The 7 Best Bug Zappers of 2023

We researched the best models on the market and tested a few in our own backyards and homes, evaluating them on ease of setup and maintenance, durability, and coverage.

A quality bug zapper kills mosquitos, flies, and other flying insects that are attracted to UV light and can make entertaining outdoors more enjoyable. Many zappers can also be used indoors to avoid swatting away pesky bugs in your home.

Best Overall, Outdoor

Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

4.5

 Amazon

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We Tested the Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer

What We Like

• Large coverage area

• Octenol attractant cartridge included

• High-intensity UV light

• Multiple placement options

What We Don’t Like

• Louder and brighter than other models

• Needs to be plugged in

• Cartridge will need to be replaced

Designed for outdoor use, the Flowtron BK-40D electronic insect killer uses a high-intensity UV light bulb to attract pests from as far as an acre away. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying bugs are zapped immediately on the electrified grid. We tested this zapper in one of our own backyards and found that it did an outstanding job of eliminating flying pests. We noted that it took about 30 minutes for the bugs to find the light attractive once we turned it on, but after that, this zapper killed dozens of mosquitoes and smaller flying bugs.

The zapper comes with an octenol (an active ingredient in many pesticides) attractant cartridge to lure mosquitos. While each one only lasts for 30 days, replacement cartridges are available. We found that the bug zapping seemed to escalate more with the cartridge, but the lantern still works without it.

This durable, polycarbonate, lantern-style bug zapper needs to be plugged into an outlet to work. We recommend hanging at a distance to attract nearby bugs away from your outdoor seating area—you may need an extension cord since the power cord is short. Although it is brighter and louder than some other models—another reason to keep it at a distance from where you are entertaining—we think its coverage area and effectiveness make it the best choice for most outdoor spaces.

Price at time of publish: $65

Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor

The Spruce / Kimberly Holland

Best Overall, Indoor

Aspectek 40W Electric Indoor Insect Killer

4.2

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Easy to clean

• High-voltage metal grid

• Attracts a variety of insects

• Multiple placement options

What We Don’t Like

• Zapping sound can be loud

• Needs to be plugged in

For an indoor solution, your best bet is the Aspectek Bug Zapper, a grid-style contraption boasting 40 watts of power and a one-acre range. The high-voltage metal grids eliminate houseflies, boxelder bugs, moths, gnats, and even wasps. While testing this zapper at home, we found that the ultraviolet light attracted a variety of bugs, including gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and beetles. In 2 hours, we counted about 20 bugs.

You can set this insect killer on your counter, shelf, or floor or hang it up with the included chain and hooks, as long as an outlet is nearby. We also like that it’s easy to clean—remove the plastic tray from the bottom and wipe away the leftover debris. The light bulb’s lifespan is impressive and can last up to 5,000 hours. However, keep in mind that this zapper is loud and very bright. While testing indoors, we placed it in an area we could avoid and limited its use to a few hours at a time.

Price at time of publish: $63

Type: Hanging | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Best for Flies

Black + Decker 36W Electric Bug Zapper

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Large coverage area

• Collection tray for easy cleaning

• Multiple placement options

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be plugged in

• May not attract mosquitoes

If flies are ruining your outdoor fun, the Black + Decker’s 36W Electric Bug Zapper is a great solution. This high-voltage lantern can be placed on any flat surface on your patio, porch, or deck or hung up using the included chain and ring hook. Plus, it has a large coverage area of up to one acre, so it’s a great choice for larger patios or yards. However, like other electric models, it does need to be plugged into an outlet to work.

The UV light lures in flies and other bothersome bugs and kills them instantly. Cleaning is a breeze: Just pull out the tray, empty it out, and wash as needed with the included brush. It does not include an octenol attractant, so it is not the best option for attracting mosquitos. However, if you find yourself swatting flies, this easy-to-clean option will help keep them from bothering you.

Price at time of publish: $52

Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 1 acre | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors and outdoors

Best Solar

Elechome Electric Solar Mosquito Killer

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Cleans easily without disassembly

• Delivers 10 hours of power

• Three lights in one

What We Don’t Like

• Charge indicator can be hard to find

• No automatic activation

Requiring no electricity, the Electric Solar Mosquito Killer can be used anywhere on your patio or backyard, without worrying about where to plug it in. It’s also great for camping trips since it doubles as a lantern, and can be set on a surface or hung on a hook. Plus, this zapper is waterproof so you can take it with you when you go fishing or want to relax by the water. It’s effective against most flying pests, including mosquitoes and wasps, disposing of them with a 300-volt electric shock.

The Elechome model charges in about 3 hours and can deliver up to 10 hours of functionality, according to the manufacturer—we recommend an all-day charge before using it. Also, you can charge the product with a standard USB cable (not included). An indicator lets you know when it’s fully charged, but note that some customers found it difficult to find.

We like that this product is three lights in one: a purple 365 Nm wavelength UV zapper; a bright white light without the zapper; and a flashlight for emergencies. However, it’s worth noting that the light doesn’t turn on and off automatically at dawn and dusk. Instead, you have to control it manually, but it is simple enough to do with the on/off buttons. All bug zappers require cleaning, but this one is simple, requiring no disassembling. It comes with a small brush to assist in the chore.

Price at time of publish: $37

Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: .5 acre | Power Source: Solar | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor

The 5 Best Bug Repellents of 2023 to Keep Insects Off

Best for Mosquitoes

Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper Insect Killer, Includes Black Flag Mosquito Octenol Lure

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Octenol lure included

• Powerful

• Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be plugged in

• Lure needs to be replaced each month

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, and they aren’t lured in as effectively by UV light alone compared to other flying pests. If you’re mainly looking to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your space, consider a zapper that uses octenol, like this Black Flag 2,000-Volt Bug Zapper. One lure will last about a month, so you should only need to replace it a few times to get through the season.

One unit can cover about half an acre (although it will need to be plugged in to work). The company recommends placing the zappers about 20 feet away from where you spend your time—so not only are you zapping bugs, but you’re also attracting them away from you, your family, and your guests.

Price at time of publish: $43

Type: Lantern | Coverage Area: 0.5 acres | Power Source: Plug-in | Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor

The 8 Best Mosquito Traps of 2023

Best Budget

Gloue Bug Zapper Light Bulb

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Easy to use

• High-wavelength light

• Multiple placement options

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t work as well for houseflies

With the Gloue Bug Zapper Bulb, you can turn virtually any old lamp into an insect-killing device. This is a great option for any areas inside your home where you don’t want to use pesticides, poisons, or chemical sprays. And since it offers three modes, this versatile bulb can function as a light bulb only, as a dim light bulb with a zapper, or as a zapper only. It can also be used indoors or outdoors.

This bulb emits LED ultraviolet light at a high wavelength and delivers an electric charge through its built-in metal grid that kills mosquitoes, fruit flies, gnats, and other insects on contact. However, it does not work as well for houseflies. According to the manufacturer, this bulb has a 50,000-hour lifespan.

Price at time of publish: $21

Type: Light bulb | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Electric | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/outdoor

Best Racket

Zap It! Electric Bug Zapping Racket

4.2

 Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Rechargeable battery

• Ergonomic design

• Safety features

What We Don’t Like

• Not as effective for larger insects

When it comes to electric swatters, Zap It! is tough to beat. This ergonomically designed mesh racket runs on a rechargeable lithium battery and switches on with the press of a button. You can swat the occasional housefly or wasp that wanders into your home and kill it mid-air.

When the 4,000-volt grid activates, extra-bright LEDs will ignite to attract vexing insects. We like its three-layer design to prevent accidentally shocking yourself or your loved ones. All the same, leave the swatting to adults to protect kids from a painful jolt.

Price at time of publish: $40

Type: Racket | Coverage Area: Not listed | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor