A bug zapper racket, also sold as a mosquito racket, fly swatter racket or electric swatter, is the most direct way to deal with the one mosquito that will not leave you alone at night. It looks like a small tennis racquet, and a quick pass through the air is enough to catch a flying insect on its charged mesh.
This guide explains how a racket works, what to look for, how to use one well and the safety rules that matter, particularly in a house with children or pets.
How a zapper racket works
The head of the racket is a set of metal mesh layers. When the racket is switched on, a battery-powered circuit charges the mesh to a high voltage. An insect that touches the mesh completes the circuit and is zapped. The 2 in 1 rechargeable mosquito swatter works at 2700V, is made from ABS plastic and stainless steel, and has an ergonomic handle.
The handle is the part you hold. The mesh is the part to respect.
The 2 in 1 idea: swatter and standing trap
Some rackets do a single job. The 2 in 1 design adds a second: it comes with a stand that holds it upright, and a UV light that attracts insects while it stands there. It has three modes:
- OFF.
- ON, for using it by hand as a swatter.
- ON with the UV light, for standing it in its holder as a small passive trap, so it keeps working without you swinging it.
That second mode is handy in a bedroom or beside a lamp in the evening. It is a small trap, though, and not a substitute for a room-sized zapper. For a whole kitchen or living area, a wall-mounted unit such as the 14W LED UV indoor fly zapper, which covers up to 100m², does that job.
What to look for in a racket
- Rechargeable, not disposable batteries. The 2 in 1 swatter charges with the included cable, takes about 4h to charge and runs for approximately 3hrs on a charge.
- A size you can handle. It measures 18 x 42 cm, which covers a good sweep of air without being awkward to use indoors.
- A clear on/off switch. A racket you can see is on is a racket you are less likely to grab by the mesh.
- Somewhere to put it. A stand or holder keeps it off the floor and away from small hands between uses.
How to use one well
Most people's first instinct is a hard tennis swing. It is rarely the most effective way.
- Move slowly and smoothly. A mosquito reacts to sudden air movement. A slow, steady sweep through the space where it is hovering works more often than a fast swing.
- Sweep, do not smash. The mesh only has to touch the insect. There is no need to hit walls, curtains or furniture.
- Use the light. At night, switch on a single lamp and turn the rest off. Insects tend to gather near it, which makes them easier to find.
- Check corners and curtains. Mosquitoes often rest on walls, curtains and ceilings near the bed. A slow pass just in front of the surface, without touching it, will usually do it.
- Switch it off between uses. Turn it off before you put it down, and before you clean it.
Safety rules that matter
A zapper racket is a small electrical device with a high-voltage mesh, and it is easy to handle it like a toy. A few rules keep it safe:
- Keep it away from children. Store it switched off, on its stand or up high, out of reach. It is not a toy and should not be used by children.
- Never touch the mesh when it is on, and never push fingers or metal objects through it.
- Never point it at people or pets. Keep it well away from faces, and away from a dog or cat that is curious about the noise.
- Keep it dry. Do not use it in the rain, near a pool or over a sink, and do not wash it with water.
- Do not use it near flammable vapours, such as around fuel, aerosols or a gas bottle.
- Charge it on a hard surface with the cable supplied, and unplug it once it is charged.
Cleaning and care
- Switch it off and wait a little before touching the mesh.
- Tap the racket gently over a bin to clear debris.
- Brush the mesh lightly with a small dry brush if anything is stuck.
- Store it in its stand, switched off.
Racket, zapper or both?
A racket and a wall-mounted zapper do different jobs. The racket handles the insect you can see right now. A zapper works in the background over a whole room or deck. The two work well together: a racket beside the bed and a zapper in the kitchen or on the patio. For outdoor areas without a power point, solar mosquito killer lights charge in the sun and run a UV light at night.
Quick checklist
- Rechargeable, with a clear on/off switch and a stand to keep it safe.
- Slow, smooth sweeps work better than hard swings.
- Never touch the mesh when on; keep it dry and away from children and pets.
- Use the UV stand mode for a bedroom; use a wall unit for a whole room.
Browse the full insect killers and bug zappers range.
Frequently asked questions
How does a bug zapper racket work?
The head of the racket is a set of metal mesh layers, and a battery-powered circuit charges it to a high voltage when the racket is switched on. An insect that touches the charged mesh completes the circuit and is zapped. The 2 in 1 rechargeable mosquito swatter works at 2700V.
How long does a rechargeable racket take to charge?
The 2 in 1 swatter charges with the included cable in about 4h and runs for approximately 3hrs on a charge. Do the charging on a hard surface, and unplug it once it is done.
Is a zapper racket safe around children and pets?
It needs care. Store it switched off, on its stand or up high, out of reach of children, because it is not a toy. Never touch the mesh when it is on, never push fingers or metal objects through it, and never point it at people or pets.
What is the stand and UV light mode for?
The 2 in 1 design comes with a stand that holds the racket upright and a UV light that attracts insects while it stands there. It works as a small passive trap beside a lamp in the evening, and a wall-mounted zapper does the job for a whole room.
How do I use a racket so it works?
Move slowly and smoothly, because a mosquito reacts to sudden air movement. Sweep the mesh through the space where it is hovering. It only has to touch the insect, so there is no need to hit walls, curtains or furniture.