There are many bugs and insects such as fruit flies and honey bees which can be annoying but are mostly don’t harm humans.

Wasps, on the other hand, present a big problem. Species such as the paper wasp and yellow jackets can quickly become very aggressive.

It’s no wonder that you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible but is an electric fly swatter the best way to do it?

Here we take a look at how they work, how good they are at killing wasps, and any alternatives you may want to consider.

Let’s get started!

What is an electric fly swatter?

Electric fly swatters are handheld devices that zap pests like crane flies, biting flies, and paper wasps among many others. They use a high voltage electric current to kill bugs with just one swat.

Electric fly swatters come in different sizes and shapes, and some even look like tennis rackets or badminton rackets. They all have an electrode at the end that emits the electric current, whatever shape they are.

When you see a wasp or fly, just take your electric bug zapper, switch it on and aim for the bug. Once you make contact, the electrode will emit an electric shock that instantly kills the bug.

No mess, no fuss! A handheld bug zapper is a great way to get rid of wasps because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t use any chemicals. You just swat the wasp, and it’s often instantly dead. It’s a very simple and highly effective method of pest control.

Do fly zappers work on wasps?

Fly zappers partly work by emitting a UV light that attracts bugs to the center of the device, where they’re electrocuted. The irresistible lure makes them highly effective at killing those pesky tiny insects!

Are they effective against wasps? That’s a bit more complicated.

The artificial lights attract moths and other insects but not wasps. Their UV light behavior is different as many wasp species don’t need to follow the light produced. That’s where you’re skill comes in as you can rely on your hand-eye coordination to hit the wasp with your swatter and kill insects.

Once in contact with the electric grid, the annoying insect will be at least stunned by the voltage. A large electric bug zapper usually kills a wasp, especially if you’ve also swatted it pretty hard!

If you are looking at a UV light swatter then that feature won’t be very effective on wasps.

But before you get out your old fashioned fly swatter, you’ll be happy to know that the voltage on bug zappers will do a very good job at getting rid of that wasp.

Will electric fly swatters kill wasps?

Electric bug zappers are highly effective at killing wasps.

In fact, they’re so good that many people use them as their primary method of getting rid of wasps, flies, and even hornets. One quick swat with an electric flyswatter is usually all it takes to kill a wasp. If batteries drain or there is an electrical conductivity issue with the wings, it would not kill them as quickly.

Whether it’s paper wasps, yellow jackets, or parasitic wasps, the result is going to be the same.

Before you start swinging, it’s good to know about your beneficial insects which pollinate flowers. Honey bees and carpenter bees aren’t aggressive but can look like wasps from a distance.

While popular pest killing devices can be very effective, you want to keep the worker bees protected and instead focus on those wasps.

It’s also important to note that wasps hunt pest insects so don’t go around killing yellow jackets for fun. It’s best to focus on the ones that are in your home or invading your personal space.

How many volts does it take to kill a wasp?

A handheld bug zapper is the way forward when you need to kill bugs quickly and efficiently. The range of voltage in these devices can vary from 1500 volts to 4000 volts, and more typically, 2000 volts will kill bugs like wasps and flies. This amount is enough for an immediate, fatal shock that quickly quiets these pests down!

There is also the effect of the blunt force trauma. When you strike the wasp it will hit the active area on the bug zapper and then be thrown at great speed onto a hard surface. That alone can often be enough to kill make and female wasps.

With bug zappers you get the dual strike option to zap wasps but also knock them out. Once you have that swatter raised, one way or another that wasp isn’t going to survive. It makes is the perfect weapon to kill yellow jackets and most species of flying bugs.

Alternatives to the electric fly swatters

Electric flyswatters are great for getting rid of wasps, but there are some alternatives that work just as well.

Homemade trap:

You can make your own trap out of a plastic bottle with sugar water inside and hang it from the ceiling or place it on a table where wasps will be attracted to it. This can be effective for other wasps but doesn’t really deal with an immediate problem like the electric flash of a zapper.

Chemical sprays:

Chemical sprays can effectively get rid of wasps, but they can also be harmful if you’re not careful. Make sure to read the instruction and use them in a well-ventilated area.

The spray is toxic and other chemicals can cause breathing issues. This is not a good idea for children unlike using the racket shaped electrical screen of a zapper.

How does it compare to other methods of killing wasps?

An electric bug zapper is much quicker than using chemical sprays, which can take up to hours to kill a wasp and you don’t have any of the other downsides.

They are also safer than other methods as they don’t use any harmful chemicals that could cause harm if you accidentally get them on your skin or in your eyes. They’re perfect for people who like gadgets, electronics, and zapping bugs.

The truth is, if you want to kill wasps then it’s usually because there is an immediate problem.

Due to this, no other methods are suitable. Fly swatters work straight away to get rid of your problem and stop you from worrying about getting stung.

What are some of the benefits?

There are a lot of benefits to using handheld bug zappers.

They’re quick, easy, and safe to use.

Electric fly swatters don’t use any harmful chemicals, so they’re perfect for people who want a chemical-free way to get rid of wasps. Electric fly swatters do not leave behind any chemical residue that could harm children or pets.

They are also brilliant at not only avoiding a wasps sting but also killing any other flying insects which may be a problem. You’ll get plenty of use out of a bug zapper and you won’t need to worry about getting bitten or stung anymore.

Are electric fly swatters safe?

Electric flyswatters are very safe when used correctly.

The voltage is not enough to cause significant pain if you accidentally touch the electrode, but it is strong enough to kill bugs instantly. Read the instruction manual properly and follow it.

Electric flyswatters are safer than chemical sprays because you don’t have to worry about inhaling fumes or getting them on your skin. Handheld bu zappers are one of the safest ways to get rid of wasps in your home, yard, or garden.

It’s obvious to say that you shouldn’t leave them hanging around near children as then getting zapped won’t be serious but it’ll still be a nasty shock. As long as you use it sensibly then they are perfectly safe.

There are no real dangers associated with using handheld bug zappers, as long as you use them properly. There are some minor incidents of people getting hurt.

In almost all the cases, the instructions and safety guidelines were not followed.

Tips for using an electric fly swatter safely

1) Make sure to use a handheld bug zapper with a voltage of at least 2000 volts. This is enough to kill a wasp or fly instantly. A low voltage bug zapper may just stun the wasp and not kill it properly.

2) Electric flyswatters are not toys, and it is better to keep them away from young kids or train kids properly before handling this device. Don’t touch electric fly swatter. They do hurt if you get zapped yourself but not enough to cause any serious issues.

3) Don’t touch anything metal while zapping the bug.

4) Don’t zap any wasps or bugs near food. If you do, ensure that the food is covered.

5) Always keep the handheld bug zappers away from water, as this could cause it to break.

6) Electric Fly Swatters are only effective if you use them properly: make sure you’re close enough to the wasp so that it can be zapped before flying away.

Final thoughts

An electric fly swatter is a quick and easy solution to the annoying buzzing of flies and wasps. The electric fly swatter kill insects instantly and these devices are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, making them an appealing option for people to get rid of wasps and other insects.

You need to consider a few things when buying or using handheld bug zappers.

First off, if you’re planning on buying an electric fly swatter, make sure that they can kill both flies and wasps with just one zap. The fly swatter should be of good size, a sturdy, strong handle with a good grip.

Second, check out how many volts each model has, some can be 15 volts while others can go up to 4000 volts

Thirdly, make sure to read the instruction manual and safety guidelines before using your new electric fly swatter.

Like any other tool, an electric fly swatter should only be used as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions, and care must always be taken when using this type of device.

Electric fly swatters work very well and are great for getting rid of wasps and other species of bugs. They are safe to use and you’re going to love the results.