Spring is the perfect time to spend outdoors in the sun. However, your fun time can quickly come to an abrupt and unfortunate end when you are swamped by tiny little insects that bite. For your convenience, we have researched the market and come up with some of the best bug zappers to get rid of these tiny nuisances.
In this guide, we will talk about:
- What are solar powered bug zappers?
- How do solar power bug zappers work?
- 7 Best Solar Bug Zappers of 2019
- Criteria to choose the best solar powered bug zapper
- FAQs
Table of Contents
What are Solar Powered Bug Zappers?
Solar power bug zappers convert electricity from sunlight with the use of photovoltaic cells. This electricity does not just power the LED and UV lights, it also produces an electrical shock that kills flying insects. These solar power zappers come with a solar panel on top so that they get maximum sunlight.
Solar power bug zappers usually contain a few basic components:
- An external casing or housing for the trap
- A bright light, usually ultraviolet, which attracts insects
- Electrical grids around the light
- A transformer to generate an electric charge
Sometimes, manufacturers will add some more lures to draw in insects.
How Do Solar Power Bug Zappers Work?
Solar power bug zappers work in very simple ways; they kill bugs and flying insects by electrocuting them. The trap entices the insects towards them with bright lights. Some manufacturers also add chemical baits to attract flying insects. When the insects fly into the housing and touch the electrical grid, they are instantly killed. Many zappers come equipped with a tray in which dead insects fall. This makes cleaning up the zapper very easy.
This type of zapper is very effective, easy to use and convenient. The device needs to be kept in an area where there is strong sunlight, with no blockages. The zappers will store solar energy to operate the device in the day and will switch on automatically in the night. Some models also come with rechargeable batteries or with electrical cords.
7 Best Solar Bug Zappers of 2019
Below are some of the honest reviews about the best type of solar bug zappers in the market:
1. Sandalwood NK63 — The Best Portable Bug Zapper
NK63 Solar-powered UV bug zapper comes with a built-in solar panel so that you don’t need to worry about recharging it. However, it also has a UL charger for rainy and dark days. The zapper consists of 8 LED bulbs, and UV LED lighting, which can illuminate an area of 3,000 square feet. The zapper automatically switches on during dusk and turns off during dawn. It runs for 20 hours as an insect zapper and 35 hours as a lamp, before needing to be recharged. The zapper comes with a trash tray at the bottom and a tiny brush, which you can use to brush out dead insects.
- Very effective in killing gnats, mosquitoes and flying insects
- Portable and versatile
- Works 20 hours as an insect killer without requiring a recharge
- Dual modes of charging
- Switches on automatically
- Very durable and long lasting
- Needs to be brushed out once a week
- Expensive
- Produce buzzing noise
- Doesn’t kill wasps
2. YIER Solar-Powered Outdoor Insect Killer
YIER solar-powered outdoor insect killer is one of the best outdoor bug zappers in the market. It comes with white light for your landscape and purple light for attracting insects. The zapper charges itself with solar energy and automatically switches on at dusk. It needs to be charged after every 8 hours. Since it contains no toxins or pesticides, it is very eco-friendly and safe.
- Safe for children and pets
- Non-toxic
- Comes with a prairie light and insecticidal light
- Switches on automatically at dusk
- Can be hung or staked in the ground
- Odorless
- Needs to be brushed out once a week
- Need to be charged after 8 hours
- Cover and decorations on the lamp are not durable
- Manual lacks necessary information
3. BATTOP Solar LED Bug Killer Lamp
BATTOP solar zapper consists of four LED UV lights for maximum illumination and efficiency. The lights lure in biting, and flying insects and the trap kills them quickly with a shock of human-safe electrical current. The zapper has an automatic switch that switches on when the night sets in, but it can also be turned on and off with a manual button. The zapper provides eight hours of light.
- Children and pet friendly
- Kills several different kinds of flying bugs
- Non-toxic and pesticide-free
- Recharges with solar light
- Little maintenance
- Can be hung up or staked to the ground
- Need bright sunlight in the day to charge
- Its light isn’t very illuminating
- Works for only 8 hours on a single charge
4. SolarTronx Bug Zapper
The great thing about SolarTronx bug zapper is that it comes with dual-mode. It works as an insecticidal lampas as well as a super-bright garden lamp with 24 LEDs. To change the mode, you just have to press one switch to turn the light from a bug zapper to a night light. The lamp is portable and can be taken with you on camping, hiking, and fishing. It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Once it is fully charged, the zapper can run up to 48 hours.
- Dual mode light functions
- 48-hour battery life
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Portable and can be taken for outdoor activities
- 2-way charging
- Users claim range is just 2 foot in diameter
- Bug zapper must be unplugged from the solar panel to work
- A bit pricey
5. SOLARMKS Solar Mosquito Zapper and Insect Killer
SOLARMKS stands out from the crowd because of its design and ease of use. The bug zapper 4LED 5mm UV lights are very safe to use as they are covered by a double layer of plastic and has a reticulated structure. The zapper can be charged with solar energy or with a USB cable. The zapper runs 8- 10 hours on a charge but needs 6-8 hours to recharge.
- Comes with dual charging mode
- Very easy to use
- Very safe
- Easy to clean
- Weather-proof
- Takes a long time to recharge
- The light is not extremely bright
6. Solar Garden Owl Bug & Insect Zapper
Unlike other solar zappers, this one comes in a very visually pleasing design, featuring a carved owl. This works both as a bug killer and a garden ornament. The poly-resin design is harmless to pets and garden animals. However, it is a particularly efficient killer for bugs.
- Comes in a design of a beautiful owl
- Rechargeable AA batteries
- Safe design for animals
- Durable polyresin material
- East to return
- Comes with money back guarantee
- The light is not extremely bright
7. Pure Garden Solar Bug Zapper
The Pure Garden solar zapper targets a large variety of flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. The zapper looks like a simple garden lamp but zaps insects as soon as they come at a close enough range. The UV light attracts the insects, making sure they do not trespass into your home. The zapper comes with both solar panels as well as AA batteries.
- Looks like a simple garden lamp
- Solar power and AA battery operated
- Safe for humans and pets
- Non-toxic and odorless
- Makes a buzzing noise
- Need to clean it periodically.
- One unit is not big enough for large gardens
- Won’t curb the huge mosquito population
Criteria To Choose The Best Solar Powered Bug Zapper
There is no set formula when you need to buy a solar powered bug zapper for your home. You need to look at a variety of criteria and then consider whether they fulfill the needs of your bug problem.
FAQs
The Takeaway
There are several different kinds of bug zappers available in the market, and they all have merits. The best solar power bug zappers are effective, portable, versatile and attractive to look at. They should also be easy to maintain and be built with durable material.
If you have a bug problem in your garden, solar powered bug zappers are a great way to get rid of these pesky nuisances.