Enjoy Life Without Bugs: The Best Bug Zapper

Best Bug Zappers Buyer’s Guide

Everyone wants to eliminate pesky flying insects both indoors and out. The easiest and quickest way to handle unwanted insects and control pests is by using a bug zapper. However, choosing the right device can take hours or even days. If you are still struggling to find the best bug zapper perfectly suited to your needs and budget, then this buyer’s guide will be a great help. Below, we will unpack almost every aspect that you might want to think about while selecting the best bug zappers.

Which Things Should Your Consider Before Selecting a Bug Zapper?

To make sure that you are making a good decision on your bug zapper purchase, you should consider a few key things. The most common include light and grid variations and indoor vs. outdoor lights.

Light Variations

You will find bug zappers both in fluorescent and ultraviolet lights. Both ultraviolet and fluorescent lights help to attract bugs through their strong radiance, but the only difference is that fluorescent lights are a bit dimmer as compared to their UV counterparts.

Grid Variations

The two common variations in bug zappers are electric and metal. Most people prefer to buy electric grids as they work on the current that flows through the grid to attract and kill the flying insects that come in contact with them. In case you don’t know, electric bug zappers can be found in both grid types. They can have an electrified grid on the inside and a metal grid on the outside. So, if someone touches it accidentally, they will be protected against shocks. There are even plastic grids for exterior protection as well, and these are perfect for households with pets or small children.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

If pesky pests continuously find their way into your living room, you can certainly count on indoor zappers. Outdoor bug zappers must be water-resistant to some degree to ensure they won't get damaged from rain and other water. Depending on your residential area, you might find that a combination of both types of zappers will be the best option to keep bugs at bay.

What Are the Different Types of Bug Zappers?

You will come across a few main styles when it comes to bug zappers. Let’s go over the most common ones:

Vertical Light Zappers

The light bulb placement is vertical in these zappers, making them waterproof and a perfect option for outdoor settings. The exterior housing is usually made of plastic that protects users from getting shocked by touching charged metal grids. These have a lantern-like look because of the light placement.

Horizontal Light Zappers

These large and boxy units are perfect for indoor use. The large mesh is incorporated to cover the two largest sides that allow insects to get zapped. You will find different models, and the ones in the 20-watt range are the most expensive ones.

Zapper Light Bulbs

These look like light bulbs and are made to fit into standard sockets. The zapping component is intended to be used in sheltered locations as they don’t have any additional protection. You can combine these with porch lights to help kill off the insects around the placement area.

Which Features Should You Consider While Buying a Bug Zapper?

To select the best zapper for your home, you should understand your needs and the models’ features. Let’s go over some important features:

Design and Construction

The efficacy and service life of the device depends on the construction and design of the zapper. Some users have reported that handheld style models go faulty after a few weeks. You won’t want to risk the device malfunctioning when you need them the most.

If you have pets or kids in your house, get your hands on a zapper that has safety features. Some zappers have a rating of around 2000 volts that can cause serious injury when not used properly. However, most bug zappers have a safety covering of some sort, whether it is mesh or a plastic grid. Though mosquitoes can be your top concern, buying a zapper that attracts all types of bugs is always a wise decision, too. Some zappers come with attractants, which may work better at attracting all bugs rather than just a light.

Power Source

Some zappers require mounting to the existing light fixture or connection to a power supply to work properly. On the other hand, some handheld zappers work on batteries. If it needs to be plugged in, consider how long the cord is and where you want the zapper placed, as well as if you'll need an extension cord.

Zapper Coverage

When you are on the hunt for the best bug zapper, you should check its coverage area. Some high-end zappers can protect ½ acre area from pests. This is especially important if you're getting an outdoor zapper as you'll want to make sure it covers your whole yard, or close to it.

What is the Price Range for the Best Bug Zappers?

Price is often the first consideration most people think about when they're looking for the ideal zapper model for their home. After you have decided on the features you want in your bug zapper, the next step is to work on the budget.

Some premium models can cost around $65 but you can find affordable options under $10. The essential thing is to weigh the features of the bug zappers against their cost to know if the model is worth it or not. The cheapest ones — which are usually battery-operated — may struggle to zap bugs efficiently and may quickly run out of power.

Bug Zapper FAQs

What Types of Lights Don't Attract Bugs?

Although it is difficult to list down the factors that affect the light’s effectiveness, studies have revealed that some of them are clear winners. Incandescent bulbs attract the biggest insect haul, approximately eight per hour. On the other hand, the warm-colored LEDs are least attractive to bugs.

Where Should You Put Your Bug Zapper?

Your needs will define the model you will buy, ultimately deciding where to install it. Some of them are suitable to mount on the walls while others are portable. A mobile one can be the best choice if you need a zapper in multiple areas. If outdoors, place the zapper in a central location, preferably hung high up so it can zap bugs from all around.

Can You Increase the Effectiveness of Your Bug Zapper?

Yes, some zappers come with additional scent cartridges to produce a peculiar odor that attracts bugs by mimicking a particular smell. However, such cartridges are relatively expensive and only last a month. Some zappers do come with attractant cartridges, so if you prefer to have one, take a look at those models.