Bug sprays have lots of harsh chemicals, and buying bottles upon bottles of insect repellent can get expensive. Citronella candles don’t always work, and you don’t want to carry a fly swatter with you at all times. Are there any other solutions?
Best Mosquito Trap Reviews of 2024
Bug zappers are a great way to get rid of insects inside and outside. Once you set them up, you can leave them alone to take care of your bug problem. There are a wide variety of different bug zappers available, so you should do your research before buying one.
Here are 10 of the best bug zappers on the market:
Product | Type | Size (inch) | SQ | Killing | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aspectek 20W Electric Bug Zapper (Editor’s Choice) | Indoor | 15x10x3 | 6,000 ft2 | 2,800V grid | |
Hoont Square Hanging Fly Zapper | Indoor/ Outdoor | 13x9.5 | 1-1/2 acres | grid | |
Flowtron BK-80D 80W Electronic Insect Killer | Outdoor | 11x11x18.5 | 1-1/2 acres | grid | |
Hoont Mosquito Killer and Gnat Fly Trap Killer | Indoor/ Outdoor | 19x11 | up to 1,000 ft2 | powerful fan | |
ISELECTOR Mosquito Killer Trap | Indoor | 6x4 | 20 m2 | 1,200V grid | |
Hoont Magnetic Fly Zapper | Indoor/ Outdoor | 17x10x3.5 | up to 6,500 ft2 | grid | |
Hoont Dual Fans Bug Zapper with UV Light | Indoor/ Outdoor | 14x10 | up to 4,000 ft2 | 2 powerful fans, metal grid | |
Hoont Robust Insect Electric Fly Zapper | Indoor/ Outdoor | 11x10x4 | up to 2,000 ft2 | high voltage metal grid | |
Pest Soldier Electric Zapper | Indoor | - | more 5,000 ft2 | 2,800V grid | |
Hoont Standing Fly Trap | Indoor/ Outdoor | - | up to 600 ft2 | powerful fan |
1. Aspectek 20W Electric Bug Zapper – Best Indoor Zapper
The Aspectek 20W Bug Zapper is probably the best indoor bug zapper on the market. The zapper uses UV bulbs to attract flies, mosquitoes, moths, wasps, and most other flying bugs. Then, the electric grid zaps the bugs with a high voltage. The plastic tray at the bottom of the device collects the dead insects for easy disposal.
Easy to apply
This bug zapper is designed for indoor use, but it should work well on your porch or deck, too. It can cover up to 6,000 square feet, but it’s a fairly small device. At only about three inches wide, the zapper is easy to hang up on a wall or keep on a table. The zapper comes with a long chain to hang the device up, but it works just as well sitting on a flat surface.
The device does have a very high voltage, so you’ll have to be careful. Make sure to unplug the device several hours before changing the UV bulbs, or you might get zapped. If the electric grid isn’t working right, don’t try to fix it yourself. You’ll have to send it back to Aspectek or have an electrician look at it.
Safe and Pest Friendly
The Aspectek 20W Bug Zapper is a great option for covering large homes, and it’s one of the safest devices for families or people with pets. It has a mesh covering that should stop curious fingers from reaching into the zapper, and the chain it comes with lets you hang it out of reach of your small children or pets.
- Has a mesh screen for safety
- Small and easy to hang up or keep out of the way
- UV bulbs will need to be replaced occasionally
- Makes a loud noise when zapping a bug
2. Hoont Square Hanging Fly Zapper – Useful for Large Outdoor Areas
The Hoont Electric Indoor Outdoor Zapper is very similar to the Aspectek device, but it’s much better for outdoor use. It uses 20W UV bulbs to attract insects, and it zaps bugs with a high voltage grid. It has a tray at the bottom to collect dead insects, so it’s easy to keep clean. You can either mount it on the wall or hang it from the ceiling or from a tree with a chain.
Total Pests Elimination on Large Areas
This zapper sends UV light in all directions, and the manufacturer says it covers up to 1.5 acres. It probably won’t kill all the bugs in that area, but it will keep your immediate area bug-free. Many users have reported that the Hoont zapper gets rid of all the bugs in their yard, even during hot, humid summers. With the metal grid surrounding the electric zapper, the device looks almost like a lantern or a decoration.
Although you may use the zapper indoors, it’s better to keep it outside to get your money’s worth. You can find a less expensive zapper to keep your home bug-free, but the Hoont zapper is one of the best products for outdoor use.
How A Bug Zapper Works
- Covers large outdoor areas
- Can operate 24/7, even in rain or snow
- UV bulbs will need replacement
- Some customers report a bad smell when a bug is zapped
3. Flowtron BK-80D 80W Electronic Insect Killer – Best Outdoor Zapper for Mosquitoes
If mosquitoes are your main concern, the Flowtron BK-80D zapper may be your best option. Many reviewers who live in humid, swampy areas say that this zapper kills almost all the mosquitoes in their yard.
Lures Insects
The Flowtron zapper comes fully assembled. It uses a black light bulb to lure bugs and also includes a special cartridge that attracts mosquitoes. Once the bugs have been zapped, they fall to the ground and are reabsorbed into the ecosystem.
The zapper is only for outdoor use and needs to be hung up from your porch, a tree, or another structure. You won’t be able to set it on the ground or another surface. Also, the zapper should be set up at least 25 feet from human activity. There’s no tray to collect the dead insects, so they sometimes get thrown several feet after being zapped.
Flowtron in Action
This zapper covers up to 1.5 acres and is especially effective for killing mosquitoes. It has a weatherproof design, so the casing won’t rust or crack, even during bad weather. One reviewer recommends adding dry ice to the zapper because CO2 attracts mosquitoes. However, it should be very effective without needing to add anything extra.
Flowtron BK-80D Video Review
- High-efficiency; won’t run up your electric bill
- Includes a two-year warranty
- Bugs may go flying after being zapped
- Needs to be hung up; can’t be placed on ground or floor
4. Hoont Mosquito Killer and Gnat Fly Trap Killer – Best Non-Electric Insect Killer
This Hoont device uses a UV bulb to attract flies. Then, a fan sucks the bugs inside the device and prevents them from escaping. A plastic tray collects the dead insects, so they don’t get stuck in the fan. You can hang the mosquito killer from the ceiling, or you can place it on the floor. It also comes with a stand that you can attach to lift the device up and increase its range.
The Fan Works Very Quietly
This device works for mosquitoes, gnats, wasps, beetles, and most other bugs. It’s waterproof and weatherproof, so you can use it inside or outside. It’s also safe to use 24/7 because it doesn’t use electricity to zap the bugs. You can keep it around children or pets without worrying about an accident. The fan is very quiet, so you can even keep it running while you sleep.
Portable
The Hoont Mosquito Killer covers about 1,000 square feet. Depending on the size of your home or yard, this might not be enough coverage. You may need to buy more than one or use a different product to cover your entire home. However, the Hoont device is fairly small and lightweight, so you can move it between different rooms in your home to target different areas.
If you don’t want to use an electric zapper, the Hoont Mosquito Killer is probably your best option. It’s safe, easy to care for, and cost-effective.
- Safe for use around kids and pets
- No risk of electrical problems
- Covers a smaller area than most other zappers
- Tray must be removed and washed regularly
5. ISELECTOR Mosquito Killer Trap – Most Powerful Zapper
The ISELECTOR Mosquito Killer is one of the smaller zappers, but it has the most powerful voltage. With a 1200V grid, it’s the strongest zapper on the market. The device uses a UV bulb that emits a 365 nm wavelength, which attracts insects of all sizes. The package also comes with two replacement bulbs.
Effective for tiny bugs
The zapper is only about 4 inches wide, so it’s easy to hang up on the wall. You can also place it on a flat surface wherever your insect problem is the worst. Lots of users say that it works well for small bugs like gnats or drain flies.
The ISELECTOR Mosquito Killer is not weatherproof and shouldn’t be used outside. Because it uses such high voltage, you shouldn’t leave it running when you’re not home. Also, some reviewers say that the zapper makes a loud noise when killing a bug, which could frighten dogs or young children.
This zapper is recommended for people who want the most powerful voltage. It can help with serious insect problems in your home. However, it might not be the best option for people with pets or kids or for people who want a quiet device that can run 24/7 .
- Very effective for tiny bugs
- Includes two replacement bulbs
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Cannot be used outdoors
- Loud noise when bugs are zapped
- Large bugs may get caught in the wire mesh covering
6. Hoont Magnetic Fly Zapper – Best for Large Indoor Areas
The Hoont Powerful Indoor Electric Fly Trap has two 10W UV bulbs, which attract insects. Then, the high voltage grid zaps and kills the bugs, and the bugs fall into the removable tray. The zapper has two rings to help you hang it up, but you can also set it up on a flat surface. It comes fully assembled and just needs to be plugged in.
Effective for Large Areas
The zapper sends out light in all directions and covers up to 6,500 square feet. The electric grid is self-cleaning, so the only thing you need to do is empty the tray occasionally. Users say that the device makes a zapping noise when killing insects, but it’s not as loud as other devices.
The UV light is also very gentle, so you can keep it running at night without being disturbed. The manufacturer says it’s safe for 24/7 use, but you should always be cautious with electric zappers.
If you have a large area to cover, this zapper may be your best choice. It’s recommended for large homes, kitchens, hospitals, restaurants, and other commercial locations.
- Good for large homes, schools, restaurants, etc.
- Easy setup and no maintenance required
- Gentle light and not too loud; can run at night
- UV bulbs need occasional replacement
- Not weatherproof; risky to use outside
7. Hoont Dual Fans Bug Zapper with UV Light – Best Fan and Zapper Combo With UV Light and Dual Fans
The Hoont Robust device is a combination of a zapper and a fly-catching fan. A UV bulb attracts insects, the fan sucks the insects into the device, and the high voltage grid zaps them. With some zappers, insects may crawl around on the casing and not actually make contact with the electric grid. Once a bug gets close to the Hoont Robust device, you can be sure that it will be zapped.
This zapper covers up to 4,000 square feet. It’s designed for indoor use, but it can be kept outside as long as it doesn’t get wet. It includes two rings, so you can hang it up on the wall. You can also set it on a table or on the floor.
Noisy But Effective
Some reviewers report a bad smell when bugs are zapped. If possible, you should set the device up as far from human activity as you can to avoid the smell. Like most zappers, it also makes a loud noise when killing insects, which might startle your pets or young children.
Users say that this zapper is very effective for all types of insects . Because it can cover such a large area, it’s recommended for houses, offices, restaurants, or shops. It is a little more expensive than other zappers, so you’re probably better off buying a cheaper device if you don’t have much space to cover. This Hoont zapper is great for thorough coverage of larger areas, though.
- Combination of fan and zapper is very effective
- Covers large indoor areas
- Electric grid needs to be cleaned regularly
- UV bulb needs occasional replacement
- Smell and noise when bugs are zapped
8. Hoont Robust Insect Electric Fly Zapper – Best Small Zapper
Lightweight and Portable
This zapper comes already assembled, so all you have to do is plug it in. It’s smaller and lighter than most zappers, so it should be easy to find a place in your home to set it up. You can also easily move it from room to room.
The electric grid is non-clogging, but it does need to be cleaned once in a while. Before cleaning the grid, you’ll have to keep the zapper unplugged for several hours to get rid of the electric current.
This device is recommended for people who want a small, easy-to-use zapper for their home. It works on a wide variety of insects in all types of climates.
- Small, lightweight, and easily portable
- Safe to use 24/7
- UV bulbs will need replacement
- Electric grid needs to be cleaned
9. Pest Soldier Electric Zapper – Bug Zapper for Gnat
The Pest Soldier Bug Zapper is one of the most powerful zappers on the market. It can lure bugs from up to 80 feet away, and it covers over 5,000 square feet. It attracts all types of bugs, but it seems to be especially good at killing gnats and other tiny bugs.
There’s a protective metal cage around the electric grid to prevent accidental zappings, and the package comes with a metal chain to hang the zapper up. Unlike some zappers, there shouldn’t be any bad odors when bugs are killed.
Tray as a Bugs Collector
The Pest Soldier Bug Zapper uses UV lights with a 365 nm wavelength to attract insects. The electric grid zaps the bugs, and the tray at the bottom of the device collects them. The tray needs to be emptied and washed occasionally, but no other maintenance is needed. This device is meant for indoor use only.
Some users say that moths get stuck in the electric grid . If you have lots of moths around your home, you may want to choose a different zapper or prepare to pull zapped moths out of the device. This zapper also might not be the most effective for killing mosquitoes.
The Pest Soldier Bug Zapper is a good option if you need to get rid of gnats, flies, or other small bugs. It covers a large area, so it should be all you need to keep your home bug-free.
- Covers a wide area
- Includes a three-year warranty
- Odor-free
- Indoor use only
- Loud zapping sound
- Not great for mosquitoes
10. Hoont Standing Fly Trap – Best Non-Lethal Repellent
The Hoont Standing Mosquito Killer will scare pests out of your home. It uses a 10W LED UV bulb to attract mosquito, bugs, flea or other pests, and the fan then sucks the flies inside and killed them. The owl is solar-powered, but it also can use AA batteries on low-light days. It comes with hardware and screws, so you can secure it to a tree or a piece of wood in your yard.
Maintenance & Cleaning
All of the Livin’ Well owls are hand-painted and look like beautiful lawn ornaments. The owls are over 15 inches tall, so they look very realistic. After you set your owl up, it won’t need any maintenance or cleaning .
The owl only weighs about one pound, so you’ll have to be careful to secure it. You should also move the owl around once in a while to cover your entire yard. Some users report that the motion sensor doesn’t work as well in the dark , so you may need to use a different pest repellent at night.
This device is recommended for people who want to scare away pests without killing them. It might not be as effective as zappers for getting rid of pests, but it’s a safe and natural alternative.
- Repels a wide variety of pests
- Easy to set up
- Makes a great lawn decoration
- Very lightweight; may fall over in strong winds
- Doesn’t repel pests inside home
Best Mosquito Trap – Buyer’s Guide
Most of these bug zappers work in a similar way. They attract bugs with UV light and zap them with electricity once they land in the device. However, the differences in how they’re built and the materials they use can affect their functionality.
The protective outer casing is the first thing you should consider. Outdoor zappers should be tough, durable, and heavy enough to withstand strong wind. They should be waterproof and resistant to rusting. Indoor zappers don’t need to be quite so tough, but they should still be durable. The protective cage shouldn’t leave any gaps big enough for fingers to fit through.
The range of the zapper is another factor. Generally, zappers that use higher wattage UV bulbs will attract bugs from a larger range. You can add chemical attractants to increase the range, too.
The electric voltage can also make a difference. More powerful electric grids may kill more bugs, but they also may be louder or cause a bad odor when a bug gets zapped. In most cases, lower voltage grids are nearly as effective as higher voltage, so this factor shouldn’t be your top priority.
Best Bug Zapper
The best bug zapper for you depends on what insects you have a problem with, the size of the area you need to cover, and whether you need to use the zapper inside or outside. If you need a zapper for a large home, office, or shop, the Aspectek zapper or one of the Hoont Robust devices might be best.
For good outdoor coverage, the Hoont Powerful Electric Zapper or the Flowtron Zapper are better options. If you don’t like the idea of giving bugs electric shocks, you may want to go with the Hoont Mosquito Killer and Fly Trap or the Livin’ Well Owl.
In Conclusion
You’ll have to think about your needs and priorities when choosing a zapper. Fortunately, all the devices on this list are highly-rated and have great reviews , so you should get some good coverage no matter which brand you choose.