Every spring when the weather warms up, bugs start hatching everywhere and people resume their never-ending quest for an answer to their whining and itching bites.
It’s an annual problem and you should get a jump start on it!
Many of them are stationary devices that lure bugs in, while others are handheld devices that you use at will on any of the little flying pests that come near you.
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If you’re interested in knowing more about bug zappers keep reading our full overview and review of bug zappers.
Otherwise, you canclick here to find our top reviewed outdoor bug zapper, orclick hereto find our favorite handheld swatter.
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated as of January 4th, 2022
Out of all of the bug zappers we reviewed, we really liked the Flowtron BK-40 as it boasts very positive reviews and has the backing of a very strong brand in Flowtron.
The rugged construction of this zapper, makes it a no-brainer pick for your outdoor needs. In order for an outdoor zapper to be effective, it needs to be able to "weather" the environment. The weatherproof frame provides solid protection to the 15 watt , high intenstiy bulb.
Additionally, this zapper provides a USDA tested attractant in Octenol, which is a proven mosquito lure. You will have to refill these every 30 days or so; however these aresuper affordable like these ones by Black Flag.
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What Are Bug Zappers?
Bug zappers are electric devices for killing flying bugs. They can be manufactured as hanging lanterns, plug-in night lights, heater-like panels that sit wherever you place them, or handheld devices that you swat the mosquitoes with.
Read More:How to Keep Flies Away
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Connect with a local pro todayHow Do Bug Zappers Work?
Bug zappers consist of a UV light, an electric power source (cord or battery), and a metal grid. The UV light attracts mosquitoes. When they see it, especially at night, they are attracted to it just like the bugs you see flapping around football stadium lights.
The electrified grid or mesh sits in front of the UV light source. When the bugs encounter the grid they are electrocuted by it, producing the characteristic snap, crackle, and pop associated with bug zappers. A tiny spark of light usually accompanies the pop when a flying pest is killed.
The dead bugs that are killed by the zapper, fall into a catch tray at the bottom of the zapper. In the case of handheld bug zappers, the dead bugs simply fall to the ground wherever you killed them.
Read More:Best Stinkbug Traps
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Are Bug Zappers Effective?
This is where it gets a bit dicey. Without exception,研究人员建议所有人not to use bug zappers– for mosquitoes.
The reason is that mosquitoes are moreattracted to heat and carbon dioxidethan to UV light. Since people emit body heat and carbon dioxide, we’re more attractive to them than the bug zapper is.
Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide, created when we exhale, at levels as small as50 parts per million. They may be attracted to the UV light from the bug zapper, but as soon as they detect our exhaled carbon dioxide, they change direction and head for us.
Even Octenol packets, which contain a chemical that mimics human breath, can’t compete with the real thing as an attractant. Given a choice, mosquitoes pick us every time.
Bug zappers kill huge numbers of non-mosquito bugs though because many of them are attracted by UV light.Research has demonstrated that mosquitoes are only 4.1% - 6.4% of the total number of insects killed each year by bug zappers. The rest are other flying insects.
If you’re buying an electric bug zapper to kill mosquitoes, it won’t be as effective as you’re hoping it will be. If you’re buying a bug zapper to kill flying pests such as moths, gnats, fruit flies and so on, then you’ll be well satisfied with the results you get from it.
For more information about bug zappers, check out the video below!
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How to Use Bug Zappers
There are two main types of bug zappers; stationary zappers and handheld ones. Each type is used differently.
Stationary
The stationary bug zappers can either be the plug-in type or run on batteries, which are often rechargeable ones. These are the ones with a black light in them, either from a light bulb or LED light. They lure and kill insects who are attracted to ultraviolet light.
Some of them are designed exclusively for outdoor use and general pest control while others are only meant to be an indoor bug zapper. Some of those actually double as a night light as well as an insect killer.
Handheld
A handheld bug zapper, sometimes known as anelectric fly swatter, typically looks like a tennis racket. When you see a flying insect headed your way, just grab it and swat them.
You don’t have to mash them against a hard surface the way you do with a regular fly swatter because in places of strings in the “racket” there is another electrified grid. This turns it into an electronic bug zapper for killing bugs in midair.
You can use handheld bug zappers inside for insect control or use it as an outdoor bug zapper. Because you can pick and choose what to swat, you can kill a large number of insects without killing beneficial insects in the process. You get a bug zapper you can aim.
10 Best Bug Zappers Reviewed
The PESUTEN Bug Zapper utilizes over 4,200 volts of bug-zapping power to deliver a lethal blow to any fling insect, including:
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Mosquitoes
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Flies
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Moths
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Gnats
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Fruit flies
Flies, mosquitoes, and moths don't stand a chance against this effective bug-killing machine. There's no more need for smelly aerosol sprays. Just plug the unit into any AC outlet, and it will start to work right away.
The Pest Killer Bug Zapper comes with a pullout tray for easy cleaning. In addition, the safety grid makes it safe for use around children and pets, and it's ideal for any indoor environment.
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Final Thoughts On Bug Zappers
When flying pests are in your face, hair, and clothes, and you don’t want to take a chance on spraying chemicals into the air, an electronic insect killer may be your ticket to a better life.
Do you agree with the order we’ve listed them in? Or do you think your favorite deserves to be higher on the list? Let us know. We always value your feedback.
Other Pest Product Guides
Curious about other pest-related articles? Check out our other detailed guides to help you deal with your pest problems.
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Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.
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