Keep Your Summer Nights Rockin’ With The Ryobi Bug Zapper
Nothing beats a nice, relaxing summer night outdoors. When the bugs come out, though, they can make your whole night turn sour, especially when they start to bite! The Ryobi 18V One+ cordless bug zapper (P29014BTLVNM) was designed to be a solution for incessant bugs.
Using Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Bug Zapper
Buzzkill
Ryobi rates their bug zapper to provide protection from bugs for up to 1-1/2 acres outdoors. It works by attracting bugs into the mesh interior using ultraviolet (UV) lights. It then finishes them off with a pleasing “zap” of 2,550 volts of electricity.
The controls are very simple. Just press the button with the mosquito icon to cycle through 2, 4, or 6 hours of UV light.
Because the Ryobi bug zapper operates off limited bursts of high voltage, no significant heat emanates from the device. That means it doesn’t get hot to the touch.
You can also carry it around or mount it to hooks or nails via the integrated plastic carrying handle on top.
Add An Attractant
The design of Ryobi’s bug zapper works as advertised. However, it’s unlikely to create the mosquito-free haven you might be hoping for on its own, though.
Mosquitos and other biting insects are drawn more to carbon dioxide and body odors (which is why they’re so good at finding you in the dark) than light sources, including UV light. To be more effective, add a mosquito attractant, such as Black Flag’s Octenon Lure to draw them in.
Cleanup
With many other bug zappers on the market, you have to struggle to remove the bugs after it zaps them. Ryobi, however, includes a removable tray, so you can quickly clean the 18V bug zapper. The bugs get zapped, fall down into the disposal tray, and you toss them when it gets full. This greatly simplifies the removal process.
There is still some cleanup, though. Take a soft nylon brush or even a blower to the mesh when bugs start to build up on it.
Area Light
There’s an LED area light with 3 brightness settings. It provides 9, 18, or 30 lumens and is best for lighting up your tent or picnic table. It doesn’t have to be on for the bug zapper feature to operate, though.
Additional Features
- Portable carrying handle
Ryobi 18V One+ Bug Zapper Price
The Ryobi 18V One+ bug zapper is slated for a June 2022 release. As with all Ryobi tools and products, it is exclusive to The Home Depot. The bug zapper comes as the bare tool for $99, or as part of a kit, which includes an 18V 2.0Ah battery and 18V charger.
Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
A cordless bug zapper is a brilliant idea for your outdoor living space or weekend adventures, and Ryobi made it happen. Keep in mind that like most bug zappers, you need to add an attractant to make it the most effective.
Specifications
- Model: Ryobi P29014BTLVNM
- Volts: 2550V
- Watts: 10.6W
- LED light lumens: 9 / 18 / 30
- Depth: 9.3 in
- Height: 7.4 in
- Width: 3.1 in
- Weight: 3.2 lbs
How long does the battery last on a full charge?
Bug zappers are proven to be ineffective against mosquitoes. In fact they kill more beneficial insects than mosquitoes. Don’t use a bug zapper, get a fan instead
I really like to see these products branching out from traditional power tool roles. It makes the entire platform much more appealing, since you’re essentially married to the battery, may as well make it more useful.