electric insect killer

August 1, 2023 by J. Hawthorne

The 5 Best Indoor Bug Zappers

Although any electric insect killer works inside the home, some models excel at it. Only a small percentage are specifically designed for use indoors.

Traditionally bug zappers protect large outdoor areas from insects, and are often overkill indoors. They look cartoonishly large in many spaces. Smaller, less expensive zappers are typically a better fit.

Indoor bug zappers are still a niche offering. The selection is expanding but there’s a lack of reliable brands in the category. For this reason, some will be better served by using an outdoor zapper that’s known to last, even indoors, particularly if they’re covering a large space.

That being said, let’s look at your best options.

June 13, 2023 by J. Hawthorne

The Best Bug Zappers (Electric Mosquito Killers)

Throwing a backyard BBQ is what summer is all about. And to do it right, you need to get your outdoor pest-control game down.

Bug zappers are straightforward in function. They’re equipped with a UV light that attracts mosquitos, flies, and other flying insects. Once bugs enter the center of the device, they’re swiftly electrocuted.

Cheap, Unremarkable Bug Zappers Abound

In a world full of difficult choices, it’s comforting to find clear winners every now and again.

There aren’t that many big players in electric bug killers out there. Flowtron, Koolatron, Stinger, Dynatrap and Westinghouse products make up the majority of the market.

Out of the bunch, Flowtron consistently makes zappers that get the best ratings in user reviews. Meanwhile, its strongest competitors are lucky to release a model that rises above mediocrity.

The problem with lesser zappers is consistent. Most of it doesn’t last.

May 15, 2017 by J. Hawthorne

Flowtron BK-15D Bug Zapper Review

Flowtron is known for their large, powerful bug zappers that cover a larger area than the competition.

The BK-15D is their most affordable, humble offering for people that need to protect a half an acre from pests, not engage a mosquito armageddon to benefit neighbors. By comparison the BK-40D and BK-80D are a little larger and cover 1 acre and 1 ½ acre respectively.

It’s made with the same high build quality as its larger siblings. Top of the steel exterior acts like the pitched roof of a home: rain water safely drips down the edges far from the electrical grid and UV lamp inside.

The 15-watt black light bulb attracts mosquitos, flies, gnats and other flying pests. Octenol attractant can be used to pull in mosquitos more effectively. Adding lure turns a device that only needs electricity to operate into a zapper that may cost an estimated $2.50 to $5 per month depending on the climate. Hot weather means the attractant doesn’t last as long. But keep in mind, the BK-15D may serve you fine without lure.

Along with the bulb, the heart of a zapper is of course the electrical grid and these are designed not to clog. Bugs go where they should: the pan at the bottom. You’ll be cleaning this puppy often. The thoughtfulness of details in its design puts Flowtron in a league higher than most insect killer stuff you’ll see on Amazon.com.

April 28, 2017 by J. Hawthorne

Zap-It! Bug Zapper Racket Review

There’s something diabolically satisfying about silencing an annoying fly with a fly swatter. The Zap It! takes that idea, makes it possible outdoors, then brings it to the next level. Plus, it adds high-tech features such as USB charging, bright LED light and safety mesh to boot!

While practical in function the Zap It! can practically be considered a toy for adults. Who could possibly resist an electrified tennis racket with a cool lightning bolt symbol at the center of the mesh? The sheer novelty of it will inspire curiosity in your friends who will want to give it a swing for themselves.

The unit is powered by a battery which provides 2,000-volts to the grid. This will instantly kill flies, mosquitoes and other flying insects. It can be charged via a micro USB port located at the bottom of the handle (under a small yellow cover). This is a welcome feature in an era where phone chargers and so ubiquitous and USB ports are found in practically any laptop.

April 19, 2017 by J. Hawthorne

Stinger Cordless Rechargeable Insect Zapper Review

Maybe your bug zapper needs aren’t that demanding, or perhaps running a power cable to the right spot on your deck to an insect control device isn’t feasible.

Everybody wants to cut the cord for the sake of convenience, but only certain people should. For people that enjoy hosting backyard gatherings often, a bug zapper that protects the entire yard is a must. Many of us don’t need that and can improvise with Citronella torches when special occasions arise. If it’s that one spot you spend the most time at that matters, your deck or stone patio, for this purpose the Stinger by Kaz is ideal.

The Stinger covers 625 sq. ft., which is approximately 25×25 ft. It’s a modest specification, but if it’s all you need and the idea of battery power appeals to you, it might be worth the tradeoff. On full charge it runs 3.5 hours. This also limits its applications. It will protect you and company while sitting outside for an after-work brew, but you’ll want another product for an outdoor blast.

The unit charges and operates while plugged-in. In a pinch you won’t be out of luck if you run out of battery power as long as electrical outlet is nearby. Recharging time is three hours. The status light is red while charging and it switches to red when it’s ready.