Although any electric insect killer works inside the home, some models excel at it, and only a few are specifically designed for it.
Since a good portion of bug zappers protect large outdoor areas from insects, these are overkill and will look cartoonishly large indoors. Smaller, less expensive zappers are a better fit.
Indoor/outdoor bug zappers are a viable solution but it’s important to remember to remove any chemical lure before moving it inside. Some of the better bug zappers give you the option to use chemical lure such as octenol which gives off an odor and is potentially harmful as its intended for outdoor use only. Most compact bug zappers are chemical-free however.
1. Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer
In a space where dubious brands are the norm, Flowtron is a family-owned business that has been around since 1920. The BK-15D is Flowtron’s smallest, entry-level bug zapper and yet it still manages to cover 1/2 acre which is way beyond what most bug zappers can do at this price. If you want something you can use both inside the house and in the yard, this may be the only zapper you need.
2. Hoont Powerful Electronic Indoor Bug Zapper
You’ll come across flat panel electric insect killers with a super-similar look marketed with the names of Hoont, Liba, Aspectek and PestZilla™. All are 20 watts, have two blue UV lights inside and cover 6,000 sq. ft. These sit against the wall and can also be set on the floor making it easier to find the right place for it that’s out of the way. Safe, and doesn’t use chemicals.
3. HIG Electronic Mosquito Zapper, Indoor Insect Killer
If you aren’t put off by its funky green exterior and unusual appearance, this is one of the smallest indoor solutions that still packs a punch (coverage of 30 sq. meters / over 300 sq. ft.). Like other zappers it uses a LED light to attract pests, and throws in an interesting twist with a suction fan that pulls in the prey, zapping it via the interior grid. To clean, lift the clear plastic shield and give the grid a quick wipe with a paper towel.
4. SereneLife Bug Zapper, Waterproof Indoor/Outdoor Electric Pest Control
Its elegant, tulip-like design and slimmer than average dimensions (7.1 x 7.1 x 13.4 in.) make this a good indoor unit. Operation is eco-friendly and chemical-free: the integrated UV light is enough to attract mosquitos, gnats, flies and other pests. Covers an area of 500+ sq. ft. which is fine for small indoor spaces, but it’s outside applications are limited to protecting just a deck or gathering area.
5. GLOUE Bug Zapper, Night Lamp
So you need a nightlight and an indoor insect zapper. Why not kill two bugs with one light? This is the only product listed here that is feasible for travel. Equally good in hotels, motorhomes, and campers. The blue case fits over a compact electric grid and at the very back there is a strip of tiny LED lights to attract gnats, flies and mosquitoes. Great that the cord is eliminated plus you don’t need to find a way to mount it.
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Photo: Tom