I’m a stay-at-home mom of three, dodging snack spills while running my blog to test trending products. I spotted an ad for the STEM Flying Insect Zapper during a late-night scroll, and with bugs invading our kitchen and patio, I had to try it. Bought it for $17 on Amazon and here’s my honest review.
About STEM Flying Insect Zapper
The STEM Flying Insect Zapper is a compact, chemical-free device for indoor and outdoor use. It uses a 360-degree UV light to lure flies, mosquitoes, and fruit flies, zapping them on a grid. It’s safe for kids and pets when used right and easy to move around—perfect for family chaos.
Features
- 360-Degree UV Light: Pulls bugs in like a moth magnet.
- Rechargeable Battery: Up to 12 hours via micro-USB (cable included).
- Weatherproof: Works in kitchens or backyards.
- Collapsible Hook: Hang it or set it on a table.
- Chemical-Free: No sprays, just zaps.
- Cleaning Brush: For quick bug cleanup.
Experience
When the STEM zapper arrived, I was honestly impressed by how not clunky it was. Most bug zappers scream “industrial pest control,” but this one’s sleek, white design blends into my kitchen counter like a fancy humidifier. Setup was a breeze—charge it, flip the power button, and let it glow. I started indoors because, let’s be real, fruit flies have been staging a takeover in my kitchen ever since I left a banana out too long.
Day 1: I placed it near the sink, where those tiny terrors love to party. Within hours, I heard the satisfying pop-pop-pop of fruit flies meeting their match. My toddler thought it was a light show and kept pointing, saying, “Blue star!”. By bedtime, the fruit fly population was noticeably down.
Week 1 Outdoors: With summer in full swing, we moved it to the patio for a family movie night. Mosquitoes usually crash our popcorn party, but I hung the zapper from a hook near the kids’ play area, about 10 feet away. The blue glow was subtle, not like a neon sign, and it worked like a charm. We only swatted a couple of stragglers, and I didn’t have to slather the kids in bug. The zapping sound was quieter than I expected, more like a soft snap than a loud crack, so it didn’t drown out our sing-alongs to Moana.
Cleaning Time: After a week, I grabbed the included brush to clear out the grid. It was a bit gross (dead bugs, eww), but the tray-free design meant I just wiped it down and was done in two minutes. No sticky traps to wrestle with—hallelujah!
Pros: What I Love About STEM Insect Zapper
- Portable: Easy to tote from counter to patio.
- Kid-Safe: No chemicals around my wild ones.
- Effective: Fruit flies vanish; mosquitoes drop.
- Low Maintenance: Quick charge, easy clean.
- Subtle Zaps: Won’t wake a sleeping kid.
- Affordable: Good bang for your buck.
Cons
- Micro-USB Charger: Outdated—where’s USB-C?
- Mosquito Limits: Not a full fix in buggy zones.
- Small Coverage: Best for cozy spaces, not big yards.
- No Tray: Bugs fall, so indoors gets messy.
- Battery Life: Twelve hours max, so plan ahead.
Alternatives
I checked Amazon for other top-rated zappers to compare:
- Flowtron BK-40D Electronic Insect Killer: Covers up to an acre with a 40W UV bulb and optional mosquito lure. Great for big backyards but pricey and less portable. Ideal for serious outdoor battles.
- LiBa Electric Bug Zapper: Indoor-focused with a 2800V grid and a removable tray for mess-free cleanup. It’s plug-in only, so it’s not great outdoors, but perfect for kitchen pests.
- ZAP IT! Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket: A handheld, battery-powered swatter with a 4000V grid. Fun for manual bug-hunting but not hands-free like the STEM. Good for moms who want to swing back.
Final Thoughts
The STEM Zapper’s a lifesaver for fruit flies in my kitchen and keeps our patio chill enough for kid dance parties. It’s portable, safe, and budget-friendly, though it’s not a mosquito assassin in heavy bug zones, and the falling bugs indoors are a chore. For small-space pest control, it’s my kind of mom hack. Grab it, sip your coffee bug-free, and enjoy the summer vibes!
While you’re here, see my latest review ‘Ryze Mushroom Coffee‘