The 10 Best Mosquito Rackets
This wiki has been updated 40 times since it was first published in March of 2016. Mosquitoes can leave annoying, itchy bites on your skin or, even worse, transmit serious diseases, like the West Nile and Zika viruses. To protect yourself from these pesky critters, try one of these electric rackets, which are updated versions of old-fashioned fly swatters and can zap bugs dead on contact. Be sure to stay safe by keeping them away from flammable substances and children. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
April 21, 2021:
Although named a mosquito racket, these handheld devices will electrocute most winged intruders. Similar to a wall-mounted bug zapper, they have a simple design with a charged electrical mesh built into the head of the racket, which is operated via a switch on the handle. When a bug is caught in the mesh, it completes the circuit and instantly kills it. The rackets in this ranking range from 2,000 to 4,000 volts and have a variety of additional features, such as LED or UV lights, and come in a range of sizes, making some models more portable than others.
During this update, we removed the Elucto Swatter 2200 and the Bug Warrior Supreme due to availability concerns, and in their place, we added two new options that offer greater portability. The Stinger On-The-Go is one of the most compact swatters available at just 13 inches in length. It also weighs under four ounces and has a short handle, meaning it is easy to wield and will fit snugly in your bag. However, it only produces a relatively low 2,000 volts, which means it may not kill larger bugs on the first try. We also included the Nobite portable, which is much more powerful at 4,000 volts. It features a folding handle design, making it a great option for traveling or taking on vacation. The popular Black Flag Handheld is now only available as a twin pack in pink and black, which may suit families and prevent arguments about who gets to carry out the zapping.
January 16, 2020:
Take matters into your own hands and protect yourself from annoying and harmful bites and stings with one of these mosquito rackets. They’re like a zapping version of an old-fashioned fly swatter. Five new models join our list in this update, some of which are equipped with bright flashlights that can help you zap bugs in the dark, as well as to light your path on nighttime walks. One such choice is the Buyplus Super Bright, which provides a shock of 3,000 volts as well as a battery that can be recharged via USB (with a charging cord included). This ergonomically built model is comfortable in the hand, and the flashlight doubles as its handle and also provides handy LED indicators. The newly added Teniswatter Pest Control also comes with a bright LED light that turns on when you press its “auto” setting, as well as a USB-rechargeable battery. This one is available in your choice of four colors.
For a model that comes with a base with a UV light that attracts bugs, look to the Make Lemonade Rechargeable. The light turns on automatically as soon as it gets dark, and the base can be set on any flat surface where you can plug it in. When you need portable pest protection, just remove the handheld swatter from the base to take with you. It offers a sturdy, splash-proof construction and a sleek, slim design.
For one with a touch of humor, look to the Charcoal Companion Electric, which features “Game Over” printed boldly in capital letters on its swatting surface. (Now, if only insects could read, maybe they’re be forewarned.) It comes in at a modest price and is available in either red or yellow, both of which will stand out and make it easy to find in your garage or storage shed. For a conveniently telescoping design, look to the Dynazap DZ30100. It’s great for indoor use when the bug you want to flatten happens to be hanging out high on a wall or better yet, on the ceiling. Its large, articulating head bends in multiple directions. It comes with a lanyard for convenient hanging, and folds up compact for easy storage as well.
When used properly, these can be safe, effective tools for keeping your area insect free. However, for safety’s sake, be sure to keep them away from flammable materials, and never let a child handle one or use it as a toy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully regarding use, maintenance, and care. Once you’ve been using yours, let it cool in a safe place, and always keep an eye on it until it’s cooled down.
Special Honors
Mozi As an alternative to a racket, this device uses ultraviolet light to attract bugs, then a powerful vacuum to suck them into a catchment chamber. It has a minimalistic design and runs silently, meaning it shouldn't disturb your sleep at night. buymozi.com
Orkin If you are suffering due to an uncommon amount of bugs, it's possible that you may have an infestation on your property. Orkin will inspect your premises, locate the problem and offer the best solutions available. Fill out the form on their website for a free quote. orkin.com
Why You Should Invest In A Mosquito Racket
They feel sore and itchy and can take up to a week to heal.
There's nothing worse than setting up camp only to realize you'll be sleeping in the middle of a mosquito hot-bed. Luckily, there is a product on the market designed for dealing with exactly this predicament. Mosquito rackets are clever devices that make fly-swatters look downright puny. These rackets have an electrical charge that zaps pests on contact, so you won't have to worry about being bothered by bugs as you enjoy your dinner al fresco.
One reason to purchase a mosquito racket is protection from disease. Mosquitos are notorious for carrying an incredible number of diseases and transmitting them to people and animals all over the world. With a racket, you can defend yourself against this threat quickly and easily.
Even if the bite of a mosquito doesn't end up infecting you with a disease, it will certainly leave an irritating mark on your skin. It may seem superficial to note, but mosquito bites are just plain unsightly. The site of a mosquito bite usually becomes red and swollen within hours and can remain so for days on end. Walking around in sleeveless tops and shorts may feel great in warm weather, but if your limbs are covered in welts, it's hard not to feel self-conscious.
Mosquito bites are also uncomfortable. They feel sore and itchy and can take up to a week to heal. Who has that kind of time? (And, no, there's no way to speed up the healing process.) The best way to deal with mosquito bites is to stop them from occurring in the first place. Rackets offer an economical and easy-to-use method for eliminating the possibility of mosquito bites.
So, if you plan on braving the outdoors anytime soon, consider picking up a mosquito racket. These handy tools will help you keep pests at bay whether you're camping, barbecuing, or hiking. There's no reason to continue suffering the presence of mosquitos when products like these exist.
What To Look For In A Mosquito Racket
There are tons of different mosquito rackets on the market, which means searching for the right one can take a while. But, if you pay attention to the following features, you will be able to find the perfect racquet in no time.
The first thing you will want to assess is the size of the racket. If you are vacationing in a particularly hot, humid area, prepare for a mosquito-dense environment by bringing a larger racket along. For breakfast at home on the patio or a day by the pool, check out some of the smaller options.
For breakfast at home on the patio or a day by the pool, check out some of the smaller options.
In the same vein, pay attention to the way the racket is strung. For smaller biting bugs, a racket with close-set strings will be necessary so the pests don't pass through freely. Hefty bugs like mosquitos, flies, and bees can all be eliminated using rackets featuring fewer strings that are placed farther apart.
Since these products deliver a zap, they have to draw their power from one source or another. Some rackets run on disposable batteries, while others are charged by plugging into an electrical outlet. If you're going on a camping trip, a racket with multiple power options is a wise choice since access to electricity will probably be limited.
Comfort is another aspect to review. There are rackets out there with ergonomically-shaped handles that are rubberized for a secure grip. Rackets with simple, plastic handles are common, as well, and are often more affordable.
Many of the rackets available come with additional bells and whistles that can make your outing that much less stressful. Some of these details include detachable flashlights, carrying bags, and LED lights. Picking a racket that lights up in the dark is a smart move for anyone who likes to play sports or hike during the night. After all, you can't swat a mosquito that you can't see.
More Tips For Enjoying Outdoor Adventure Mosquito-Free
Mosquito rackets are perfect for killing pests in your personal space, but there are other things you can do to further decrease your odds of being bitten. With a racket and these tips in your arsenal, the bugs don't stand a chance.
If you're planning a trip, research what the mosquito activity is like in the place you're visiting, and modify your schedule accordingly. Summer is the mosquito's favorite season, so you might choose to avoid tropical areas during those months.
With a racket and these tips in your arsenal, the bugs don't stand a chance.
Similarly, when you're in a region where mosquitos abound, you can minimize your risk of being bitten by carefully planning your activities so that you won't be out and about when the mosquitos are most active. The middle of the day is the safest bet, as mosquitos tend to prefer the evening and early morning.
Don't forget to bring insect repellent with you on your travels. Repellent comes in several forms and is extremely effective at keeping insects away. In case you're bringing youngsters along on your trip, there are also repellent products designed specifically for kids.
Wear sensible clothing. Even though it might be hot, take a moment to think about how uncomfortable you'll feel in that tank top as mosquitos eat you alive. The best approach to dressing for mosquitos is to wear baggy, light-colored clothing. The bugs find lighter colors less appealing for some reason and will struggle to penetrate the fabric of your loose-fitting tee.
An important tip to remember is to avoid gathering around standing water. Mosquitos thrive in the areas surrounding lakes, ponds, and other, similar bodies of water. Additionally, check around your yard at home for any standing water that you might have forgotten about. Planters, spare tires, and kiddie pools, if overlooked for an extended period of time, can end up collecting stagnant rainwater, turning your home into a mosquito magnet.
With this mosquito knowledge up your sleeve, you'll never be caught unprepared. There's no reason to let mosquitos ruin your outdoor fun when they can be easily stopped with an electric racket.