Summertime means fun in the sun, but it can also mean being pestered by pesky mosquitoes. If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to get rid of those mosquitoes, you need a bug zapper racket!
This blog post will discuss the best mosquito bug zapper rackets on the market. We’ll help you decide which one is best for your needs. Stay bug-free this summer!
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Bug Zapper Rackets Reviewed In This Guide
Best Overall– Zap It Bug Zapper Racket
A very popular zapper racket that works very well with a 4000-volt grid (one of the most powerful for a handheld bug zapper). The Zap It can be used indoors and outside to zap flies, gnats, and mosquitoes when you’re at home, camping, fishing, or picnicking.
The racket has a rechargeable Lithium battery that charges with a USB cable. It can be plugged into any USB device with the included cable. When charging, a red light comes on, turning green when fully charged.
There is a button on the side of the racket to turn it on and off. Then to activate the grid, you hold down another yellow button and a red light indicates the grid is activated. You will know when it’s operational to avoid accidental zapping. If you touch the racket when it’s powered up, you shouldn’t receive a shock as there is a safety screen on each side of the electrified grid.
The Zap It racket also has an LED light you can use to illuminate pests in the dark.
There are three sizes of the Zap It – Large (19×8.3 inches, weight 1.68 pounds, Medium (18×7.6 inches, weight 1.5 pounds), and Mini (16.1×6.3 inches, weight 1.15 pounds).
The Zap It racket zapper is one of the most popular electric fly swatters with more than 18,000 reviews on Amazon. Most buyers are happy with the racket, with more than 80% of 4 or 5-star ratings. The most common complaint is the battery sometimes does not charge correctly.
See the full Zap It! bug zapper racket review.
Faicuk Handheld Bug Zapper Racket Electric Mosquito Killer
A handheld zapper operates with two AA batteries that have to be purchased separately. The 3000-volt grid will kill insects with one touch. It can be used around the home, outside in the garden, or on camping, hiking, or fishing trips.
A three-layer safety design with a protective screen on each side of the electrified grid. Easy to use – insert the batteries, push to the on position, press the button to activate the grid, and the working indicator light will turn red. Then swing the racket in the direction of a fly and wait for the slight zapping sound. If dead flying pests are stuck on the grid, you may have to clean with a soft brush or dry cloth.
Another popular zapper racket with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. The main complaints are that it only stuns some insects (the grid is indeed less potent than some other models) or that the safety screen prevents the bugs from making contact with the powered grid.
Mafiti Electric Fly Swatter
An electric fly swatter that requires 2 AA batteries (not included) to function. The 2200 volt grid is less powerful than the other rackets in this list. This fly swatter is simple to use, just hold the button on the handle and swing the racket towards the insects you want to zap. A green indicator light will light up to show the grid is electrified.
3 layer safety mesh to avoid accidental electric shocks. It can be used indoors and outside and measures 13.2×8.3 inches, and weighs 10.5 ounces.
Purchasers of this racket zapper are mostly happy, with an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. Some of the recurring complaints are that it isn’t very effective at killing flies (it might stun them), and tiny pests such as fruit flies or gnats often pass through the grid without being touched as the size of the mesh is too large. Some reviewers also mentioned the batteries were quickly used; Mafiti has now produced a rechargeable zapper with a single layer grid which should be more effective in killing bugs.
Ostad 3000 Volt Electric Fly Swatter
This Ostad electric bug zapper racket is made with ABS plastic. It has a strong handle and a 3,000-volt power supply to help you kill bugs in one quick swing. This Ostad zapper racket is powered by 2 AA batteries included with the electric swatter. If you have a device that runs on these batteries, it’s always advisable to keep some extras around just in case your bug swatter needs them.
There is a built-in safety button on the handle of the electric fly swatter, which has to be held down to activate the shock. An indicator light on the handle lights up to let you know that the grid is powered.
The racket has a three-layer safety grid to protect you from accidental shock. The racket measures 17.71×6.29 inches and weighs about 0.5 pounds.
Purchasers are in the majority happy with this bug swatter, and it has an overall ranking of 4.3 out of 5. The main criticism is the shock isn’t powerful enough to kill to bugs it zaps.
Imirror 2 in 1 Rechargeable Electric Bug Zapper & Fly Swatter
The Imirror bug swatter racket is a novel 2 in 1 insect zapper. It has the same design as a standard bug swatter, but it can also be used as a trap lamp that attracts pests with purple light.
The zapper lamp, put on its stand, has a LED light that operates at 365nm wavelength will attract insects with its powerful rays then kills them with the high voltage shock (3000 volts) it delivers when they get too close. A passive way of attracting mosquitoes or other insects, a little like a traditional bug zapper!
Alternatively, you can use it as an ordinary racket zapper and actively go after the bugs. It has an outer protective mesh to avoid giving an accidental shock.
The racket is powered by a built-in large capacity rechargeable lithium battery that comes with the device. A USB charging base comes with the racket, and you can charge it through any USB charger.
Imirror has 2 models of this zapper with different batteries; one has a 1200mAH battery, and the newer version has a 1800mAH battery but only seems to be sold in a 2 pack. The bigger battery will stay charged for longer.
This electric fly swatter has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. One of the drawbacks that some buyers mention is that it can easily blow over when used as a passive zapper in its stand. Another common complaint is that the charge doesn’t last very long.
Black Flag Handheld Mosquito Zapper
This bug zapper racket from Black Flag effectively kills various flying pests with a single device and a single zap. It has a large handle for a firm grip and can be easily operated using one hand.
This racket zapper uses 2 AA batteries that have to be purchased separately. To operate, simply push the power button, and an LED light comes on showing the grid is charged. Keeping the button pressed down, move the racket through the air until it contacts the target insect. The racket can be used in the house or outdoors and comes with a handy hanging hook for easy storage.
It is powered with 2750 volts of power and has a 3 layer grid, so it should be safe for children, but it’s always best to survey young children. The racket measures 19.25×8.75 inches and weighs 0.63 pounds. It is available for purchase singly or in 2 packs.
Purchaser rating of 4.3 out of 5. The main points of discontent are it’s not powerful enough to kill flies, and many buyers report that the fly swatter arrived without the battery cover.
Best Single Layer Racket – The Executioner Fly and Mosquito Swatter Racket
The Executioner is a powerful device that emits an electric shock to kill any bug which comes in contact with it quickly. It is powered by two AA batteries that are placed in its handle.
You can operate it by pressing a simple on/off button. An LED light warns you when it’s on, keep the button pressed, it’s on, release the button, and it’s off. Great for use in the home or outside in the garden, barbecues, camping, or hiking.
This electric swatter uses a single zapping layer to make sure mosquitoes, flies and wasps are killed instantly. This is great for adults who use the racket but be careful with children, or they might receive a painful shock. Another advantage of single-layer electric fly swatters is they are easier to clean than triple-layer zappers.
The racket is made from ABS plastic, and the grid is from1.2mm zinc steel. This racket is 20×7 inches and weighs 0.25 pounds, and the voltage of the zap is 3000 volts.
This electric fly swatter has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 from buyers. The main complaint is similar to many other racket zappers; it does not kill flies and wasps but stuns them.
Check out my full Executioner bug zapper racket review.
How Do Bug Zapper Rackets Work?
An electric racket runs from 2 AA or rechargeable batteries. They have a circuit with a step-up transformer that increases the voltage to up to 4000 volts. The current flows into the electrified grid. When an insect comes into contact with two wires in the grid, it will be electrocuted.
These rackets don’t attract bugs, like regular bug zappers, you have to manually swing the racket to kill the bugs.
To activate an electric racket insect killer, press a button and swing the racket. When you release the button, the grid is no longer electrified, in theory, but some zappers will retain a charge after use, so be careful.
As you swing the racket, make sure you don’t accidentally come into contact with a hard surface, or you may break or crack the zapper. When you make contact with an insect, you will hear a zap and may see a spark.
To zap an insect on a flat surface, you can place the racket on the surface over the insect is or gently move it through the air above the insect. When the bug tries to fly off, it will fly into the zapper.
The Benefits Of using Electric Fly Swatters
One of the main advantages of using a bug zapper racket is that no chemicals are involved in the process. Bug sprays and repellents on your skin can be dangerous, especially if they accidentally get in your eyes or mouth when you use them. It’s also not great to inhale these chemicals while they’re still in the air after they’ve been sprayed.
The electric bug zapper racket gives you a simple way of dealing with mosquitoes without putting your health at risk. Powered by batteries, these little gadgets deliver a powerful electric shock that will kill or stun any bug that comes in contact with it. You won’t have to worry about any harmful chemicals that could make you sick over time.
There is also no mess left on the wall or floor after using the electric fly swatter. There is no squashed fly or mosquito with a red bloodstain on the wall, floor, or window. With the electric racket, the only thing on your floor will be a dead mosquito that’s easy to brush up.
Another neat thing about using the electric bug zapper racket is that it allows you to eliminate multiple bugs at once and different insects. You can swing the racket around to get rid of a bunch of mosquitoes, those annoying gnats that fly around your face when you’re gardening, or the infuriating wasps that trouble you when you’re eating on your patio.
The Downsides To Using An Electric Bug Zapper Racket
As with everything else, you should know of any possible downsides before you buy an electric bug zapper racket.
They shouldn’t be treated as toys. Although kids will enjoy going after flying bugs, some of these rackets don’t have a protective screen on each side of the electrified grid. This means if you touch the grid, you will get an unpleasant electric shock, especially for small children. Even those with the protective screen can give an electric shock.
They are made of plastic, so a hard blow on a solid surface could also cause the racket to break. However, if you use it properly, your electric bug swatter will last a long time.
You shouldn’t use racket zappers in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. The electric insect swatters can produce sparks that could ignite flammable products and they might become hot during use so care should be taken where they are placed after use. There have been some accidents caused by these electric swatters but if used correctly you should have no problem.
How To Choose The Best Mosquito Bug Zapper Racket For Your Needs?
There are a few considerations when choosing racket zappers.
Do you need a protective 3-layer safety screen on each side of the electrified grid? While bug zappers without a safety screen may be more efficient in killing bugs, it’s also easier to get an electric shock from them. Something to bear in mind if you have children.
With a 3-layer zapper, the bug has to enter between the layers to be zapped but sometimes the bug will hit the outer layer and will escape without receiving a shock. This might make zappers with a 3-layer mesh a little less effective.
The grid size. The spaces between the wires on the grid will affect the size of the insects you can trap. Bigger spaces in the grid and you may not kill small bugs like fruit flies.
With 3 layer screen zappers, the outer grids have a larger mesh and the powered grid in the middle has a smaller mesh that won’t let most insects through. Single grid zappers should have a small size grid.
Size of the racket. Electric swatters come in different sizes; the length of the handle, the size of the head, and the weight differs from model to model. A bigger swatter head can be better for catching mosquitoes but may be harder to swing.
Choose something that will be suitable for the person using it. If you’re small – a lighter, shorter racket may be better. For a taller, stronger person a longer, heavier racket could be more comfortable.
The type of battery. Handheld zappers come either with alkaline or rechargeable batteries. If you’re using the zapper for trips away from your house regular batteries may be better. But if you only intend to use the zapper at home rechargeable batteries could seem the ideal solution. However, bear in mind rechargeable batteries take hours to fully charge and the charge may not last too long. If you choose ordinary batteries you will always need to have a supply handy.
I like rechargeable batteries; having 2 zappers so 1 is always charged is my preference.
The voltage. Bug zapper rackets can vary in voltage from 1000V to 4000V. The voltage doesn’t affect the size of the racket but will make a difference in its effectiveness.
A higher voltage will be able to kill larger insects.
An LED light. Some electric racket swatters include an LED light on the handle. Others even have a torch built into the handle. This may help you see pests at night. This is not to be confused with the power indicator light that lets you know when the grid is powered.
Price. The price can vary from $5 to $30. A racket swatter at $30 may also function in the same way as a traditional interior fixed zapper like the Imirror racket above. Many rackets can be purchased in packs of 2 which often gives a saving. You can find a good racket zapper from 10$ to 15$.
You might also find racket zappers for just a few dollars but normally the voltage they emit is much less (up to 1500 volts) than the more expensive zappers.
Recurring costs. The only ongoing cost with these handheld bug zappers is replacement batteries.
Best Mosquito Bug Zapper Racket Summary
Bug zapper rackets are an excellent way to eliminate flying pests around your home. There is a vast choice with new ones coming on the market all the time.
My top pick is a racket that’s been around for a while and has thousands of satisfied customers. If you choose this zapper with rechargeable batteries, a pack of 2 rackets may be the best choice as you can always have one that is fully charged.
If you do have mosquitoes, the most important step in reducing their numbers is to eliminate their breeding sites (any standing water). You can use your racket zapper to kill any adults that are still around and also indoor mosquito traps and outdoor traps. It’s almost impossible to eradicate all mosquitoes, so your electric zapper racket will always be useful.
FAQs About Mosquito Bug Zapper Rackets
Does touching a fly zapper racket hurt?
Some rackets have a 3 layer mesh with a safety screen on either side of the electrified grid and some just have the powered grid. If the power button is pressed you normally, you shouldn’t receive a shock from a zapper with the safety screen but it does happen. If you touch the middle grid and the outer grid at the same time you will get a shock. Racket swatters with no protection screen will give you a shock if you touch the grid when they are on. The shock might be painful for a few minutes but no severe injury.
How do you clean the racket zapper screen?
The grid of the racket zapper needs to be cleaned from time to time to remove the remnants of any insects stuck to the screen. The remains of insects can continue to use the electric charge so they should be removed.
To clean the racket turn it off, then brush it, or wipe it with a dry cloth. Rackets with 3 layers are harder to clean when the dead insects are trapped between the 2 grids.
