9 Best Rated Bug Zappers for Indoor and Outdoor Use – Get Rid of Flies and Mosquitoes

H earing a constant buzzing noise around your ears can be quite annoying, but one thing more annoying than that is the aftermath of the bites that can come from the different types of insects lurking around on your patio or even inside your home. While bug repellent sprays might work, they can also be hazardous to your health, and most have a very overpowering scent that can be quite bothersome throughout the day. Plus, the kind that you can spray on yourself always requires a shower after you’re done being outside because of the sticky or crumbly film residue.

A good alternative to keeping your home both insect and chemical-free are bug zappers. These handy helpers will rid your surroundings of buzzing nuisances quite efficiently and, except for the zap that you’ll be able to hear periodically, you won’t have to be bothered by anything else. By scrolling, you’ll be able to see the two most common types, and further down a comparison of the best-rated models available.

Types of Bug Zappers

Electric Grid

The electric grid type uses a combination of a UV light, an attractant used to beckon the fliers or crawlers to it, and an electrical grid with a high voltage, which will electrocute them on contact. This way you’ll surely get rid of any pesky uninvited guests. The two applications you can get out of this type are:

• Indoor – These work exactly as we described earlier, and they are completely safe for indoor use, as long as you mount them out of reach to keep pets and children safe.

• Outdoor – These work the same, but they also give you the option of adding a lure pod to amplify the level of attraction. It is recommended to use the lure option when you mount it outside because it will be more efficient in killing the target insect rather than filling up with non-harmful ones like ladybugs or bees.

Although UV light can be harmful when used inappropriately, these devices are completely safe because, as Paul Charp from Health Physics Society explains “the light produced by bug zappers inside homes is not hazardous to humans as the amount produced is insufficient to cause harm, especially if you are more than 25 centimeters from the bulbs”.

Racquet

The other type available is a more classic approach, which reminds of fly swatters, called a racquet zapper. These work by having an electric panel wiring mounted where the strings of a usual racquet would be, which electrocutes the insects when they pass through, effectively killing them. You need to make sure that definite contact has taken place so that the device can fulfill its purpose.

Top Rated 9 Bug Zappers Comparison

Photo	Product	Dimensions	Protection	Coverage	Applicability	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. BLACK+DECKER Indoor/Outdoor BDPC912	13″ × 13″ × 16.3″	2-Way	1 Acre	Indoor & Outdoor	3 Years	Check Price
Best for the Patio	2. Black Flag BZ-40	9.63″ × 9.63″ × 19″	2-Way	1 Acre	Indoor & Outdoor	5 Years	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Livin’ Well 4000V Electric Zapper	6″ × 6″ × 13.5″	2-Way	1,500 sq. ft.	Indoor & Outdoor	1 Year	Check Price
	4. Flowtron BK-15D	8.5″ × 8.5″ × 13.5″	2-Way	½ Acre	Indoor & Outdoor	Limited 2 Years	Check Price
	5. ASPECTEK 20W Indoor Insect Killer	15.16″ × 11.02″ × 3.15″	2-Way	5,000 sq. ft.	Indoor	1 Year	Check Price
Best for the Money	6. Stinger Outdoor Insect Killer TZ15	12.7″ × 6.3″ × 6.2″	2-Way	½ Acre	Indoor & Outdoor	1 Year	Check Price
	7. Bell + Howell Monster Zapper	15″ × 10″ × 6″	2-Way	3,000 sq. ft.	Indoor	1 Year	Check Price
	8. Liba 2800V Insect Killer	15″ × 10.5″ × 3″	2-Way	6,000 sq. ft.	Indoor	2 Years	Check Price
	9. Zap IT! Mini TYG5759	16.1″ × 6.3″ × 1″	1-Way	10,000 Zaps/Charge	Indoor & Outdoor	2 Years	Check Price

1. BLACK+DECKER Indoor/Outdoor BDPC912

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First on our list is an electric grid device from Black+Decker that comes with a quiet operation. This impressive piece is relatively small, measuring just 16.3 inches in height, 13 in width and length, and coming to a total of 4.6 pounds. This makes it easy to place anywhere you’d like around your home or outside your home, as it can be used for either an indoor or an outdoor application. You must bear in mind, however, that it might not work as well during bright daylight because the UV light it uses to persuade the insects to go into the electric grid will not be as visible. You will also need an extension cord or an available socket wherever you’d like to place it because the supply cord comes at only 4.9 inches in length.

Performance

The build of the BDPC912 is largely made from hard plastic, including the collecting tray, and the zapping grid is metal, just like the ring and chain with the help of which you can mount it. Inside it, you’ll find two 18 Watt bulbs which come with 8,000 hours of use each, meaning that you’ll be able to clear your space of buzzers for a long time. The range it can cover goes up to 1 acre and the types of insects it will target are flies, moths, gnats, mosquitoes, and much more. Whatever bug that happens to land onto the 2,400 Volt grid will be toasted, therefore you should mount the product at least 20 feet from where you’ll be sitting to avoid having burned remains falling on you. The estimated time for a tray clean-up is about one week, as it is pretty spacious, but you could clean it more often if you want to.

Other Details

Although the exterior and interior grids are clog-proof, you should still clean them with the included brush, either monthly or when you can visibly notice any excess sticking on. For an added $10 investment you could benefit from a 3-year warranty period, but for this detail, you must check the Black+Decker terms.

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2. Black Flag BZ-40

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Up next, we are provided with a model from Black Flag, a well-known pest control company, which comes in a nice cylindrical shape that is a little more flared at the top. It has a more compact shape and a height of 19 inches with a metal ring on top to help you hang it wherever you’d like. This product is great for indoor or outdoor use, but it does come with a mosquito lure called Octenol, which makes it perfect for patio use as it can help lower the number of mosquitoes lurking around. Because of the said lure which releases into the air continuously for up to 30 days, you should keep it at least 20 feet away from you to avoid having the smell too close. If you want to place it inside, you can skip the Octenol altogether. If you need a larger product for indoor use only, the ASPECTEK 20W Indoor Insect Killer is a great choice.

Build Details

The UV-A light bulb sitting inside will be able to work for up to half a year and its 5,500-Volt electric grid will provide a high enough shock to kill the majority of flies, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and wasps on the first contact. It can cover up to one acre using 30% less energy, and when you’ll have to switch out the bulb you’ll see that it is easy to access when the only thing that you’ll have to do is to pull on the bottom cap. This is also the way you should go about cleaning it, as it does not come with a bottom tray. The warranty you can expect is of 5 years, therefore you’ll be well covered if any manufacturing defect were to show. The BZ-40 also comes with a second option, and the difference is that the Deluxe has an integrated light sensor that will turn the device on during nighttime and off during the daytime to help you save even more on power since the recommended use is keeping it plugged in 24 hours per day.

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3. Livin’ Well 4000V Electric Zapper

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Livin’ Well comes with our favorite product of the bunch. It is no bigger than 13.5 by 6 inches and weighs only 2.42 pounds, both aspects that will allow you to easily hook it up just about anywhere. The shape is more rounded than that of the previous models presented and the outer grid has plenty of space in between to let insects fly to their demise. Do keep in mind that the power supply cord is only 6 inches long, so you will have to provide an extension cord as well.

The attractant bulb has a lifespan of up to 8,000 hours and the electric grid delivers up to 4,000 Volts to make sure that every insect is zapped right away. It works both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its chemical-free operation, and it can cover an area that is as big as 1,500 square feet. After one week of constant operation, you should pop off the removable, spacious bottom tray and clean it out. To clean out the grid as well be sure to unplug the device and to give it plenty of time to discharge before touching it. Once it is safe to touch (you can check this with an electrical test pen), you can go ahead and use the included brush to scrape off any debris. The warranty window for the device is of 1 year. For more coverage from a device similar in size, check out the Stinger Outdoor Insect Killer TZ15.

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4. Flowtron BK-15D

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Moving on, we have another outdoor and indoor-use device to look at next. The BK-15D can operate with an impressive 5,500-Volt charge considering its small 13.5 by 8.5-inch size. This electrical grid model will smoke up any pest as soon as the first contact is established and it will also act as a collector within the grid, as there is no bottom tray for them to fall into. This means that you will have to clean it up quite frequently, even if it is advertised as a non-clogging type. The bulb will be able to serve you for up to 6 months, and the coverage area for the product is advertised as being half an acre.

For the best results, mount it about 25 feet away from the activity zone to avoid attracting the insects near you. Also, if you use it inside, avoid using the included Octenol lure and place it away from any flammable objects for a safe working condition. It comes with a 9-inch cord, which isn’t that long, but it does provide a little more length than the other few we’ve mentioned so far. Flowtron offers a 2-year, limited warranty to cover their devices, so that’s the window you’ll be benefiting from.

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5. ASPECTEK 20W Indoor Insect Killer

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The next contender comes at an affordable price and with a different shape, namely one that reminds us of a small space heater. Its measurements are 15.16 by 11 inches, with a 3.15-inch depth. This translates to a large front panel that can keep up with a higher number of insects. Starting from the outside and going towards the inside, said panel is made up of a protective external cage, a safety mesh screen, the 2,800 –Volt grid, and two 20 Watt bulbs screwed in horizontally. Thanks to this design, the powerful light of the bulbs will be visible very easily, and so it will efficiently do its job of attracting pests towards their shocking deaths.

Considering the larger size, the Aspectek has a surprisingly lightweight of only 2.8 pounds. This way you can have it either free-standing on a flat surface, or you can use the provided chain to mount it on a wall, out of your way and out of reach of curious hands and paws. When left free-standing, it will also be able to deal with crawlers such as spiders, ants, and cockroaches. The coverage is impressive, coming at 5,000 square feet, but the recommended use for this device is indoors only, seeing as it is not weatherproof, but you might be able to use it on a covered patio on drier days. To clean it up, simply remove the bottom tray and clear out the gunk once or multiple times a week, depending on how much debris falls inside.

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6. Stinger Outdoor Insect Killer TZ15

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Further along, we have a budget-friendly device from Stinger which has a shape and size that are similar to that of an air freshener device, but its use isn’t to keep your air fresh, it’s to keep it free of mosquitoes, wasps, flies, and other bothersome vermin. At only 2 pounds and with a size of 6.3 by 12.7 inches, the TZ15 is capable of having a covering range of up to half an acre. The UV-A light emitted by the bulb it hosts will attract flies into the 2,000-Volt grid where they will meet their end. The cord on this model is on the short side, only 6 inches, so be prepared to provide an extension cord as well.

Whether you use it indoors as is, or outdoors with the included lure pad, this device will do its job properly and at a high rate. That means that cleaning the grid will have to become a new habit for you. To do so, unplug it first and allow it time to cool off and lose the extra electric charge. Once you test it for safety, you can easily unscrew the bottom and reach in to dislodge the accumulated debris that rests on the inner grid. Do so carefully, to avoid causing any damage to the inner structure.

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7. Bell + Howell Monster Zapper

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Our second space heater-like model comes from Bell + Howell, and it is aptly named the Monster. Its 2-way protection combination consists of two 20 Watt UV-A light-emitting bulbs and one 2,800-Volt electrical grid that covers almost the whole length of the 15 by 10-inch panel. It is a little heavier compared to the Aspectek as it comes at 4.6 pounds, but it can still be mounted on a wall if leaving it free-standing isn’t your preferred choice. You can choose to set it up either indoors or in an outdoor area that is covered. Under no circumstance can this device be exposed to water or to the weather because its build materials are not proofed and they will malfunction. Also, a mentionable detail is that you should turn off any other light source in order to get the best results when using this model.

The range of coverage you can expect is 3,000 square feet, and you can rest assured that you won’t have to deal with any more pests or chemical repellents. Other benefits include radiation and odor-free operation, and the features of this model include a safety grid to keep you from accidentally zapping yourself, a removable tray for easy clean-up, a chain to mount it with, and a 1-year warranty window. To also include some movement on your part, go for the racquet-shaped model Zap IT! Mini TYG5759.

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8. Liba 2800V Insect Killer

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Liba continues with the same tune by bringing forward a third model with a wide front panel. This product, like the Monster from Ben + Howell, is equipped with a 2,800-Volt electrical grid and two UV-A light bulbs, but the coverage it can provide is twice as big, at 6,000 square feet. The size of the panel and the weight are similar, at 15 by 10.5 inches and 4.2 pounds respectively, aspects which translate into a wall-mountable or a free-standing unit.

This device is advertised as being an indoor-use type, so whether or not you are using it outdoors will have to be your own choice to make. Do try keeping it in a covered, dry area if you have to use it on your patio, for example. Again, this unit operates free of chemicals and it comes with a safety panel to keep accidental hand zapping to a minimum. Its bottom tray is removable and depending on the number of insects that are causing an issue, you might be required to clean it out multiple times a week. The power supply cord is only 5 inches long, but to make up for it, the package includes a mounting chain and replacement bulbs to give you plenty of time to enjoy a bug-free life before you have to search for a new bulb set.

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9. Zap IT! Mini TYG5759

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The final product on our list comes in the shape of a handheld racquet zapper, taking us back to the more classical approach, as it mimics old-school swatters. However, as opposed to said traditional option, this product can deliver more than just a smack. It will also make use of its 4,000-Volt grid to fry the insects that cross its path. The size varies with the Zap IT! Mini and the package includes a pair, no matter if you choose the small, the medium, or the large version. The weight is nothing to worry about either, because it has been made lightweight to be used easily.

Once fully charged, this handy device will be able to deliver up to 10,000 zaps, and you can use it both indoor and outdoor, granted that you don’t get it in contact with water. For safe handling, the electric grid is covered by a triple-layer mesh, but this also means that you will have to swat harder to get bigger bugs through to make contact with the electric grid. Another feature that can ensure safety is a switch that can block the zapping, and if you use it during night time and you want optimal results, you can make use of the integrated LED light below the panel. To recharge it after a full day of use, any USB compatible port will do the trick, as the Zap IT! comes with a 3-inch micro-USB cable.

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The Benefits of Insect Killers

There are many benefits to using this type of product. The most and most obvious one is that it will kill the annoying insects that are out to get you, as opposed to the trap models that will only keep them contained. You don’t have to worry about their design not fitting in either, as they are thought out to be small, practical, and some of them quite stylish. Most models won’t give you a headache when it comes to assembling them or using them either, as they are pretty straightforward. To make a few points that are easier to read, the specific benefits are the following:

1. Chemical-free Operation – Not having to spray harmful fumes into the air to rid your house of bothersome pests is still a very likable perk in today’s world. These products work by attracting insects with the help of UV-A light, and then, when the bugs reach the inner grid charged with a high level of electricity, they will be fried on the spot. With racquet types, the action is even quicker, as you can maneuver it wherever you need.
2. Reusable – As opposed to sprays, this product doesn’t run out. Well, battery-wise at least. Since it comes with a power supply cord, or with rechargeable batteries, the only component that you will have to think about replacing is the UV bulb, and even so, it will definitely last longer than a can of spray.
3. Portable – Many of them come in small sizes. This means that you can take them anywhere, from your backyard all the way to your camping ground. Thus, you will minimize the risk of getting bitten no matter where you go.
4. Easy to clean – They are designed to be easy to clean, as all you will have to do is empty the tray in a dustbin and dislodge any extra debris from the inner and outer grids. Most also come with their own cleaning brush so you won’t have to think about what household tool is appropriate for them. Some won’t even require a brush, and you will be able to clean them using only compressed air.

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Buying Guide

Acquiring a new device should be done only after you know what the key aspects are that make it what it is. If you make a blind purchase, you might end up with a product that isn’t what you would have liked and that doesn’t suit your home or the use you had in mind. That’s why we put together this handy guide that will tell you all you need to know about these zappers.

Size

The size of the product matters in two cases. If you plan on moving it from room to room and you don’t have a second person that can help you, it’s better to choose a unit with a weight and dimensions that you can handle on your own. The second case is the placement. The unit you choose should be small enough to fit in the space you need it, or light enough in case you plan on attaching it to a wall or a pole.

Type & Number of Bulbs

The type of bulbs, as well as the number, are two important aspects that you need to know in order to have an easier time when you need to replace them. Check beforehand to see if the model you want has bulbs that are easy to find or that come at a reasonable price. In some cases, the replacement bulbs are included in the package, while in others, they make up have of the product’s initial price, so you should be aware of what you’re choosing.

Grid Voltage

The voltage of the grid is a detail that will matter when it comes to actually killing the insects that touch it. A lower voltage will do fine with bugs like flies or mosquitoes, but for bigger ones like yellow jackets, wasps, or gnats, you’ll definitely need a higher one. The models we’ve reviewed range from low (2,000 V) to high (5,500 V), but the most common voltage is that of 2,800 V. You should know the type of insects you’re dealing with, so choose accordingly.

Coverage

The coverage aspect, in this case, refers to the range of the UV light that beckons the insects towards the grid or the range of the mosquito lure that some of the models come with. In this comparison, the biggest area coverage is advertised as going up to one full acre, whereas the smallest covers 1,500 square feet – a choice that’s more appropriate for a patio or indoor use.

Safety Precautions

Some models come with specific safety precautions mentioned either on the box or in the instruction manual, and those precautions refer to distance requirements or no touching of certain components. The distance requirements usually have to do with the fact that it would be unpleasant to hear the zapping noise or have dead bugs fall near you, but sometimes this requirement applies if you add a lure – as those can have an unpleasant smell.

Touching the components is not allowed because of the grid voltage we’ve mentioned earlier. The risk of injury is quite high, therefore you should place these devices in areas where children or pets can’t reach.

Applicability

Some models can only be used indoor, others only outdoor, but some are versatile and you can place them wherever. Seeing as they work with UV light and electricity, they won’t release any chemicals into the air if you choose to place them inside unless you add a lure pod, in which case you should make sure that it is safe for indoor use.

Other Details

Other details that you should consider are:

• The target species – Whether the model you chose is advertised as a good choice for the pests that you have an issue with.
• How often you need to clean it – Given that they can deal with a large number of insects in one day, frequent cleaning of the device might be necessary. But this depends on the size of the tray, because the bigger it is, the less often you need to clean it. Also, check to see if the tray is removable, as that will make the cleaning job much easier.
• Accessories – It’s always nice to have extra accessories come with a purchase. This can include lure pods, longer electric cables, hanging chains, replacement bulbs, or cleaning tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Using the right products is essential to remove unpleasant insects. If you still haven’t found a solution by now, we hope that our guide can help you along. Considering all our suggestions, you can take your time and decide which one is the best for your environment. Be it for indoor use or outdoor use, they are an excellent alternative to remove insects. So, let’s make a quick review of the most popular of the lot:

Best Bug Zapper for Sale: BLACK+DECKER Indoor/Outdoor BDPC912

The best choice out there, the Black+Decker BDPC912 is ready to help you on your quest of getting rid of all the bothersome buzzing annoyances around your home. It comes prepared with a pair of bright, long-lasting bulbs, a zapping power of 2,400 Volts, a 1-acre range of coverage, and a couple of accessories that will help you mount it and clean it whenever you empty out the bottom tray.

Editor’s Choice: Livin’ Well 4000V Electric Zapper

The one that won our vote, the Livin’ Well model, is more than capable of efficient extermination, no matter where you choose to mount it. This indoor/outdoor device has a bulb with a lifespan of 8,000 hours, an electric grid that will shock with 4,000 Volts, the ability to cover up to 1,500 square feet, and a spacious bottom tray, perfect for collecting the gruesome aftermath.

Best Bug Zapper for the Money: Stinger Outdoor Insect Killer TZ15

To keep you safe from both a high bite risk and a high price, the TZ15 from Stinger comes with an array of features that are at your disposal. Can it cover a large area? Half an acre. Does it pack a punch? The 2,000-Volt grid says it can. Can it be mounted anywhere? This device is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and to make the whole process faster, it also comes with one mosquito lure.

Best Bug Zapper for the Patio: Black Flag BZ-40

If your patio has suddenly become infested by a swarm of insects belonging to who knows how many different groups, the good news is that the BZ-40 from Black Flag can act against them efficiently and without discrimination. If it crawls, flies, or jumps into the 5,500-Volt grid, the insect will be done for. And the operation is quieter, too, so you will be able to enjoy peaceful after-dinner siestas on your patio once again.