If you’re tired of squishing bugs in your fly swatter, or if you just want a more precise killing machine for indoor pests, a bug zapper racket is an alternative that doesn’t require chemicals. Shaped like a tennis racket, these devices are designed to stun or kill insects on contact with their metal grid. They work by running on a couple of batteries and activating when you press a button in the handle. Unlike traditional flyswatters, they’re capable of electrocuting not only houseflies but also gnats, wasps, fruit flies and mosquitoes. The only drawback is that the process is a little messy, with the head of the racket often emitting a burnt-smelling odor and leaving behind slightly burned bug carcasses that need to be disposed of.
These bug zapper rackets come in various sizes and shapes, but all function on the same basic principle: when you press the handle button and wave the head of the racket at a flying insect, the electric grid inside is activated and immediately electrocutes it. Typically housed in a protective cage of plastic or grounded metal bars to prevent people and larger animals from touching the high-voltage grid, they’re designed for use at home and are portable enough to bring along camping or fishing.
The strength of the grid, which determines how quickly and effectively it kills insects, varies across models. Most rackets have a maximum shock strength, usually expressed as volts, though stronger ones can hit a bug dead on the first strike (as long as you aim correctly). The most powerful models in our review use C-size batteries and deliver more power to the grid, meaning they’re more likely to zap a fly, moth or mosquito midflight.
Another factor to consider is the racket’s durability and ease of cleaning. Some, such as the Executioner Pro from English company Koolatron Lentek Biteshield, feature a tough leather head that can withstand repeated slaps without damage, compared to plastic heads on other rackets that can crack or break easily. Some also have a “power light” or active indicator that’s small and red, indicating that the electric grid is on and ready to kill an insect. This can be helpful, as it can help prevent you from accidentally leaving the racket on when not in use.
The ability to lock the head of the racket is another handy feature. This allows you to hold it in your hand and zap pests at arm’s length, as well as to hold the head up in an open position to trap smaller insects. A few models, including the BugZooka, are also pneumatic; they operate by collapsing a bellows-like mechanism at the head to create a puff of suction that sucks the bug into a chamber where it’s unharmed until you release it outside. This makes the device more hygienic than a swatter and is also better for slow-moving pests, such as spiders or ladybugs. These models, however, do require a regular rinse with water.