Whether you prefer to do your outdoor entertaining on sunny days or warm nights, there’s one thing that almost everyone can agree on: Getting targeted by an invasion of stinging, chomping insects really bites (no pun intended). Few things ruin a relaxing evening on the deck faster than constantly swatting pests who see your family and guests as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
But bugs aren’t just annoying; they can also be a health hazard. Mosquitoes carry diseases such as West Nile virus. Many people also have allergic reactions to bites, ranging from irritating rashes to severe medical emergencies.
Bug zappers can be an effective defense to keep insects from taking over your space.
- Trusted, well-known brand
- Safety guard to protect kids and pets
- Some reviewers said it sometimes doesn’t kill insects instantly
Key Specs
- Coverage Area: Up to 1.5 acres
- Power Source: Electrical outlet
- Ease of Cleanup: Relatively easy to clean with minimal mess
When it comes to insect control, Black Flag is one of the most recognizable names around. The manufacturer recommends situating this unit at least 20 feet away from where you gather, but with a claimed coverage area of up to 1.5 acres, that doesn’t affect its performance. Energy-efficient features include an LED light and dusk-to-dawn sensor that can turn the unit on only during insect primetime. It’s relatively quiet, and the soft purple light adds some cool ambiance at night. Additionally, it has a clip-on lure that contains octenol, a chemical that attracts insects. Each lure cartridge lasts about a month.
- Decent coverage area for an indoor model
- Reliable high-quality construction
- Reviewers say the zapping noise isn’t as quiet as they would like
Key Specs
- Coverage Area: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Power Source: Electrical outlet
- Ease of Cleanup: Simple; just empty the collection tray (cleaning brush included)
This unit is designed for use indoors or in an enclosed or covered area outside. You get the durable high-quality construction you would expect from Black & Decker and reliable performance. When using it indoors, I recommend not positioning it near a window at night, or you might discover a high volume of insects swarming around outside the glass or screen trying to figure out how to get to the light.
