These Bug Zappers Are Actually Pretty...And They Work (2024)

If you're looking for a traditional, no-frills bug zapper that'll get the job done, look no further than this Flowtron option. Simply plug it in and listen to those flying insects meet their demise. This bug zapper includes an octenol packet to lure mosquitoes in, though it will need to be replaced every month. In addition to the octenol, the blue UV light also brings all the bugs to your yard.

The Flowtron bug zapper has plenty of protection to keep children and animals safe. The safety cage is inches away from the electrical current, so there's no need to worry about little ones sticking their fingers inside. It also includes a non-clogging grid that'll quickly removes dead bugs so your zapper can continue to work at full capacity.

There are two downsides with this bug zapper, though. First, the electrical cord is only three feet, meaning it's barely long enough to hang it any height off the ground. You'll definitely want to use an extension cord with this one. You'll also want to hang this zapper away from where people might congregate as it doesn't include an insect tray. As the bugs die, they'll fall straight to the ground, and you don't want anyone in that line of fire.

Positive review: "I've owned this product for over a year now (452 days according to Alexa). I live in coastal Georgia in the country, so think 'lots of bugs'... Since I like to spend evenings on my back patio I placed the unit near the back fence, probably 60 to 80 feet from the rear of the house. The immediate result was a significant reduction in six legged varmints attracted to the back lit windows. The first several weeks were a continuous chorus of flying fiends frying. I noticed a reduction of pests within a week of installation."

At a Glance

Out of all the bug zappers on this list, this is definitely the most attractive option. The flame-like light attracts bugs and zaps them immediately. We prefer these bug zappers to tiki torches because not only do they work better, but you also don't have to worry about an open-flame around kids and pets.

You can secure the light to stakes or atop a table or post. These bug zappers are solar powered and can last up to six hours on a full charge, so you won't need to worry about bugs creeping back in during a long night out. The weather-proof construction makes them incredibly maintenance, other than the occasional need to clean the insect tray.

The only downsides we could find with this bug zapper are that it doesn't include an octenol packet and the blue UV light is pretty small, so it's not the best at luring in bugs. However, you could easily add an octenol packet onto the exterior to do the job. It also has a small insect collection tray, so while it could probably go a few days without emptying, we wouldn't recommend pushing it much more than that.

Positive review: "This is by far the best insect killer torch. It is very sturdy and has sections to make it any height you need it. It also has a base stand that you can sit on a table. Love this feature. Plus it is solar powered and charges very easily and keeps a good charge to zap the bugs. Drawer cleans very easily. Very bright light to attract bugs."

At a Glance

This high-voltage zapper is for indoor use only. It includes not one but two UV lights to lure in flying critters of all types, including pesky moths that will eat up your clothes. What's more, it features a clog-proof grid and removable tray so you can easily dispose of the insects within. The wire safety cover is also removable, just in case you need to wiggle a few remaining carcasses while the zapper is off.

We also love that LiBa had the foresight to include a package of two replacement bulbs, so when one light goes out, you don't have to worry about ordering a replacement and being without your bug zapper for days.

One negative many reviewers noted about this bug zapper is the inability to mount it. It does include a chain for hanging, but not being able to mount it can cause concern of children or pets knocking it over if it's sitting on a countertop.

Positive review: "This thing will kill your bugs. I have bought 4 different zappers and they all die out on me after a few months/weeks. There are alot of plants on my back patio and I do not like bugs as they bring spiders. I must admit, I leave my zappers on all day, and they normally kill alot of bugs, and with the extensive use, I just got over their short lifespans. I decided to throw a little extra money into this one and WOW, what a difference. It is a good size, is easy to hang, comes with two extra bulbs that I've not needed to change out for months now, and I hear the little pops of insects exploding all day long. The easy-to-clean tray below the bulbs is literally FULL of dead bugs. It's already lasted longer than some of the other zappers and it's only on its first set of bulbs. It is a little brighter than the other zappers and a bit larger, but the results have been a bug-free patio for weeks. If your ok with the size and brightness, do yourself the favor and buy this zapper."

At a Glance

If you live in an older home or an apartment, you might not have the convenience of having an outdoor power outlet, which is when a solar powered bug zapper like this comes in handy. With a full day's charge it can provide 6-8 hours of bug-free peace depending on which power level you choose. It also comes equipped with a lantern at the top that's perfect for adding a bit of ambiance to your porch.

Just because it's solar-powered doesn't mean it's not powerful. This zapper has the power to protect 2,100 square feet by luring bugs in with its blue UV light and eliminating them. If it's a cloudy day, you can also give it a charge through the USB charging port.

Though this zapper is powerful, it definitely doesn't give the coverage that it's plug-in counterparts do. It 2,100 square feet, it would be enough for a small backyard, but you'd want to strategically place a few throughout a large yard for maximum coverage.

Positive review: "What I like about The Solar Bug Zapper from KOOSA is that it is highly effective and versatile. It is a great arsenal for getting rid of bugs both indoors and outdoors. Featuring dual UV wavelengths that attracts many types of pesky and/or biting flying insects to its high-powered grid, effectively trapping and eliminating them. The two adjustable UV modes, making it a highly efficient and energy-saving device. Moreover, it comes with a rechargeable battery that can be charged via solar energy or USB in just 2-3 hours."

At a Glance

Let's be honest: the large indoor bug zappers aren't exactly the most attractive piece of décor you could have in your home. Plug-in zappers make killing pesky insects simple and painless. Not to mention that they're unobtrusive from an aesthetic standpoint.

They work just the same as any other zapper, luring bugs in with blue UV light and eliminating them with an electrical current. These plug-in zappers include a small insect collection tray at the bottom so you won't have to worry about any dead bugs on laying around your house.

The only downside is that they don't have large coverage. We'd recommend putting 2+ in if you're trying to protect a large room. Also, since the insect collection tray is so small, you'll most likely need to empty them daily.

Positive review: "We had soooo many houseflies because of my indoor plant addiction and none of the old remedies would work. After a week with these I no longer fear flies nesting in my nose while I sleep. I will buy many more!"

At a Glance

Camping has never been better than it is with this handy little grab-and-go zapper. It's solar-powered, so as long as you give it a good spot to charge during the day, you can expect 10-12 hours of a bug-free night. And if you can't charge it during the day no worries—it also has a USB charging port.

In addition to the handy solar charging, this zapper also comes equipped with a handle that's great for hanging it up temporarily. We also love the additional lantern light feature. And, of course, it's waterproof, in case unexpected rain makes its way onto your campsite.

The only downside we could find with this zapper is that it might be a bit cumbersome to bring backpacking. It's under two pounds, but it would take up a decent amount of space in a crammed bag.

Positive review: "I really enjoyed this bug zapper actually. It's kind of everything you expect, and then some. The bug zapper does its job well, and the fact you can clean this using running water is a huge plus. The lamp is surprisingly powerful, will do well outdoors in a camping scenario or if your power goes out. The fact that this thing runs on a usb-c rechargeable battery that can also be charged via in-built solar is awesome and so extra but I love it. Overall, very good product, would recommend if you need a bug zapper for something like camping or honestly just to have around."

At a Glance

There are quite a few electric fly swatters on the market, but we love this for one main reason: it comes with a rechargeable base. Using a USB cord connection, the charging base means there's no need to worry about hunting down batteries every few weeks. It also means that this fly swatter can play double duty as a free-standing bug zapper when not in handheld use.

Considering this fly swatter can also be used as a lamp, it comes with an optional purple light feature that can be turned on to lure flying insects in. However, you also have the option to use it without the purple light—they'll never see their demise coming.

The same with any electric fly swatter, there's more of a risk of safety with children and pets. This zapper does have an outer protective guard, but there's not as much space between the guard and the grid as in other zappers.

Positive review: "We have a lot of fruit flies in our house because of all the plants (and also because my brothers like to leave their dishes in the sink). We use multiple of those long sticky strips for flies and they get filled up all the time. We put out jars of vinegar covered in plastic wrap with holes. Those work fine but after an hour of using this bug zapper, we can’t believe we didn’t try it sooner. I highly recommend it!"