The Best Bug Zappers To Keep Your Home Pest-Free All Summer Long (2024)

Camryn Rabideau

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 16.5 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 1 acre | Power source: Plug-in | Grid voltage: 5,600

The Flowtron BK-40D Insect Killer is a large outdoor bug zapper that will help keep your yard free of insects. It has a hanging lantern design that protects a full acre of space, and its weatherproof polycarbonate construction won’t rust or crack, even if it’s exposed to the elements. This bug zapper has a non-clogging grid that requires less maintenance than other models, and it also comes with a 30-day octenol attractant to draw in mosquitoes. (Replacement cartridges are sold separately.)

This product uses a 15-watt ultraviolet bulb to draw in insects, and if it ever burns out, the bulb can be replaced easily without any tools needed. The only downside of this large bug zapper is that its power cord is only 9 inches long, so you’ll likely need to use an extension cord with it.

Pros:

• Attracts bugs within a 1-acre radius
• Includes octenol lure for mosquitoes
• Easy to replace bulbs without any tools

Cons:

• Power cord is less than 1 foot long

Dimensions: 15.16 x 11.02 x 3.15 inches | Type: Hanging | Coverage area: Not listed | Power source: Plug-in | Grid Voltage: 2,800

While most bug zappers are designed to be used outdoors, the Aspectek SIndoor Insect Killer can help get rid of flies, mosquitoes, gnats and other insects that may end up in your home. It has a lightweight design that can either be hung up from the ceiling or stood on a table or countertop, and there’s a mesh screen that covers both sides of the zapper, preventing children or pets from accidentally touching the electrical grid. A removable plastic tray at the bottom of the zapper makes it easy to dispose of dead insects, and it operates quietly so it won’t disturb your everyday activities.

Pros:

• Mesh screen prevents kids/pets from touching the grid
• Removable bug tray makes it easy to clean
• Comes with two replacement bulbs

Cons:

• Loudly zaps when bugs contact the grid

Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 20 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 1 acre | Power source: Plug-in | Grid voltage: N/A

You can protect up to a full acre of outdoor space with the DynaTrap Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap. This oversized outdoor trap uses three different lures to attract insects: its bright UV light, a titanium dioxide lure for mosquitoes, and a powerful fan that pulls in insects. Unlike other products, it doesn’t actually use an electric grid to kill insects—it simply traps them in the unit’s large basket, where they then die. This means there won’t be any disturbing zapping noises as you’re relaxing in your outdoor living area, but you will need to periodically empty the basket to get rid of dead insects.

Pros:

• Uses three methods to attract insects
• Quiet operation won’t disturb your living area
• Long 10-foot power cord

Cons:

• Doesn’t actually zap bugs—only traps them

Dimensions: 7.68 x 6.54 x 12.36 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 2,100 square feet | Power source: Plug-in | Grid voltage: 4,200

If you have a problem with flies indoors or around your home, the Klahaite Bug Zapper will help get rid of them for good. This lantern-style bug zapper can be used both indoors and outdoors, and it covers around 2,100 square feet. Its protective screen has larger gaps, allowing house flies to easily make their way into the electrical grid, and the bottom of the unit screws off, allowing you to easily clean out any dead insects. This zapper has a long power cord, and the brand also sells replacement bulbs in case they ever break or burn out.

Pros:

• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
• Effective on house flies, gnats and other flying insects
• Removable tray and brush for easy cleaning

Cons:

• Doesn’t include any type of mosquito lure

Dimensions: 9.63 x 9.63 x 19 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 1.5 acres | Power source: Plug-in | Grid voltage: 5,500

Not only are mosquitoes irritating, but they can also carry a variety of harmful diseases. To get rid of these biting insects in your yard, you’ll need a product like the Black Flag Deluxe Bug Zapper, which covers up to 1.5 acres. It comes with a 30-day octenol lure to help draw in mosquitoes, which will then be zapped on its high-voltage electric grid.

Unlike other bug zappers, which stay on all day, this model has a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor that automatically shuts the light off during the day so it will use less energy. This will help the bulbs to last longer, as well. The zapper is backed by a 5-year warranty, but its power cord is very short, so you’ll likely need an extension cord to use it.

Pros:

• Includes 30-day octenol lure for mosquitoes
• Built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor helps conserve energy
• Backed by a 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Extremely short power cord

Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.88 x 5.1 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 2,100 square feet | Power source: Solar | Grid voltage: 4,200

With the Koosa Solar Bug Zapper, you won’t have to worry about placing it near a power outlet. Instead of plugging in, this unit has a built-in solar panel that harnesses the power of the sun for operation, meaning it has a convenient cordless design.

This zapper is designed to look like a decorative lantern, and it even has a regular bulb on top in case you just want to use it to light up your yard. Its UV bulbs can be set to two different brightness levels, allowing you to conserve energy if you want it to last longer, and if needed, it can also be charged via a USB cord.

Pros:

• Cordless design can be placed anywhere
• Can be charged via solar panel or USB cord
• Adjustable brightness levels help conserve battery life

Cons:

• May not last all night, even with a full charge

Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 6 inches | Type: Light bulb | Coverage area: 855 square feet | Power source: Light fixture | Grid voltage: Not listed

If you regularly have moths or mosquitoes buzzing around a certain light fixture, you can outfit it with the Pic LED Bug Zapper. The light bulb-shaped zapper can be screwed into most standard sockets, and it can be used either indoors or outside. The small openings around the edges allow bugs inside the bulb, where they’re then zapped and killed. This bulb is particularly handy because it offers blue UV light to attract insects, as well as a standard LED setting. However, it’s not the most effective option due to its small size, and bugs often get stuck on the grid, which can be tricky to clean out.

Pros:

• Fits most standard light sockets
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
• Includes both LED and UV light options

Cons:

• Bugs get stuck to the inner grid
• Not the most effective solution due to its small size

Dimensions: 20 x 7 x 1 inches | Type: Racquet | Coverage area: N/A | Power source: Battery | Grid voltage: 4,000

When a standard fly swatter isn’t doing the trick, it’s time to upgrade to The Executioner Electronic Bug Zapper. Shaped like a tennis racquet, this bug zapper allows you to eliminate flies, moths and other insects with a single swing. It’s simple to use with a single on/off switch, and it runs on two AA batteries (not included). This racquet-style zapper will last for up to 100,000 zaps, but it should be kept away from children, who may accidentally hurt themselves or others while using it.

Pros:

• Simple to operate
• Kills insects instantly on contact
• Lasts for around 100,000 zaps

Cons:

• Should be kept away from children

Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 9.1 inches | Type: Glue board | Coverage area: 320 square feet | Power source: Battery | Grid voltage: N/A

If you have fruit flies or gnats buzzing around your home, the Katchy will quickly trap and kill these small bugs. It’s technically an insect trap—not a zapper—and it uses a UV light to attract insects and a fan to pull them down onto a glue board inside the device. When the glue board is full of bugs, you can simply throw it away and place a new one inside. The bug trap is easy to use and extremely quiet, and it’s a great option for managing small insects inside your home.

Pros:

• Highly effective on fruit flies, gnats and small bugs
• Easy to clean thanks to disposable glue sheets
• Quiet operation won’t disturb your home

Cons:

• Replacement glue sheets are expensive

Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 10 inches | Type: Lantern | Coverage area: 1,500 square feet | Power source: Plug-in | Grid voltage: 4,200

The Fvoai Bug Zapper is the best-selling model on Amazon, and it can be used both inside and outside your home. It provides up to 1,500 square feet of coverage, and it has a 4-foot power cord that makes it easier to plug in. The zapper is designed to be hung via the ring on top of the device, and the bottom screws off, allowing you to clean out dead insects. Overall, it’s a basic and well-priced model that you can easily purchase on Amazon—and yes, it’s eligible for one- or two-day shipping if you’re a Prime member.

Pros:

• Good value for a basic model
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
• Bottom screws off for cleaning

Cons:

• Doesn’t include any type of mosquito lure