Do Bug Zappers Really Work Against Mosquitoes?

Bug zappers look like the perfect summer gadget. 

Hang one on the deck, plug it in, and let the glowing blue light fry every bug and mosquito that dares to come near. Problem solved!

Not so fast.

Photo credits to wikimedia.org

When it comes to mosquitoes, traditional bug zappers don’t really do anything (surprise surprise!). In fact, studies show they’re far more likely to kill harmless or even beneficial insects than the bloodsuckers you’re trying to avoid. 

Let’s break down why bug zappers fail against mosquitoes, and what actually works.

Why Bug Zappers Miss the Mark

Bug zappers use UV light to attract insects. The idea is simple: bugs fly toward the glow, touch the electrified grid, and get zapped. 

Unfortunately, mosquitoes aren’t really attracted to UV light.

Entomologists at universities across North America have studied zapper catch rates for decades. The results are clear:

• A University of Delaware study tracked six bug zappers over 10 weeks. Out of nearly 14,000 insects killed, only 31 were biting flies (including mosquitoes). That’s a measly 0.22%.
• Notre Dame researchers ran similar tests and found mosquitoes made up just 4–6% of the daily zapper catch.
• In fact, no controlled scientific study has shown that these devices reduce mosquito biting rates outdoors.

The Real Victims: Beneficial Insects

If zappers aren’t taking out mosquitoes, what are they killing? Sadly, mostly the “good guys.”

• Moths: Critical night-time pollinators for crops like peas and soybeans.
• Parasitic wasps: Tiny, harmless insects that naturally control garden pests.
• Beetles, fireflies, and other harmless species: They play roles in pollination, decomposition, or food chains.

When bug zappers wipe out thousands of these insects in a single evening, they’re disrupting local ecosystems and making it harder for nature’s natural pest control to do its job. 

Another Gross Downside…

Here’s one you probably haven’t thought about: bug zappers don’t just kill bugs. They vaporise bug parts into the air. Since zappers zap everything, they also zap insects carrying bacteria. The force of electrocution blasts microscopic fragments of wings, legs, and bacteria up to seven feet away.

If your zapper is hanging near the patio table, that mist of bug debris could end up… well, on your food. 

Photo credits to pixabay.com

Why Mosquitoes Don’t Care About UV

So, why are mosquitoes exempt from zapper attraction? Because they aren’t hunting for light, they’re hunting for blood.

Mosquitoes zero in on:

• Carbon dioxide from your breath
• Body heat and moisture
• Skin scents like sweat and natural oils

Better Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Instead of zappers, here are some strategies that actually target mosquito behaviour:

• Repellents: Products with picaridin or DEET remain highly effective and safe when used properly.
• Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A strong fan on your patio creates air currents that they can’t fight against.
• Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in water as shallow as a bottle cap. Dumping bird baths, clogged gutters, and kiddie pools cuts off their life cycle.
• Professional mosquito control: The only way to reduce the mosquito population in your yard long-term.

The Buzz Boss Solution

At Buzz Boss, we believe pest control should be effective, proactive, and safe for your family, pets, and the environment. That’s why we don’t rely on gimmicks like bug zappers.

BuzzShield® provides year-round protection against all the backyard heavy hitters: mosquitoes, ants, spiders, ticks, and more. It’s proactive pest defence for every season.

Buzz Boss Insect is designed for seasonal mosquito activity, perfect if you just want to hit peak summer months hard.

While bug zappers put on a light show, they don’t solve the real problem. Buzz Boss does, so book your BuzzShield® package today.