Mosquitos are everywhere this summer. I swear they’re attracted to me specifically – my girlfriend can sit outside for hours and get maybe one bite while I look like I have chicken pox after ten minutes. I’ve tried everything. Those citronella torches that smell like shit and barely work. Bug spray that makes me feel like I’m coating myself in poison. Even those ridiculous bracelets with “natural” oils that do absolutely nothing.
Then my buddy Mike shows up to our camping trip with this ZapShield thing and suddenly he’s not getting eaten alive like the rest of us. I figured it was just luck until the second night when I sat next to his gadget and had zero bites. So obviously I had to get one.
Been using it for four months now. Here’s what actually happened.
What Is This ZapShield Thing Anyway?
It’s basically a bug-killing lantern. Uses UV light to attract mosquitos and other flying assholes, then fries them with an electric grid. The whole thing runs on solar power which is perfect because I always forget to charge stuff.
What I didn’t expect is how bright the lantern part is. Like, seriously bright. Way better than those crappy camping lanterns that die after three hours.
My Honest ZapShield Reviews After Actually Using It
I’m gonna be real – I thought this was gonna be another overpriced camping gadget that breaks after two weeks. I’ve been burned before by “revolutionary” bug zappers that either don’t work or fall apart immediately.
This one’s different though.
What Actually Works About It
It kills mosquitos like crazy
The UV light really does attract them. Every morning when I’m camping there’s a pile of dead bugs in the bottom tray. It’s honestly pretty satisfying to see.
Silent as hell
Those old-school bug zappers sound like someone’s shooting fireworks all night. This thing is completely quiet. You can sleep right next to it.
Solar charging isn’t bullshit
I was worried the solar panel would be one of those weak ones that barely charges anything. But it actually keeps the thing running all day from just morning sun. You can also plug it in if you want.
The light is legit bright
Like 20+ hours of light on one charge. Three different brightness settings too. I’ve stopped bringing a separate flashlight camping.
Safe around kids and pets
The electric part is completely covered. My friend’s nosy lab has tried to stick his nose in it multiple times and never got shocked.
Benefits I Actually Care About
After months of dragging this thing everywhere, here’s what makes it worth it:
No More Chemical Warfare on My Skin
Used to cover myself in DEET before going outside. That stuff is nasty and makes everything you touch feel gross. Now I just turn on the ZapShield and forget about it.
Actually Portable
Weighs nothing and has a handle. I throw it in my backpack for hiking or just carry it around when I’m working in the yard.
Two Things in One
Bug killer plus camping light saves space and money. Good camping lanterns cost 40-50 bucks anyway.
Works Inside Too
Had a fruit fly invasion last month and this cleared them out in two days. Way better than those sticky traps that catch like three flies.
Easy to Clean
Bottom tray slides out. Takes 30 seconds to dump the dead bugs and rinse it.
Is ZapShield a Scam? Let Me Clear This Up
I see people asking if this is a scam online. After four months of beating this thing up on camping trips, I can tell you it’s not. Here’s why:
It does what it says
Kills bugs. I can see the evidence every day.
Built solid
Not some cheap plastic crap. It’s survived camping trips, getting knocked around, and multiple rainstorms.
Actual customer service
Had a question about charging and got a real answer in 24 hours. Scam companies don’t usually have working phone numbers.
No crazy claims
They’re not saying it’ll eliminate every bug in a 10-mile radius. The coverage area seems accurate from what I’ve seen.
When This ZapShield Mosquito Killer Actually Helps
This thing really shines in specific situations:
Camping
Total game changer. Set it up near your campsite and actually enjoy sitting around the fire without getting destroyed by mosquitos.
Backyard Stuff
BBQs, outdoor dinners, just hanging out on the deck. Creates a comfortable zone where you can actually relax.
Inside the House
Surprisingly good at dealing with fruit flies, gnats, and moths that get inside.
Tech Stuff That Actually Matters
2000mAH battery – Runs 8+ hours killing bugs or 20+ hours as a light
365nm UV light – Apparently the exact wavelength that attracts the most bugs
Waterproof – Can handle rain and outdoor abuse
Multiple charging – Solar plus USB so you’re never stuck
What Other People Are Saying
I’m not the only one who’s happy with this thing:
“Great for barbecues. We love bonfires but bugs always ruin it. Since getting ZapShield we haven’t dealt with mosquitos. The lamp works great too!” – Martin L.
“Must have for camping trips. One charge lasts all day for bug zapping and flashlight. Love that it’s safe around our dog.” – Ryan P.
“We have 4 of them now – one for each room plus outdoors. Noise-free so we can sleep with them on!” – Samantha J.
Who Should Actually Buy This
Campers and hikers – No-brainer if you spend time outdoors
Anyone with a yard – Want to enjoy your outdoor space without bug warfare
People avoiding chemicals – Don’t want to spray DEET all over yourself and kids
Apartment people – Great for balconies where you can’t install permanent stuff
ZapShield vs Everything Else
Vs bug spray: No chemicals, no gross feeling, no reapplying every hour
Vs citronella candles: Actually kills bugs instead of maybe sorta repelling them
Vs electric zappers: Portable, quiet, solar powered, plus useful lighting
Vs bug nets: Protects an area instead of just covering you
Bottom Line
After dragging this thing on dozens of camping trips and using it all summer in my yard, I think it’s worth the money. It’s not gonna eliminate every mosquito in your zip code, but it creates a genuinely comfortable zone wherever you put it.
The lantern function makes it even more useful. I’ve used the light way more than I expected.
Is it perfect? Nah. Takes a full day of sun to charge completely, and tiny gnats sometimes get through the mesh. But for what it costs and what it does, these are minor annoyances.
If you’re sick of getting eaten alive every time you go outside, or you need decent camping gear that does two jobs, the ZapShield is worth trying. I’ve bought way more expensive outdoor stuff that does way less.
Just don’t expect magic – give it an hour or two to start working, then enjoy not being a mosquito buffet.
