Bug zappers are mostly useless for mosquitoes.

Electric bug zappers do kill some mosquitoes, but they’re terrible at targeting them. The vast majority of insects they electrocute are harmless moths, beetles, and midges. And yes, they might actually attract more mosquitoes to your yard than they kill.

The problem is simple: mosquitoes don’t care about UV light. They find you by sensing your breath (CO₂), your body heat, and your sweat. Bug zappers use ultraviolet light, which is great for attracting flying insects that are active at night—but not the ones that bite you.

A well-known 1996 study in Florida found that over a whole season, one zapper killed over 10,000 insects, and only 30 were mosquitoes. Thirty. The rest were beneficial or neutral bugs. Meanwhile, the zapper’s light can draw mosquitoes from farther away into your yard, and since it barely kills any, you end up with a worse problem.

If you want to actually reduce mosquitoes, get a fan (they can’t fly in strong wind), a trap that uses CO₂ or octenol, or just remove standing water. The zapper is a satisfying light show, but it’s not mosquito control.

Future You deserves less bites, not more noise.