily pack it with you before you go out so that no insects will bother you as you are barbecuing or attending outdoor parties. A portable casing allows you to store it safely and carry the product with you wherever you travel.

The Cosy Meadow zapper is covered with a fine mesh designed to kill even the smallest insects. The pattern has small holes to reduce the chances of bugs passing through the electrified grill without making contact.

The unit is powered by 2 AA batteries that can easily be replaced when they are drained. You don’t have to look for an electrical outlet to charge it. However, the batteries are not included in the package and have to be acquired separately.

 

Pros

The extra fine mesh guarantees that even the smallest flies are zapped. No insect is too small to pass through the wiring pattern of this handheld bug zapper.

The ingenious design allows for the product to be folded. The handle folds over the mesh, thus becoming easy to pack, transport or store.

Two safety features ensure this bug zapper will not cause any injuries to curious kids or pets. A protective mesh and a safety button reduce the chances of accidental electrocution.

The item can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its small dimensions make it great for use while camping.

 

Cons

The battery slots are a little too large, so sometimes you can lose power to the metal grid if the batteries slide out.

The plastic pin holding the racket in place at its joint is not very strong and a strong swing or accidental impact with something solid may break it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

11. Black Hole Electric Trap

 

The Black Hole bug zapper is designed so that no harm can come to children and pets that get close to it. It doesn’t use chemicals or bad odors to kill insects and the electrified grill inside is protected by a metal wire mesh surrounding the bug zapper. This can be touched even while the device is on.

Because it uses only electricity, it can be installed in rooms such as kitchens, child bedrooms, offices, or outdoors in yards and patios. The electric cord is fairly long and inside you probably won’t have trouble reaching an outlet. However, if you mount it outside, you may need an additional extension cord.

If you want to install it somewhere above the ground level, you will find in the package a removable chain that is surely going to be of use when mounting the unit on a wall or hanging it from a shelf. This is a good choice as children and most pets will not reach it anymore.

 

Pros

This product doesn’t require any assembly. It’s easy to install because all you have to do is to plug it in and watch it work.

It comes with a cleaning brush which makes the periodical cleaning process a lot easier for the owner.

The unit does not raise the electricity bill cost as the two UV bulbs are not extremely powerful. You may leave it plugged in for as long as you want without fearing extra costs.

Since it’s odorless and doesn’t use any dangerous chemicals, it’s safe to be installed in homes with children or curious pets.

 

Cons

The light bulbs are not extremely bright. If there are other light sources in the room, the insects might be drawn to those instead.

It doesn’t feature a removable collecting tray, so the cleaning task can get tedious if the unit has been left running for some time.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Yearly Guide & Report

 

There is nothing more annoying than flying insects around your house, especially during hot and humid summer days. Buying a bug zapper for flies is an obvious solution, but there are many things you must take into consideration before spending your money on a certain model. This guide helps you make a wise decision by giving you more information regarding bug zappers.

Types of bug zappers

When you are choosing a bug zapper for flies and other insects, you see that there are a lot of models and types out there. This is because there are many environments and scenarios where these devices prove themselves useful, both indoors and outdoors.

 

Handheld rackets

A common type of bug zapper is the handheld racket one. This is designed for indoor uses as it’s smaller in size, lighter, and easy to handle in small places like rooms and hallways. Its racket shape makes it intuitive to use. Because this device only needs to make contact with the insect, you don’t have to swing hard in order to eliminate your target.

This particular type of bug zapper can be accessorized with a lantern and usually features batteries that can be recharged by connecting the device to a computer via a USB cable that comes with the product.

 

Plug-in bug zappers

Another type of device, probably the most common, is the plug-in bug zapper. The drawback of this model is that it needs a physical wire drawn to wherever it’s installed. Therefore, if you place it somewhere outside, you may need an extension cord to reach it. At the same time, if the power goes out for some reason, so does the UV or LED bug zapper.

These types of lights are used to lure the insects toward the electrified mesh. The brighter the lights, the larger the area covered by the device.

 

Solar and battery-powered zappers

In cases where you don’t have access to electricity, you may use one of two solutions. Manufacturers also make solar bug zapper models and battery powered bug zappers. These solutions are best implemented in remote areas when you go camping or where electricity is not available.

However, there are disadvantages regarding these types of products. Batteries eventually run out and need to be replaced, so these bug zappers require regular maintenance. Also, the solar powered ones need to stay as much as possible under direct sunlight to keep their charge. Sometimes, they are not powerful enough to kill insects.

 

Propane zappers

A less encountered type of device is the propane bug zapper. This emits a scent similar to a human’s and attracts mosquitoes and other types of bugs. When the insects are in close proximity, they are pulled by a vacuum inside a disposable bag or toward an electrified grid.

 

How to chose

Before buying a certain product you first have to think about multiple things such as whether you’ll be placing it indoors or outdoors, how large is the surface area you want to cover, how you can power the unit, etc. Only after taking into consideration these factors you may form an opinion that points you toward the right model for you.

 

Design

One of the first things to analyze about a bug zapper is the design. You would prefer a durable construction that is easy to install, intuitive to handle, and that can be quickly cleaned. Ideally, the device shouldn’t require frequent maintenance and when it does, the task shouldn’t take a long time to complete.

Depending on whether you install or use the product inside or outside, you must choose either a smaller or a larger unit. For units destined to be fitted outside make sure they can withstand rain and snow and have a large enough coverage area to satisfy your needs. Most of the times, the coverage area relates to the type and number of lights the product features.

Powering options

When it comes to powering the unit you also have multiple choices available. The advantage of a battery operated bug zapper is its outdoor versatility. With this cordless bug zapper, you don’t have to think about plugging it in or even having an electrical power source nearby. It’s great for camping in the wilderness or for when the power goes down.

The solar powered bug zapper is a similar type of product that runs without you having to draw a powerline to it. As long as during the day it stays in the sunlight, it will do its job without you even having to think about it. The last two mentioned unit types are useful for people who need them in remote areas, where there is no electrical power or where blackouts often happen.

 

Price

For most products, prices range from $20 for cheap bug zappers to $200 for the high-end models. However, even the most expensive ones are worth their price as they do an extremely good job in reducing the number of insects flying around you and your family. Therefore, after you have decided on all of the other factors, don’t spare your money and improve the comfort level of your life.   

 

 

Bibliography:

1) The electrical discharge insect control system

2) How Bug Zappers Work

3) Why a high voltage bug zapper works

4) Get out the electric bug zapper

 

 

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