12 Best Bug Zappers That Keep Critters from Swarming Your Space

The sun is out... and so are the bugs. While insects can be a buzzkill at summer cookouts and parties, you don’t have to relinquish the backyard to the invaders.

The best way to do battle with an army of flying menaces on their turf is with a bug zapper. They attract and demolish all forms of flying insects in and around your yard, generally via UV light, and sometimes with an added form of bait. There are even several models that work indoors and outdoors.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

Keep the following in mind when shopping for an electric insect repellent for your space:

Coverage Area: If you’re in need of a bug zapper for your bathroom, you’re not going to need much coverage (200 square feet will suffice!). But if you want to secure an outdoor space like a patio or pool area, you’re going to want to look for one that can cover 1,500 or more square feet. We include many bug zappers on both ends of the spectrum and in between.

Type: If you’re looking for an indoor zapper, a plug-in, hanging, or lightbulb-style zapper may be best. For the outdoors, a pole-mounted or lantern style would be ideal.

Power Source: If you don’t have a source of electricity handy in your backyard, you’re going to want a solar-powered zapper, but if you live in a cloudy area, solar may not be practical. We have electric, solar-powered, and electric-solar zappers on our roundup to offer up some options.

We all know what bug zappers are for, but there’s a lot more to think about than just how effective they are. Rest assured that all of the zappers we include are efficient insect-killing machines sure to give you a swat-free summer.