Best bug zappers

Generally, I like to think I'm a kind and merciful person. However, when it comes to swarms of mosquitoes or other nibble-prone pests, the gloves come off, and I will find the fastest way to dispatch them. The best way to do that quickly and cleanly is with bug zappers. They come in various varieties, but our staff pick is actually fun to use if your citronella candle has failed to protect you yet again. ZAP-IT! offers their tennis-racket style bug zapper in three sizes, and it's got a whopping 4000 volts of power behind each swing. If you prefer a hands-off approach, then hanging zappers or bulbs will probably appeal to you more. I included those below, so fight back against those fruit flies and choose the bug zapper that speaks to you.

Take extermination into your own hands (literally) with ZAP-IT!'s bestselling tennis-racket-style bug zappers. Conveniently, they're powered by a rechargeable lithium battery via USB. These zappers are even lit with LEDs while on—making them easy to use at night if, for example, you're camping and absolutely swarmed with no-see-ums or mosquitoes. Of course, you won't have to worry about accidentally singeing yourself either. Instead, there's a glowing activation button that tells you when the racket's ready for roasting. 

Flowtron, among many other brands, makes a lantern-style bug zapper. However, its electrical grid is cleverly designed, and won't get clogged up with dead insects. It'll stand up to weather nicely, thanks to its polycarbonate frame, and can do double-duty as a security lantern. I have to say; this is likely the zapper I'd choose for my use due to my mosquito bite allergy. Flowtron includes a free 30-day supply of Octenol, as well—a proven and USDA-tested mosquito lure. If mosquitoes are the bane of your existence, then this is the bug zapper to get. 

Created for effective indoor extermination, LiBa's high-powered 2800-volt bug zapper lets you replace every can of bug spray in your home, restaurant, workplace, and more. Also included are two spare lightbulbs, which are incredibly convenient to have on hand. In addition, LiBa designed the unit with a 2800-volt grid. As a result, it's very low-maintenance as well—your only obligation is to empty the collection tray. The catch is that the grid gets extremely hot due to the high voltage; if you don't let it cool before swapping out bulbs or moving it somewhere else, you'll get burned.

Small footprint, portable, multiple uses—Boundery's LED zapper shines in any role. It has two modes: a 5-watt bug zapper and a 1-watt flashlight. You can hang it from its hook or just place it on a nearby table or another flat surface. Boundery sells these zapper bulbs singly and in packs of three if you need more coverage on an especially buggy evening. A minor downside is that it must be rinsed with water and plugged in to charge after every use. This is a logical thing to do, though, considering the sheer volume of dead bugs that can collect on the bulb. 

What do you do if pests have already made their way into your home? You choose Clio's XL tabletop bug zapper, that's what. It's geared toward indoor use but can also be hung on a hook outside. Clio chose a UV-A white light with 365-nanometer output; this frequency is known to attract a broader range of insect species. The frequency is even effective against invasive or venomous bees and wasps. Don't worry about cleanup either—a brush is included with the zapper for clearing out the bottom bug tray. 

No bugs about it

So there you have it—my guide to eliminate your bug problem. Most pests will respond to bright light, so it stands to reason that many of the best bug zappers are illumination-based. Our staff pick from a company aptly named Zap-It! is a tennis-racket style bug zapper that's deeply satisfying to swing around. You're protected from any accidental self-zapping via a glowing on-off button to warn you, and it's USB-chargeable for convenience. You get two with purchase, so get ready to fry some flies!

For a more hands-off approach with a strong current behind it, consider LiBa's electric bug zapper. Operating at a scorching 2800-watts, it eliminates swarms in seconds. Thanks to a bug-catching tray below the heating elements, it's straightforward to clean as well. Helpfully, LiBa includes a spare bulb with its zapper so that you won't have much of a lapse in protection from nearby insects. 

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At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.