Do Blue Lights Really Kill Mosquitoes? Here’s What Science (and Users) Say

If you’ve ever looked at one of those buzzing blue lights hanging in someone’s home and wondered, “Does that thing work?”, you’re not alone. Blue light mosquito killers have become increasingly popular, especially now that it’s the rainy season in Nigeria.

As we know, with rain comes puddles, and with puddles comes mosquitoes. These bloodthirsty little insects thrive in wet conditions, and sadly, so does malaria - one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne illnesses in our region. That’s why many people are looking for ways to get rid of mosquitoes indoors and around the house.

So, where does blue light come in? And can it zap mosquitoes for good?

Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum - the same light you see when you turn on a bulb, but at a shorter wavelength. It’s a lot like UV light, which is well known for attracting bugs. You may not realise it, but many flying insects are naturally drawn to UV or blue-toned lights. These wavelengths mimic the moonlight they instinctively follow at night.

Bug zappers and insect traps take advantage of this behaviour. The blue or UV light attracts the mosquito, and then one of two things happens:

• They get zapped by a high-voltage electric grid, or

• They’re sucked in by a fan and trapped with sticky glue pads.

It’s simple, non-toxic, and, depending on the model, quite effective, especially indoors.

If you’re considering getting a blue-light mosquito device this rainy season, here are some top products worth considering.

This compact plug-in lamp is an easy entry point for anyone looking to reduce mosquitoes without using sprays or chemicals. It has a cordless plug-in that saves space and plugs directly into the wall. It produces no odour, fumes, or heat, which makes it safe around kids and pets.

It consumes low electricity but has a high mosquito-killing performance. The detachable insect container makes it easy to clean, and its small size makes it fit enough to be placed indoors for mosquito problems, especially at night. Price: ₦9,630. Where To Buy: Shop Jumia.

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This product looks like a regular light bulb but does double duty. The Zapp Light combines lighting with bug-zapping functionality.

It screws into most standard bulb holders, and it has a built-in blue UV light that attracts insects to a metal grid which instantly kills mosquitoes and flying insects on contact. It doesn’t cause any smoke and uses no harsh chemicals. If you’re using it indoors or outdoors (like in a veranda or hallway), it’s a simple and smart replacement for your regular bulbs. Price: ₦5,000. Where To Buy: Shop Cleaneat.

This insect killer is one for serious mosquito duty if you have a larger outdoor area like a backyard, garden, or compound. It uses high-intensity UV black light plus Octenol, a chemical attractant that mimics human breath. It has a supercharged 5,600-volt kill grid that is way stronger than many standard zappers. 

It covers up to half an acre, making it great for farms or wooded areas. Its durable, weatherproof design can withstand rain and sun. If mosquitoes are a major concern around your home, this Flowtron insect killer is a worthy investment. Price: $49.99. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.

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This Katchy trap skips the zapping and uses a UV light, fan, and sticky glue board to lure in and trap mosquitoes, fruit flies, and gnats. It creates no zapping sounds and has a modern design that fits easily into kitchens or entryways. It has multiple fan settings you can control depending on how quiet or powerful you want it. 

Additionally, it has glue boards, which means it doesn’t create a mess. It also works well in a dark room, especially at night. Price: $39.99. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.

Now for something a bit more interactive, this is the ZAP IT! Bug Zapper Racket is like a modern-day fly swatter but way more powerful (and fun to use).

It has a 4,000-volt grid that instantly kills mosquitoes and flies. It also has a built-in LED light, which will be handy for night use. It can be charged with its USB, which can get 10,000 zaps per charge, and a triple-layer safety mesh that prevents accidental shocks. Price: $26.99. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

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This heavy-duty indoor UV zapper is great for large rooms, restaurants, and even indoor stores. It uses two UV light bulbs to attract a range of flying pests. 

It also has a protective mesh screen for safety, a removable tray that makes cleaning quick and hygienic, and two free replacement bulbs for long-term use. Depending on your space, it can be mounted or placed flat. Price: $40.99. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.

If you’re tired of swatting mosquitoes or layering yourself in repellent every night, a blue light mosquito killer might just be what you need this rainy season. While it’s true that mosquitoes are mostly drawn to carbon dioxide and body heat, blue light still helps lure and reduce their numbers, especially in closed spaces.

The rainy season doesn’t have to mean nights of buzzing and bites. With the right blue light device, you can finally get rid of mosquitoes in your space and enjoy it in peace.