When it comes to killing insects, bugs, flies, spiders, and other pesky creatures that invade your home, you probably resort to the old-school method of helplessly slapping a rolled-up newspaper in the direction of the insect, using an electronic bug zapper in the backyard, or attempting whichever “amazing bug-killing life hack!” just hit your TikTok For You page. There’s really no need for any of that. Instead, we’ve found a whole host of products on the market now that can make bug-killing not only easy, but fun!
We’ve rounded up the best bug killer gadgets we could find so you don’t have to worry about overwhelming insect swarms. From a salt gun to the OG fly killer, we’ve covered all your bug-killing needs below.
The updated classic
The Zap It! Electronic Fly Killer and Bug Racket
No, that’s not a tennis racket! (Yet come to think of it, electric tennis would be fun.) Yes, it’s actually a fully-electric, bug zapping electronic fly swatter. Powered by a couple of batteries and your own muscular arms, the Zap It! will take out anything from a cicada to a spricket to a colony of house flies.
The old-school classic
Farmhouse Pottery Huntsman Fly Swatter
This isn’t exactly a major technological development in the bug-killing world, but the aesthetics of this anything-but-common fly swatter certainly impresses. Gone is the flimsy metal handle and cheap plastic end-tab. Instead, this majestic flyswatter is a lathe-turned, hardwood oak shaft with a premium leather swatter and cast brass hardware. Yeah, it’s fancy AF, and that’s the whole point. Swat in style with this beautiful bug killer. It’s a classic that you’ll use for years to come.
The big gun
Lentek 9.6V White and Blue Cordless Bug Catcher Handheld Vacuum
This unique vacuum lets you decide how much mercy to show bugs: A low-voltage grid inside kills on contact, but you can turn it off if you prefer a catch-and-release approach. Its high-powered suction system captures unwanted pests, this cordless handheld vacuum extends up to two feet, it uses no toxic sprays or chemicals, and it ensures an incredibly easy clean-up.
The high-powered blast
Bug-A-Salt Classic Yellow 3.0
Shoot a high-powered stream of table salt and destroy flies instantly! Everyone from seniors in the neighborhood to army platoons stationed in the Middle East loves the Bug-A-Salt. Practice your marksmanship while freeing yourself from a very different type of “home invasion.”
The fun choice
Buginator Fly Swatter Guns
If you’ve got children, enlist them for a little insecticide. These fun toy guns shoot plastic plungers at high speeds at whatever bug is bothering you. Some customers have complained that these lack a string, so you have to go find the plunger after shooting, but anyone who complains about that clearly hasn’t heard of a piece of thread.
The humane option
My Critter Catcher
If you’re someone who refuses to kill spiders, then this is the bug-grabber for you. Simply squeeze the trigger at the end of this wand and gentle brushes will clasp whatever insect you’re intent on trapping. Once caught, step outside and release the offender, allowing it to live another day.
The OG insect killer
Predatory Plants Venus Fly Trap ‘B52’
Enjoy the deaths of flies without lifting a finger with a living Venus Fly Trap, the natural and original insect killer. For under $20, these little carnivorous plants can eat insects for up to 20 years!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are different kinds of bug traps and some are effective in trapping various types of insects. Here’s a breakdown of some common bug traps and the insects they work against.
- Fruit fly traps: These small traps use vinegar or other sweet attractants to lure fruit flies in. Once inside, the flies drown.
- Fly paper: Sticky fly paper uses an adhesive substance to trap flies that land on it. This is a passive trap and not very effective for large fly populations.
- Gnat traps: Similar to fruit fly traps, gnat traps use attractants like apple cider vinegar or rotting fruit to lure fungus gnats or drain flies.
- Glue traps: These flat traps have a sticky surface that ensnares crawling insects like roaches, ants, or spiders.
- Snap traps: Spring-loaded snap traps are designed to kill rodents like mice but can also be effective against some larger insects.
- Intercept traps: These box-like traps with small entry points that allow insects to enter but make it difficult for them to escape. Many people use them for cockroaches or ants.
- Mosquito traps: These traps use light, carbon dioxide emission (CO2), or heat to attract mosquitoes and then trap or kill them with various methods. Efficacy can vary depending on the trap type.
- Bed bug traps: These passive traps aim to detect or capture bed bugs. Some are sticky traps, while others may contain lures or emit CO2.
We know it’s not fun to think about bugs in the house, but hopefully you now know how to have fun while clearing crispy critters out of the house. For more helpful tips on keeping your home clean and welcoming, take a look at our guide for cleaning a home in 30 minutes or less, these 8 products to secure a complete sparkly clean, and these 9 simple steps to clean your mattress.
Now that we’ve gotten all of this out of the way, it’s time to clean house!
