The Best Mosquito Traps of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Mosquito Traps of 2024, Tested and Reviewed and hope the blog can help you.

Keep biting insects at bay by adding one of these mosquito-deterrent devices to your pest-control strategy.

Taking control of the mosquito population on your property isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about health. These relentless nuisances not only cause irritating skin reactions and itching but also pose a serious threat by transmitting diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. According to Kyle Boureston, founder of MosGone, a mosquito control company based in Austin, Texas, “mosquito traps are the only truly effective way to control the mosquito population. Repellents and insecticides will kill almost anything they come into contact with while being sprayed, such as pollinators like bees and butterflies, and generally lose their efficacy shortly after being sprayed.”

To help get rid of mosquitos and ensure your outdoor comfort and safety, we conducted comprehensive testing on the top-selling mosquito traps. Our top recommendation is the DynaTrap thanks to its easy setup, robust construction, and quiet operation. Learn what to look for when shopping for one of these helpful traps, and find out how the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the best mosquito traps. 

  1. BEST OVERALL: DynaTrap 1-Acre Mosquito and Insect Trap
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  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Tysonir Electric Bug Zapper
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  3. BEST WALL-MOUNTED: Faicuk Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap
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  4. BEST FOR OUTDOORS: DynaTrap ½-Acre Decora Pole-Mounted Mosquito Trap
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  5. BEST FOR INDOORS: Katchy Indoor Insect Trap
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  6. BEST PORTABLE: Wisely Rechargeable Camping Zapper With Lantern
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  7. BEST FOR MIDSIZE YARDS: DynaTrap ¾-Acre Mosquito & Insect Trap
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  8. BEST SCONCE DESIGN: Gardner WS-95 Wall Sconce Insect Light Trap
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Large white triangular mosquito trap on a wall, illuminated
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

How We Tested the Best Mosquito Traps

We evaluated each mosquito trap based on established criteria, including ease of setup and cleaning, insect attraction effectiveness, durability, and ability to maintain an insect-free area. We assigned ratings on a rubric scale of 0 to 4 to determine their scores. The better a mosquito trap performed, the more points it received.

We strategically placed each trap in the recommended area, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Additionally, we followed the manufacturer’s suggested time frame for optimal results during our testing phase. After each trap had completed its designated operating time, we carefully assessed how well the devices attracted and eliminated the targeted insects. Lastly, we thoroughly examined each trap’s performance in maintaining an insect-free environment when operated continuously.

Testing Stats
Products tested  8
Time spent testing  1 hour each
Tests performed 5 to 6
Price range $25 to $200

Our Top Picks

Although there are a wide variety of mosquito traps to choose from, the list below zeros in some of the best-rated picks across trap types. We put these traps to the test. Find out how each one fared.

Best Overall

DynaTrap 1-Acre Mosquito and Insect Trap

 DynaTrap 1-Acre Mosquito and Insect Trap on a white background

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light and carbon dioxide
  • Indoor or outdoor: Both
  • Coverage area: 1 acre

Pros

  • Easy to set up; only requires users to put in the batteries and turn on 
  • Removable base is easy to clean for hassle-free maintenance
  • Whisper-quiet fan traps insects without zapping or buzzing

Cons

  • Kills indiscriminately—even pollinators such as honey bees—making it less eco-friendly than other picks

The DynaTrap 1-acre mosquito and insect trap can reduce mosquito populations on properties of up to 1 acre in size. It plugs into a standard 110-volt (V) electrical outlet and operates quietly 24 hours a day. Carbon dioxide emanates from the titanium dioxide surface, along with the off-gassing of organic matter inside the collection chamber. Warmth and ultraviolet light from two bulbs attract mosquitoes to the upper housing. A quiet fan pulls the insects into the metal retaining cage, where they dry out and die without the sounds of zapping or buzzing. It’s easy to maintain, too: Simply twist off the retaining cage and empty its contents. 

According to the manufacturer, with constant operation, the DynaTrap takes 3 weeks to capture enough mosquitoes to notice an impact. It can take up to 6 weeks to kill enough mosquitoes to disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle.

The DynaTrap insect trap effectively lured mosquitoes and other flying insects in testing. We set up the trap in a covered porch area in our backyard and let it run continuously for 6 weeks per the manufacturer’s recommendation. It’s easy to set up and clean, and the fan is barely noticeable while it’s running. The only con we had for this trap is that it kills all flying insects—even the beneficial ones like native bees and ladybugs. However, it did make an impact on the mosquito population in our yard. 

Get the DynaTrap 1-acre mosquito trap at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Bang For The Buck

Tysonir Electric Bug Zapper

 Tysonir Electric Bug Zapper on a white background

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value5/5

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light
  • Indoor or outdoor: Both
  • Coverage area: 2,000 square feet

Pros

  • Hook on top for hanging makes it perfect for backyards, patios, and more
  • Lightweight at just 2 pounds for easy portability
  • Waterproof construction makes it easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • No power switch, so users have to unplug it to turn it off
  • Zapping sound is very loud

The Tysonir Electric Bug Zapper uses heat and ultraviolet light from its 15-watt Blu-ray bulb to attract mosquitoes and a variety of other bugs. Its 4,200V electric shock grid, which is surrounded by a protective ABS plastic housing, quickly kills bugs. This unit plugs into a standard 110V household power outlet. It’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use in all kinds of weather. Users can hang the lantern-style housing by the metal loop or set it on a solid surface. For a quick cleanup, users simply unscrew the threaded base.

Using this trap is as easy as plug-and-go. It’s simple and effective but best used in a dark room or an unlit outdoor area. Although this trap did kill any insect that had the misfortune of being lured into its electric grid, we did have two cons. First, there is no power button. You have to plug and unplug the machine from the wall outlet. Second, the zapping sound is loud. For some people, this may be insurance that it’s working, but it startled us almost every time we heard the zap. 

Nonetheless, for the economical price and easy portability, the Tysonir Electric Bug Zapper is handy as a backup unit or as an extra bug zapper to take to the cabin or use in an RV. 

Get the Tysonir mosquito trap at Amazon.

Best Wall-mounted

Faicuk Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap

 Faicuk Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap on a white background

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 3.5/5

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light and glue board
  • Indoor or outdoor: Indoor
  • Coverage area: 900 square feet

Pros

  • Compact, mountable unit doesn’t take up a lot of floor space
  • Runs quietly so it does not disrupt a home’s day-to-day routine 
  • Easy to clean, and easy to install with all mounting hardware included

Cons

  • Plastic casing is flimsy so it may not withstand abrasions well 

Designed for indoor use, the Faicuk trap attracts mosquitoes and other flying insects with an 8-watt ultraviolet lamp. The trap’s reflective inner surface boosts the light’s intensity. It has a 6-foot power cord that plugs into a standard 115V household electrical outlet, and it operates quietly with no buzzing, zapping, or fan noise. The glue board collection system captures bugs efficiently, and it’s easy to replace when needed. (The unit comes with six replacement glue boards.) It covers about 900 square feet or a 25-foot radius. 

We did have mixed feelings about this bug trap. As a trap, it worked well; it lured a variety of flying insects and effectively eliminated them. Cleanup was easy, and replacing the sticky paper was a cinch. The issues we had with this product were that the plastic is flimsy, the unit is unattractive (to us), and it’s expensive. Aesthetically, it would work in some settings. Still, you will need to have a power outlet near it to power it without using extension cords. Price is relative, but we thought the cost of this bug trap seemed high given that you can only use it indoors, and its coverage area is small. Nonetheless, we still felt that it would be a beneficial product, especially for restaurants or covered-patio eating areas needing a bug trap that doesn’t take up valuable floor space. 

Get the Faicuk mosquito trap at Amazon.

Best For Outdoors

DynaTrap ½-Acre Decora Pole-Mounted Mosquito Trap

 DynaTrap ½-Acre Decora Pole-Mounted Mosquito Trap on a white background

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light and carbon dioxide
  • Indoor or outdoor: Both
  • Coverage area: ½ acre

Pros

  • Durable construction can withstand weather and heavy winds 
  • Attractive design looks great with multiple outdoor fixtures 
  • Easy to clean and resists weathering, so it should last a long time

Cons

  • Cumbersome to assemble; may require more than 1 set of hands 
  • Kills indiscriminately—even desirable pollinators such as honey bees and bumble bees

The DynaTrap pole-mounted mosquito trap uses light, heat, and carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes from up to ½ acre away. It plugs into a standard 110V household electrical outlet and operates quietly. The titanium dioxide surface releases a carbon dioxide plume that attracts mosquitoes and emits warmth and ultraviolet light from two bulbs in the upper housing. A quiet fan draws nearby bugs into the metal retaining cage, where they dehydrate and die without the sound of noisy electrical zapping or buzzing. The capture basket twists off for easy cleaning. This freestanding mosquito trap is 44 inches high when mounted on the included lantern pole.

After allowing the DynaTrap pole-mounted mosquito trap to run for 4 weeks, we did notice a reduction in mosquitoes and other flying insects. According to the manufacturer, disrupting the mosquito breeding cycle takes about 6 weeks, so we were pleasantly surprised. Overall, we did like the way the trap looked and performed. The trap’s fan is quiet while in operation, and there is no annoying zapping sound when a bug enters the fan area. The only cons we can report are that it’s cumbersome to assemble and it also lures and kills any flying insect, including beneficial bugs and pollinators. Still, once it’s together, it’s easy to operate and clean.

Get the DynaTrap ½-acre mosquito trap at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best For Indoors

Katchy Indoor Insect Trap

 Katchy Indoor Insect Trap with 4 used white trays

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light and glue board
  • Indoor or outdoor: Indoor
  • Coverage area: 320 square feet

Pros

  • Easy to set up; simply plug in and leave in the desired space 
  • Easy to clean; remove the glue board and replace it with a clean one
  • Catches gnats, fruit flies, and mosquitoes with ease after attracting them with UV light

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the fan is not strong enough

The Katchy Indoor Insect Trap uses UV light to attract mosquitoes and other insects. When the trap is placed near the source of the insects (a trash bin, for example), its quiet fan draws the bugs into the capture basket and onto a sticky glue board. Run this unit day and night, and you should see fewer bugs in a couple of days. Both the light and fan are powered by a USB cable that plugs into a wall adapter or a portable USB power source. This electric mosquito trap is also compatible with scent attractants. 

We loved how well this machine captured annoying fungus gnats and fruit flies. We did not think we had issues with mosquitoes indoors until we ran this machine for a whole week. We checked the trap daily and were amazed by the number of bugs stuck to the glue paper, including several mosquitoes! We do think the trap is a bit spendy. It only comes with four glue boards, and its coverage area is 320 square feet. Refill glue boardsare available. However, it works well and will help eliminate fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitoes that invade your home.

Get the Katchy mosquito trap at Amazon.

Best Portable

Wisely Rechargeable Camping Zapper With Lantern

 Three Wisely Rechargeable Camping Zappers With Lantern

Photo: amazon.com


Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.8/5; Durability 5/5; Ease of Cleaning 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

  • Type: UV light and zapper
  • Indoor or outdoor: Both
  • Coverage area: Approximately 15-foot radius when 3 traps are used

Pros

  • Rechargeable via USB-C and indicator lights signify when fully charged
  • Compact and portable, making them suitable for camping and other uses
  • Includes adjustable LED light for providing additional illumination if desired

Cons

  • Small coverage area, so several traps are required for larger areas

The Wisely three-pack of compact mosquito traps exceeded our expectations. The convenience of charging them via USB cords was a notable advantage. It took approximately 45 minutes to fully charge each trap, and the indicator lights changed from red to green to indicate when they were ready to use.

While these traps are ideal for camping, we decided to test them by hanging all three units from the underside of a large patio umbrella. We sat at the table during peak mosquito activity periods—just before dawn and dusk—and observed several annoying pests drawn to the Wisely lights that were promptly zapped.

Unlike traditional traps, these mosquito killers do not have a catch basin. Instead, the dead mosquitoes land on a narrow interior rim or fall to the ground. Each unit has a UV light and an adjustable LED light. We found the LED lights to be quite bright, attracting many moths when turned on. We preferred using only the UV lights, which proved sufficient for attracting and zapping mosquitoes. Depending on the desired setup, the traps can be conveniently hung or placed on a table.

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