9 Best Mosquito Killers: Indoor, Outdoor & Different Killing Methods

Mosquitoes—these little, modern-day pterodactyls have the power to drive us insane and make our yards nearly uninhabitable more than any other critter. That is why, in this post, we will introduce you to the five greatest mosquito killers on the market and a complete buyer’s guide to assist you in choosing the best option for your yard.

Furthermore, there are more important health risks to think about. Mosquitoes have been blamed for developing and spreading various life-threatening diseases in recent years, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus in North America alone.

Our recommendations

Makita MM4 Mist Blower 

It may cost a little fortune, but if you’re serious about managing your mosquito problem, there are few more effective ways than with the Makita MM4. This sprayer has the same sound as an Armalite rifle and is just as ruthless regarding skeeters. As a bonus, it’s tough not to feel a little bit hardcore while using the device, something that can’t be claimed of every lawn tool.

The MM4 is a joy and one of the most effective and efficient mosquito killers available. It doesn’t require fuel mixing, and the 4-stroke engine is simple to start with only a couple of taps on the priming switch and a yank on the throttle. And when we say “go,” we mean “go.”

This device takes a more straightforward approach to killing skeeters than any other we’ve seen, with its dense, high-volume spray allowing you to cover large areas in a short amount of time and, essentially, blanketing said area in a mosquito-repelling solution that, with regular spraying, can seriously reduce the mosquito population in your yard.

Sure, the pack’s 29.3-pound dry weight and 60-pound wet weight will turn off many potential purchasers, or at the very least make them question if it includes your own Sherpa. The MM4 is comfortable and less cumbersome than you might assume, thanks to its ergonomic, L-shaped design and robust, cushioned shoulder straps.

Whether you want to get rid of skeeters in the yard before a BBQ or want a more long-term solution to the problem, this pack is the most effective of all the alternatives on our list. It only takes a little work, a healthy financial account, and enough strength to carry the pack’s 60 pounds.

Wondercide Ready-to-Spray Natural Flea and Tick Yard Spray 

This all-natural yard spray is completely biodegradable, making it more environmentally responsible than other sprays on the market. The nozzle on the 32-ounce plastic container allows you to connect it directly to your garden hose.

The bottle’s dimensions are 9.2×5.6×2.1 inches, making it easy to manage while spraying the entire lawn. Cedarwood oil is the active ingredient in this spray. This oil efficiently treats several common yard pests throughout their full life cycle.

It is safe to use around children and pets because it is made entirely of natural ingredients. During a flea infestation, one user sprayed the spray directly on their pet and was happy with the product’s efficiency, non-oily trace, and minimal odor.

This product is also safe to use in your backyard garden. There will be no build-up on plants or vegetation because it is natural and biodegradable. It is suggested that you use this spray every 30-45 days. Correct use and storage are essential to get the best effects, as with any yard spray.

Burgess 960 Insect Electric Fogger 

The Fountainhead Group, Inc. makes our favorite mosquito fogger. You know you’re getting a quality product when the design hasn’t altered in over 30 years. Because the Burgess 960 is an electric fogger, it is more suited for outdoor use than inside use. It comes with a huge bottle with 40 oz of insecticide, making the device a little unwieldy.

I couldn’t think of anything negative to say about this tool. If I had to choose a flaw, I’d say the sole disadvantage is that the coil must be heated with a match or lighter. You’ll have a gadget that will devastate your mosquito population in minutes, whipping up massive clouds of insect death, if you let it warm up for approximately 2-4 minutes and squeeze the trigger every 4 seconds.  As the insects come tumbling down in defeat, try not to smile too much.

Flowtron BK-15D

If you like simplicity, the Flowtron BK-15D could be the mosquito killer for you. The small zapper employs a revolutionary, non-clogging killing grid that directs dead insects out of the unit and into the ground below, eliminating the need for you to do any dirty labor.

It zaps mosquitoes using a single 15-watt high-intensity UV bulb, and a high-voltage transformer drives a lethal grid. It can be upgraded with a cartridge of USDA-tested Octenol attractant if you want to ensure mosquitoes make up more than 10% of the bugs zapped by your zapper.

The Flowtron’s coverage range and weatherproofing set it apart from its competition. With a half-acre effective range and strong, waterproof design, you can leave this gadget outside to do its thing while you enjoy the advantages without having to lift a finger after setup.

The Flowtron’s sole drawbacks are its almost comically short power chord and its limited effectiveness compared to foggers and sprayers. While it is certain to reduce the number of skeeters in your garden, the effect isn’t as quick as fogging or spraying, and it may take a week or more to see effects.

BLACK+DECKER UV LED Light Bulb Electric Bug Zapper 

Black+Decker is a global leader in producing and distributing power tools, household cleaning products, garden tools, and other appliances. They also make effective mosquito killers in addition to all of these products.

This electric indoor mosquito killer was created to make your life easier and more enjoyable by effectively eliminating mosquitoes and other annoying insects. Because it does not use sprays or toxic substances, the product uses practical approaches that are safe for humans and pets.

Furthermore, the installation will be quick. It’s as simple as screwing it into a bulb socket. When you see that the bulb needs to be cleaned, remove the cover, and all the insects will fall out.

LiBa Bug Zapper & Electric Indoor Killer 

One of the most powerful bug zappers on the market is the LiBa Indoor Electric Bug Zapper. It uses a 20-watt bulb and has a powerful 2800-volt grid. This device is designed to be used indoors and is modest in size.

It weighs about four pounds and measures 3×10.5×15 inches in length. It must be plugged into a power source. The bug zapper can be hung or set down on a safe surface. Because this product does not contain any chemical attractants, it is safe to use in the home or office. To attract insects, it uses wavelengths. As a result, it is a natural and cost-effective product.

When needed, the LiBa comes with a two-pack of replacement bulbs that are simple to install. The bulbs have a 6-month or 5,000-hour life expectancy. The removable tray makes cleaning a breeze. According to users, the power grid does not cool rapidly after disconnecting the product. Before attempting to clean any parts, disconnect and allow it cool. This product is not meant to be used outside.

DynaTrap Mosquito Trap 

A mosquito trap may be the best option for individuals who desire the efficiency and discretion of a zapper without the possibly bothersome buzzing and zapping. And with the Dynatrap Insect and Mosquito Trap, we find a product that deserves to be on any buyer’s shortlist. 

This chic little gadget ticks all the right criteria. It has a quarter-acre coverage range, is non-toxic, extremely powerful, and has the aesthetics that would look right at home on the patio of a Georgian Manor or in a posh restaurant. The system works by attracting mosquitoes with a warm UV light and carbon dioxide combination, then sucking them into a chamber trap to dehydrate and die using a nearly silent vacuum.

However, for the more sympathetic customer, the quieter kill given by this trap will undoubtedly be an improvement. On the other hand, buyers who are accustomed to zappers may miss the slightly gratifying bzzzz that occurs when a skeeter lands on the grill.

The gadget requires at least 3 weeks to trap enough mosquitoes to make an impact and 6 weeks to terminate the breeding cycle.  As a result, if you’re in a rush to get rid of mosquitos, a more proactive approach, such as a fogger or sprayer, would be a better choice. Finally, DynaTrap recommends positioning the trap 20-30 feet away from seating places in your yard, which may be difficult to achieve if you don’t have an extension line or your garden is small.

Mega-Catch Pro 900 Ultra Mosquito Trap 

Mega-Catch is a well-known brand of mosquito extermination machines. They’re all highly powerful and extremely effective. The only drawback is that such a gadget is not affordable to everyone. This killing machine is an excellent choice because it attracts mosquitoes in various ways, making it far more successful than similar traps on the market. During such a process, no chemicals are used.

The mosquito killer apparatus attracts mosquitoes using LED lights and CO2. A fan turns on when it detects a bug nearby and sucks it inside. The insects are then placed in a container where they will die naturally. You can reduce your area’s mosquito population by using Mega-Catch regularly for 6 weeks.

Summit Responsible Solutions Mosquito Bits Quick Kill

When I require a product of this nature, I always turn to Summit Chemical. It produces the highest-quality parts that are both ecologically friendly and functional. This solution was created to eliminate bug bodies in swampy areas or other bodies of water.

Its main benefit is that it kills mosquitos while preventing them from reproducing. After you’ve used the pieces for a few hours, you’ll be able to observe the outcomes. It is the greatest mosquito killer for outdoor use because it is said to be fully safe and may even be used in farming.

How do mosquitos find humans?

Humans and other animals emit carbon dioxide. Mosquitos can detect carbon dioxide from 75 feet away, which aids in their detection of humans. Heat and humidity are produced around our bodies by our breath and sweat.

Mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid and octanol, which are found in the heat and humidity around our bodies.

Only female mosquitos bite once they’ve located us, and they use the protein in our blood to create their eggs.

Mosquitos love stagnant water and wetness, which can be found in kiddie pools, buckets, and barrels.

Finally, because mosquitos are drawn to black clothing, wearing lighter-colored, skin-covering clothing can help prevent bug bites. Mosquitos can, however, pierce garments if they are desperate.

Buyer’s guide

Killing methods

A skeeter can be dispatched in a variety of ways. We’ll give you a quick rundown of each method below:

Sprayer

Mosquito sprayers attack mosquitoes’ nervous systems with insecticides, including bifenthrin, pyrethrin, and piperonyl butoxide, eradicating or reducing mosquito populations over broad areas.

Types

Pump sprayers

This sprayer uses a manually controlled pump to create pressure inside a reservoir. After pumping enough, the sprayer uses a wand and nozzle to disperse the chemical solution in the reservoir.

These sprayers typically have a smaller capacity (about 2 gallons) than backpack sprayers, are less durable, and only spray a distance of about 8 feet. While this sprayer is prone to damage and requires some effort to operate, it is still a good alternative for individuals with strong forearms, smaller gardens, and those on a budget.

Backpack sprayers

Professional pest control teams frequently use backpack sprayers. Most versions employ gas-powered blowers or misters that can disperse huge amounts of insecticides, up to 4 gallons, for up to three hours and across distances of up to thirty feet, making them a better alternative for those who need to cover bigger areas.

Sprayers are also winners in terms of effectiveness, with many solutions clinging to leaves, bushes, and undergrowth and being effective for several weeks after spraying.

Foggers

Mosquito foggers are machines that turn pesticide solutions into a fine mist that may be sprayed over your yard to deter or kill skeeters. Most versions use propane gas or an electric motor to create the fog. Gas foggers are usually cordless, but they do require a propane canister to be mounted to the fogger; electrical foggers, on the other hand, must be plugged into an electrical outlet.

As the fog envelops features in your yard, its tiny particles reach underneath plants, thick shrubbery cracks in walls and paving, and many other potential nesting or hiding places for skeeters. One of the main benefits of a fogger is that it can reach areas of your yard that many sprayers will miss.

While foggers are ideal for spraying a few hours before a barbecue, yard party, wedding, or game day, they can also provide a longer-term solution if you create a fogging schedule to follow for a few weeks or until the skeeter population in your yard has noticeably declined.

Trap

Mosquito traps utilize a variety of attractants to entice mosquitos into a chamber or container where they can’t get out. As a result, this is a largely passive method of mosquito management, relying on mosquitoes “catching the bait” rather than actively eradicating them through more direct techniques.

Many mosquito traps simulate human breath with CO2, heat, and moisture plumes. On the other hand, the more effective models often use Lurex, Octenol, or R-Octenol as chemical attractants. Each sort of attractant is effective in different areas, and choosing the right one for your area will dramatically increase your ‘catch rate’:

• Lurex: Southern states and most effective with Asian tiger mosquitoes
• R-Octenol: East coast and midwest
• Octenol: Northern states and Canada

Zapper

Zappers, sometimes known as “electronic insect-control systems,” function by drawing mosquitoes in with various attractants before killing them with an electric charge. While most insect zappers employ UV light to attract pests, multiple studies have shown that UV light alone does not attract mosquitos. As a result, the most effective zappers use non-toxic pheromone Octenol and carbon dioxide emissions as attractants.

The only major disadvantages to zappers are that some types can be quite noisy, and their overall efficacy may be lacking. According to two studies at the University of Notre Dame, mosquitoes accounted for only 4.1 percent and 6.4 percent of the daily “kill” by mosquito zappers throughout a season. At the same time, Mosquito.org claims that mosquito zappers kill an estimated 71 billion to 350 billion beneficial, non-target insects annually in the United States.

Efficacy

It can be difficult to determine the effectiveness of mosquito killers before using them at home or in your garden, but there are a few options. The most obvious method is to research by reading various user reviews to understand how the product operates in practice.

While reading these evaluations, keep in mind the environment in which the mosquito killers were used—indoors or out, limited coverage area or bigger coverage area—as well as the reviewer’s location, as some mosquito killers are more successful against specific mosquito strains than others.

Next, you can utilize a few more quantitative measures to see how effective your potential mosquito killers are. The device’s coverage range and the lure to attract mosquitoes are the two most critical factors in traps and zappers.

The most effective lure is a combination of C02 and attractants like Octenol, R-Octenol, and Lurex. While the ideal coverage range will be determined by the size of your yard (always shoot for a size up to be safe), the most effective lure is usually a combination of C02 and attractants like Octenol, R-Octenol, and Lurex.

Portability

While not an issue with zappers or traps, the ease with which you can carry a mosquito fogger or sprayer could be a concern, especially if you plan on fogging or spraying a broad area. Consider the following factors while assessing your options:

• Weight when empty
• Weight when filled
• Dimensions
• User-friendly carry handles and straps

Range of coverage

Mosquito killers come in a variety of coverage ranges. For zappers and traps, this can range from a quarter of an acre to a whole acre. When selecting your device, choose one with a larger coverage range than the size of your yard since this is more likely to reduce mosquito populations in both your yard and the surrounding region by removing resident mosquitoes and possible visitors.

Maintenance

While your yard or patio will never become a killing field due to your mosquito killer’s productivity, certain kinds of killers can get rather dirty, and others, unfortunately, require some upkeep.

Various zappers let the dead mosquitoes fall to the ground at the low end of the upkeep range. Models that use removable trays that act as little coffins for the mosquitoes and must be emptied regularly fall somewhere in the center. At the top of the scale are devices that use attractant cartridges or propane canisters that must be replaced regularly.

The ideal device type for you will ultimately be determined by how much effort you are willing to put into its maintenance. Those that require the greatest attention, whether they’re zappers or traps with attractant cartridges, propane-powered foggers, or gas-guzzling sprayers, tend to be the most effective.

Toxicity

As previously stated, certain mosquito killers contain toxins that, if inhaled, ingested, or come into direct contact with the skin, can harm humans, pets, and non-target insects or animals. For me, this means that if we choose to perform mosquito control, we must exercise prudence.

Foggers, sprayers, and the formulations used in both devices normally come with user manuals that provide information about where you may safely spray and fog and where you can’t. If not, the procedures to take to keep safe during fogging or spraying are listed below:

• Dress up and put on a mask.
• Keep a safe distance from the area you’re treating, about 5-6 feet.
• Before fogging, make sure there are no combustible objects in the area you’re fogging because propane foggers use heat and can cause sporadic flames.
• If you’re fogging or spraying a patio or gazebo, ensure it’s well ventilated, and make sure no one else is in the area for at least 20 minutes after you’ve finished.
• Fog/spray should not be used when children or pets are present.
• Never use a propane fogger indoors. Not only do almost all models have an open flame, but the coil can also heat up to a very high temperature, and the risk of intoxication is much larger when pesticides are used in a closed, stuffy room.
• Use a fogger/sprayer away from food; the insecticides used in both can be dangerous if consumed.

Top mosquito killer brands

Flowtron 

Since 1974, this Massachusetts-based, family-owned company has been producing electrical insect-killing devices for household and commercial use. All its products are made in the United States in Malden, Massachusetts, and Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 

Makita

Originally founded in 1915 as an electric motor sales and service firm, Makita now manufactures everything from power tools to motorized sprayers and is a global brand with operations in over 40 countries, including various locations across the United States.

DynaTrap

This Milwaukee-based brand has been on a mission to rid you of your mosquito problem without the noise or visual imposition of zappers since 2006. It has created several beautifully oriented, highly effective, and zap-free traps.

Aspectek

This Vancouver-based company specializes inhumane, environmentally safe, and ultrasonic pest control devices, and their current line includes a variety of traps and zappers for various applications.

FAQs

Final words

Many factors influence the best strategy to deal with your mosquito infestation. These factors include the size of your yard, the density and type of mosquito populations in your area, and your personal preferences for the amount of work needed to make a dent in the mosquito population in your yard.

Given the preceding, picking one approach as the best is a difficult task that risks generalizing what shouldn’t be generalized. If pressed, we’d have to choose between two options:

• We can’t see past the Makita MM4 Mist Blower for individuals with a little more cash to burn and a desire to have the most effective mosquito control system available. This equipment is not only incredibly effective, but it also allows you to tackle vast regions easily.
• The Flowtron BK 15D, when used in conjunction with Octenol cartridges, is the device most likely to deliver a skeeter-free yard to individuals on a tighter budget or who prefer a more set-it-and-forget-it approach to their mosquito problem. 

Mosquitoes are truly a hassle, but once you find the killing method that works best for you, it should be a breeze!

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API