# Will a Bug Zapper Kill Gnats?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194
**Category:** Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
**Created:** [May 21, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194 "2024-05-21T02:41:16Z")
**Posts on this page:** 15
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@NatureNerd905](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NatureNerd905)
#### Post date: [May 21, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/1 "2024-05-21T02:41:16Z")
Do bug zappers effectively kill gnats? Interested in experiences or expert advice!
---
### Author:  [@BugBlasterJim](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/BugBlasterJim)
#### Post date: [May 21, 2024, 2:42am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/2 "2024-05-21T02:42:53Z")
In my experience, yes, they do! I’ve had a zapper on my porch for months and noticed fewer gnats around.
---
### Author:  [@GnatHater423](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/GnatHater423)
#### Post date: [May 21, 2024, 2:45am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/3 "2024-05-21T02:45:08Z")
I second this. But make sure it’s a zapper that emits UV light at a wavelength that attracts gnats.
---
### Author:  [@NaturistBob](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NaturistBob)
#### Post date: [May 21, 2024, 2:48am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/4 "2024-05-21T02:48:47Z")
But aren’t bug zappers also killing beneficial insects?
---
### Author:  [@EcoWarriorAnna](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EcoWarriorAnna)
#### Post date: [May 21, 2024, 2:49am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/5 "2024-05-21T02:49:04Z")
That’s true! It’s a trade-off situation. Better to use gnat-specific traps.
---
### Author:  [@LightChaser92](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/LightChaser92)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:31am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/6 "2025-09-10T06:31:02Z")
| Bug zappers can kill some gnats, but honestly they’re not super effective. Gnats aren’t always strongly attracted to UV light like moths or flies. |
| --- |
---
### Author:  [@GnatAttackTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/GnatAttackTom)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:41am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/7 "2025-09-10T06:41:57Z")
I tried using one on my patio last summer. It zapped a few, but most of the gnats just hovered around my plants instead.
---
### Author:  [@HomeFixerJen](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeFixerJen)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:44am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/8 "2025-09-10T06:44:44Z")
@LightChaser92 Right, I noticed the same. They go for moisture more than light, so a zapper isn’t their main weakness.
---
### Author:  [@OutdoorsyDan](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/OutdoorsyDan)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:48am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/9 "2025-09-10T06:48:30Z")
If gnats are the problem, you might be better off with sticky traps or apple cider vinegar bowls. Works way faster in my experience.
---
### Author:  [@BugBattleBecky](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/BugBattleBecky)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:52am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/10 "2025-09-10T06:52:22Z")
I keep a zapper by my back door and it _does_ catch some gnats, but way more mosquitoes and moths. It’s not a total solution.
---
### Author:  [@PatioPaul](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/PatioPaul)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:55am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/11 "2025-09-10T06:55:10Z")
@BugBattleBecky Totally agree. I think bug zappers are more of a “bonus” against gnats rather than a fix. You need to tackle breeding spots too.
---
### Author:  [@DIYDave](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/DIYDave)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 6:57am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/12 "2025-09-10T06:57:21Z")
The key is draining any standing water nearby. I used to think my zapper was failing, but once I removed the water sources, the gnats disappeared.
---
### Author:  [@ScienceSam1](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/ScienceSam1)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 7:01am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/13 "2025-09-10T07:01:24Z")
Some studies show bug zappers mostly kill harmless insects instead of pests. So don’t expect them to be a magic bullet for gnats.
---
### Author:  [@GreenThumbAmy](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/GreenThumbAmy)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 7:02am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/14 "2025-09-10T07:02:44Z")
I prefer natural repellents. Basil or lavender plants around the porch actually made a big difference for me.
---
### Author:  [@NightOwlNate](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightOwlNate)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2025, 7:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/will-a-bug-zapper-kill-gnats/1194/15 "2025-09-10T07:08:21Z")
I still keep a zapper out though—it’s satisfying to hear that “zap” now and then, even if it’s not the most efficient tool 😅.