As the weather warms up and you find yourself enjoying more time outdoors, you may have noticed the increase in mosquito activity around your yard and property.
Mosquitoes are more than just annoying pests. Mosquito bites leave behind itchy red bumps that can last for days and they sometimes carry serious illnesses and diseases.
And while mosquitoes are mostly known for being outdoor pests, they have been found to make their way inside our homes, entering through holes, cracks, crevices, open doors, torn screens, and more to make a meal out of us and our families.
Are you looking for an effective way to manage mosquitoes this summer and protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a hungry mosquitoe’s next meal? Why not try looking for the best mosquito zapper on the market?
If you’re not sure where to start, we have you covered. Join us as we talk a bit about mosquitoes, mosquito control methods, and learn about some of the best mosquito zapper products available to purchase.
Contents
What Are Mosquitoes?
mosquitoes are small, biting insects that can smell carbon monoxide from our breath up to 30 feet away.
Mosquitoes are small insects that feed on blood from human and animal hosts. There are an estimated 200 species of mosquitoes in the United States alone, and each unique species can live and survive in different types of habitats and climates.
Most species of mosquito are active during dawn and dusk, although some are active throughout the day and night. They prefer habitats with abundant moisture, including sitting water sources like ponds, lakes, and bird baths.
Because mosquitoes swarm in such large numbers and cause irritating bites, they are most often seen as incredibly annoying pests. However, they can also carry some serious illnesses, as we mentioned above.
Some of the most common illnesses caused by mosquitoes include West Nile Virus, malaria, Chikungunya virus, and dengue.
Since mosquitoes can be dangerous to our health and the health of our loved ones, it’s especially important for people to look into different ways they can protect themselves and their homes from these annoying (and itch-inducing) pests.
But before we dive into some of the best mosquito control methods and best mosquito zapper products, let’s talk a bit more about what might have attracted mosquitoes to your property in the first place.
What Attracts Mosquitoes To Your Home Or Property?
Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water sources like bird baths and ponds.
Like many yard and garden pests, mosquitoes are attracted by abundant food sources and ideal breeding grounds. Because mosquitoes spend 75% of their life cycle in standing freshwater sources before they mature, any source of stagnant water can be attractive to mosquitoes.
In fact, stagnant water is actually the number one attractant to mosquitoes in your yard, and sources of this stagnant water may surprise you.
Some common sources of stagnant water that attract mosquitoes include:
- Tires
- Birdbaths
- Wheelbarrow
- Buckets
- Outdoor pet water and food bowls
- Garden ponds
- Clogged drains
- Wet ditches
- Sewers
- Embacted guterst
- Flower pots
- And trash can lids
Mosquitoes may also be more attracted to your yard if you are constantly watering your garden or grass or using your sprinkler system. Long grass, loose yard debris, and clogged drains are also ideal for breeding mosquitoes.
Of course, mosquitoes are also attracted to tasty food sources, and their favorite meal is often going to be you. Even if you don’t have a mosquito breeding ground on your property, you may still be attracting them just by breathing.
Mosquitoes can travel up to two miles or more to find a food source and are attracted by the carbon monoxide we exhale, often being able to smell it from over 30 feet away. These biting bugs are also attracted by our sweat and body heat.
So, how do you control mosquitoes and stop them from ruining your spring and summer? Along with using other mosquito control methods like repellents, sprays and insecticides, we recommend using mosquito zappers for both inside and outside of your home.
Let’s take a look at some of the best mosquito zapper products you can use below.
What Is The Best Mosquito Zappers For Outdoor Use?
Mosquitoes can be most problematic outdoors between dawn and dusk.
There are plenty of mosquito control methods you can use to repel and control a mosquito problem in your yard, including using bug traps and zappers.
That said, when many people think of insect zappers, they rarely think of finding the best mosquito zapper to quell their mosquito problem and often think zappers are meant for other insects like moths, flies, and beetles.
However, there are some zappers that are specifically designed for mosquitoes and that work well to control mosquitoes both inside and outside of your home.
To begin, let’s take a look at some of the best mosquito zapper products for outdoor use.
Flowtron Electronic Bug Killer
No products found.
First on our list of best mosquito zapper products is this outdoor bug zapper made by Flowtron. This product is designed to protect you during outdoor activity from a number of biting and stinging insects including mosquitoes, wasps, flies, moths, and more.
The zapper works by luring mosquitoes in using ultraviolet light and then killing them with a small shock. The product has a built in cage to protect people, pets, and even other beneficial wildlife like birds from getting zapped.
Livin’ Well Bug Zapper
No products found.
Another product we love for our list of best mosquito zapper products is by Livin’ Well. This is again an outdoor mosquito zapper that is designed specifically to control and eliminate pesky flying insects like mosquitoes, moths, flies, wasps, and more.
The design works to attract mosquitoes and other insects and then kills them once they pass through the protective grid cage. Best of all, this mosquito zapper is quiet, waterproof, and perfectly ideal for outdoor use.
Black+Decker outdoor Bug Zapper
No products found.
Black+Decker is a proven company that we trust, which is why we have listed this zapper here for the best mosquito zapper products for outdoor use. We especially like this zapper because it has a more secure grid on the outside, which helps keep other wildlife and unintended insects from entering and getting zapped like butterflies.
This zapper is meant for outdoor use and can be placed on your patio, in your garden, or anywhere else outside your home to protect you from small flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, and flies.
Dekugaa Mosquito Lamp
No products found.
Last on our list of best mosquito zapper products for outdoor use is this mosquito lamp by Dekugaa. This product is specifically designed for mosquito control but it also works to protect your yard and property against other flying pests like flies, wasps, moths, and more.
It uses UV light to attract and zap mosquitoes and has a protective cage barrier to keep other beneficial wildlife safe. It also helps collect dead moquotes inside so you won’t have to deal with a messy cleanup of dead bugs on your porch or patio, which is always a plus.
What Is The Best Mosquito Zappers For Indoor Use?
Mosquitoes can find their way inside homes through unsealed entry and exit points.
As we mentioned briefly above, mosquitoes may begin as an outdoor nuisance but they can easily find their way inside your home if you’re not careful.
During warmer months, using one of the best mosquito zapper products for indoors can help control mosquito problems and reduce your chances of getting bitten.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the best mosquito zapper products for indoor use, according to consumers.
TOLOCO Mosquito Lamp
No products found.
The first indoor mosquito lamp on our list of best mosquito zapper products is not a zapper at all, though it still uses many of the same tactics to control and kill mosquitoes as outdoor electric zappers.
We like this product for indoor use because it uses UV light and fans to attract mosquitoes and then sucks them inside the trap, capturing them using sticky tape. This is a quiet, safe, and effective method for indoor mosquito control you can use that doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals, insecticides, or stinky odors.
This trap can also help control other pests like fruit flies and gnats.
Indoor Plug-In Bug Zapper
No products found.
When looking for the best mosquito zapper product for indoor use, one of the most important qualities, along with being effective, is that it is also quiet. This is why we have listed the Brison bug zapper above.
This is a discrete, quiet mosquito zapper that works by being plugged into a power outlet anywhere in your home to control and kill flying insects. It also works on moths, gnats, and flies.
Shootingstar Indoor Mosquito Zapper
No products found.
Next on our list of best mosquito zapper products for indoors is by a company called Shootingstar. This product works similarly to the other plug-in mosquito zapper on this list. We like that it is quiet, discrete and works once it is plugged into a power outlet.
There is also an attractive night light that comes on at night and the zapper includes an on and off switch to make using it easier.
Sandman Crafts Mosquito Zapper
No products found.
Last, we have a bug zapper by Sandman Crafts. This made it to our list of best mosquito zapper products for indoor use because, like many of the other zappers on this list, it is quiet, discrete, and effective. It works once it is plugged into a power outlet and can also be used as a nightlight.
The protective grid makes it safe for use in homes with children and pets and a bottom shelf helps collect dead bugs, making cleanup easy.
Along With Using The Best Mosquito Zapper I Can Find, What Other Products Can I Use To Control Mosquitoes?
Along with using bug zappers, experts recommend using other forms of mosquito control as well.
While bug zappers are a helpful tool in controlling flying pests, even the best mosquito zapper is not an ideal long term solution to controlling serious mosquito problems in and around your home.
Along with using the best mosquito zapper products you can find, we recommend using other methods including repellents, home remedies, and commercial products to protect yourself and your family from pesky mosquitoes.
Bifen XTS Bifenthrin
No products found.
One of the most popular products you can use alongside the best mosquito zipper is an insecticide called Bifen XTS. This product is an insecticide but it has a low toxicity level, making it ideal to use on properties with children and pets.
Best of all, this product can also help control other pest problems including fleas, roaches, spiders, and more.
Cutter Backyard Bug Control
No products found.
We have listed this product because it works especially well in larger gardens and yards to control all kinds of pests like mosquitoes, ants, spiders, roaches, earwigs, and aphids. It reaches up to 5,000 square feet and not only kills pests, but also keeps them from returning for long periods of time.
That said, this product does use chemical ingredients and should be used with caution and only as directed.
Best Mosquito Control Home Remedies
You can make your own mosquito traps using soda bottles and other ingredients.
Along with using the best mosquito zapper you can find to help control the mosquitoes driving you crazy on your property and in your home, you can also make your own mosquito traps yourself.
In fact, there are many repellents and ingredients you may already have in your kitchen pantry or refrigerator that you can use right now to repel and control a mosquito problem.
Some of the top ingredients that can repel mosquitoes include:
- Citronella oil
- Lavender oil
- Thyme
- Neem oil
- Tea tree oil
- Cinnamon
- Clove oil
- Soybean OIl
- And Citrus Oil
You can even make your own repellent sprays by mixing the essential oil of your choice with water and spraying it around your property both inside and out to help repel mosquitoes naturally.
To make your own mosquito repellent body spray, simply spray the solution on yourself and your loved ones (so long as they don’t have any sensitivities) in order to keep yourselves from getting bitten.
Along with using essential oils for pest control, you can make your own mosquito traps. Some of our favorite recipes include:
The Amish Flying Insect Trap
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup of Vinegar
- 1 Cup of Sugar
- 1 Banana Peel
- 2 Cups of Water
- A Plastic 2-Liter Soda Bottle
Directions:
Place the above ingredients into the soda bottle and mix it thoroughly. You may need to cut the banana peel in order for it to fit through the neck of the bottle.
Once the ingredients are mixed, you can place this open bottle outdoors where you notice mosquito activity. It will attract not only mosquitoes but other garden pests as well, enticing them to crawl into the bottle and drown in the liquid.
Brown Sugar And Yeast Trap
Ingredients:
- 1 Packet of Dry Yeast
- 1 Cup of Brown Sugar
- 4 Cups of Warm Water
- 2 Cups of Water
- A Plastic 2-Liter Soda Bottle
Directions:
For this mosquito trap, you’ll need to cut the soda bottle top off about 1/3rd of the way down. You will be using this bottle top to make an inverted mosquito trap. Mix the above ingredients in the bottom part of the soda bottle and invert the lid to make a downward funnel. This will attract mosquitoes both inside and out and trap them in the solution, drowning them.
Other Tips On Preventing Mosquitoes
Help keep mosquitoes away by following routine yard and home maintenance.
Keeping mosquitoes at bay will take more than just using the best mosquito zapper products, repellents, and insecticides.
Mosquitoes are very common and annoyingly persistent, so along with using home remedies, repellents, sprays, traps, and even the best mosquito zapper, we recommend taking some preventive measures in order to keep your home and yard mosquito free.
If you are dealing with mosquitoes in your garden, try planting mosquito repellent plants including:
- Catnip
- Lavender
- Basil
- Lemon Balm
- Lemongrass
- Marigolds
- Rosemary
- Garlic
- Peppermint
- Pennyroyal
- Floss Flower
- Lemon Mint
- Sage
- Bee Balm
- Lemon Scented Geraniums
- Horsemint
- Lemon Thyme
The below video goes over some other mosquito repelling plants you can use to help keep mosquitoes away.
You can also prevent mosquitoes in your yard or garden by:
- Reducing Common Breeding Sites
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Reduce mosquito breeding grounds on your property by removing unnecessary water sources. Refresh bird baths often, empty water-filled flower pots, keep dog bowls refreshed and clean, and remove algae from garden ponds.
- Inviting Mosquito Predators
Mosquitoes have plenty of predators, including swallows and bats. You can help increase bat activity by adding bat shelters around your home and place bird feeders anywhere you have seen lots of mosquitoes or wherever you have noticed a possible mosquito breeding site.
- Using Mosquito Repellents
Along with using the best mosquito zapper you can find, we also suggest routinely using mosquito repellents including essential oils, natural repellents, and home remedies to keep mosquitoes under control.
You can prevent mosquitoes in your home by:
- Sealing cracks and crevices
The best mosquito zapper will help kill mosquitoes inside your home, but you can help prevent them from getting inside your home in the first place by making sure all cracks, crevices, and entry and exit points are sealed.
- Repairing ripped screens
Ripped and broken screens are often the easiest ways for mosquitoes and other pests to gain entry into your home. You can help keep them at bay by ensuring you repair any rips or tears in your screens and by ensuring screens are properly fitted to your windows.
- Keep Doors And Windows Closed
Unless you have a screen or mosquito netting to protect your home from invading pests, experts recommend keeping doors and windows closed as often as possible. This will not only help reduce the chances of mosquitoes entering your home, but also other pests as well.
And remember, the best mosquito zapper may offer temporary mosquito relief, but it won’t offer a permanent solution to your mosquito problems. Still, when used alongside other pest control remedies like repellents, sprays, and preventatives, you should be able to keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy your yard all summer long.
Best of luck and happy gardening!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.