The 10 Best Bug Zappers for Keeping Flies, Gnats and Other Winged Hellions at Bay

• Pros: high voltage, easy to hang, lantern-like
• Cons: some units may stop working earlier than expected
• Voltage: 4200 voltage power grid

When it comes to bursting a bugs’ bubble, look no further than this zapper from Gootop. It has a 4,200 voltage bulb that glows a bright blue hue and zaps insects that get too close. We also love that it comes with a carabiner on the top that makes it easy to hang from your porch, pergola, deck or even near your camping site to put an end to the whine of gnats at night. As it added bonus, it features a lantern-like design that isn’t terrible to look at.

• Pros: handheld, lightweight, effective
• Cons: low-voltage, may not be powerful enough to kill larger pests

This bug swatter has seriously changed our lives for removing flies that have snuck into the apartment. Gone are the days we would run around like madwomen, whipping a plastic fly swatter around. Instead, we just press a button on this racket to activate the electricity on its mesh surface, corner the bug in question and zap it. Typically, we do need to vacuum up any remains, but we've found it to be a much quicker option for larger bug removal in the home.

• Pros: covers a lot of ground, weatherproof, large holding tray
• Cons: difficult to clean
• Voltage: 4000 voltage power grid

Designed to cover spaces of up to 1,500 square feet, we like the Livin’ Well bug zapper for those with larger outdoor areas. The weatherproof gadget uses a powerful 4,000-volt bulb that both attracts and zaps nearby pests. We're also fans of the removable tray, which has a particularly large holding capability, though you’ll still want to empty it every few days or so. It has a modern lantern shape that can stand on its own or hang from its top loop, but note that the 72-inch cord needs to be plugged in for it to glow.

• Pros: large surface area, easy cleanup, protective grates
• Cons: loud, hard to change bulbs without getting shocked
• Voltage: 2,800 voltage power grid

The brand of choice of Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, this one has a box shape that offers the ideal surface area to trap indoor pests when resting on a counter or hanging from the wall. (Read: Fruit flies and gnats don’t stand a chance against it.) Two 20-watt UV lights attract and zap 'em without any work on your end, and we adore that the mesh grate provides some protection from curious little hands while still allowing flying insects to sneak in. Cleanup is easy, too, since the bottom tray can be pulled out to be dumped and washed.

• Pros: trusted brand, quiet, included accessories, removable tray
• Cons: requires frequent bulb changing, may not be effective for flies and gnats
• Voltage: 2,400 voltage power grid

This one's sleek, black design and removable tray make this bug zapper a winner, but we think it's the extras that set it apart from the pack. In addition to its standard high-voltage light, which reportedly offers dependable coverage for more than 43,000-square-feet, it comes with accessories (namely, a chain for hanging and a small brush to clean up any debris that may have been lodged in the holes and a user's guide). Shoppers say it's also quiet while it's zapping away. With consistent use, you will need to change the bulbs out every few months or so, but that’s easy to do, according to reviewers.

• Pros: rechargeable, built-in LED, safety mesh
• Cons: large and heavy, long charging time, difficult to squeeze into tight spaces
• Voltage: 4,000 voltage power grid

This handheld zapper is popular for a reason. Like the Bite Shield, it can destroy flying pests with a flick of your wrist, and we think using it is honestly quite fun. (Well, as fun as killing bugs can be.) It's got a bit of a leg up, however, thanks to the built-in LED light that will act as a siren's song for your intended targets. It's rechargeable via a USB cord (though you'll want to note that the charge doesn't hold for long) and the mesh safety net helps to ensure that you don't accidentally zap yourself. Better yet, it comes in a two-pack, so you can stash an extra in areas where bugs always seem to be lurking.

• Pros: easy to clean, wall plug-in, no chemical smell
• Cons: takes a while to work, may not target desired bugs
• Type of Trap: adhesive

We love the fact that this pint-sized insect remover plugs right into an outlet, like an air freshener, albeit with a deadly effect for the flying creatures in your home—without the use of chemical insecticides. Bugs will be inclined to check out the glow, only to find themselves stuck onto adhesive backing. Removal is as easy as taking out the sticky paper, and it can be plugged in anywhere there's an outlet for pest prevention.

• Pros: no smell, innovative, no sticky tape
• Cons: may attract bees, may work differently after first bulb replacement
• Type of Trap: attractant

For some serious buzzing destruction, this cordless option is no joke. Between the UV bulb, CO2 trail that's meant to mimic human breath and its quiet fan, it reportedly attracts unwanted and annoying mosquitos, moths, flies, beetles, wasps and yellow jackets on multiple levels from up to an acre (that's more than 43,000-square-feet) away. From there, the bugs are held in a retaining cage, where they'll dehydrate. It doesn’t zap per se, but it also doesn’t require an electric zapper or cords (something we always think is a win). For best use, the company recommends keeping it about 20 to 40 feet away from where people will be sitting.

• Pros: smart sensor, compact, automatic lights
• Cons: will need to continually buy replacement pads
• Type of Trap: adhesive

Yes, even bug zappers have entered the smart home category. The Shieldeck GlowTrap uses a UV light to lure in pests, a fan to suck said bugs in and sticky paper to render them trapped. However, the gadget takes things up a notch with a smart sensor that’s aware of both nearby pests and when it’s dark enough for the UV light to automatically turn on. It’s also quite small, making it easy to put in your living room or carry out to a table outside. The light comes with five replacement papers ($11), but we don't love that you'll need to continually buy more after that.

• Pros: targets mosquitos and small-flying bugs, easy to clean
• Cons: not super durable
• Type of Trap: adhesive

Mosquitoes and fruit flies are some of the smallest (and most annoying) pests, which make them especially hard to catch and remove. We included this trap because it functions a little differently from other zappers. It has a purple UV light to attract the bug, plus a small-yet-powerful fan to suck it in and sticky boards at the bottom to trap it. Its design is incredibly easy to clean and the fans ensure no buzzards get out. While it's only intended for indoor use, it’s great for trapping houseplant killers, like gnats and aphids.