If you’ve ever been bitten by mosquitoes while you sleep or work, you know how frustrating those tiny pests can be and the desire to rid your space of them.
The ‘Electric shock Mosquito killing Lamp’ promises a simple solution. Plug it into any USB port, lure bugs in with a faint UV light, then zap them with a high-voltage grid. And all that for about 50 baht (USD $1.50)!
The packaging might have a few spelling errors, but is this little device actually up to the task and can it do so with any relative safety? Let’s find out how well this budget-friendly mosquito killer performs and whether it’s worth adding to war-chest.
Unboxing
This Lean Mean Mosquito Frying Machine comes in a basic cardboard box with little branding and simple pictures. The front shows the product and the back lists some features like UV light, silent operation, and electric shock killing.
Markings on the box suggest the same factory makes models with inbuilt batteries, but today we are only reviewing the USB (direct) powered version with no such battery.
What’s Inside
- Mosquito Zapper
- 50cm USB-C cable
- Small cleaning brush
- Basic user manual
Key Features
- Powered by a USB-C Cable
- Kills via Electric Shock
- Small and Portable
- Lures Mosquito’s via light
- Low Noise
- No chemicals
- 5v Rated Voltage, 3w Rated Power
How It Works
When plugged into a USB power source such as a USB charger, battery bank or computer. The UV LED at the top of the zapper emits a soft blue light that attracts mosquitoes. Once a mosquito lands on the metal grid inside, a small circuit boosts the 5 volts from USB to around 300 volts DC and instantly zaps the mosquito where it lands.
This lamp is designed and intended to be used in dark rooms such as bathroom or bedroom to eliminate infestations or the odd mosquito that gets inside. It is not powerful enough or designed for outdoor use which would require a far more powerful lamp and electric grid.
Performance and Impressions
Despite the low price and simple design, this zapper does actually work in it’s intended environment of a small dark bedroom and successfully eliminated a few mosquito that otherwise would have bitten me while I slept!
When switched on the lamp emits a cool looking blue glow making it a fantastic night light and does not have any noticeable electronic whine or buzzing noise. Even with a few successful kills I was not awoken to any loud bangs or pops as you would with a larger outdoor lamp. After several hours the device does get slightly warm to the touch but certainly nothing to be concerned over.
Who Makes It
This mosquito lamp appears to be manufactured by Yiwu Litian Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd, a company based in Zhejiang, China. Established in 2003, Litian specialises in designing and producing electric mosquito swatters and mosquito-killing lamps. With an annual output of over 10 million units, they are a major player in the insect control market. The company trades under several brand names, including Gecko, YPD, Yi Pai De, and Litian, and their products are commonly found in both domestic and international markets.
Tear down
Opening the lamp is very straight forward, start by prying off the top plastic cover which exposes the circuitry of the lamp. Once the cover is removed, you’ll find three more screws securing the circuit board. The bottom plate and plastic grill can be removed by removing the single screw on the bottom.
Inside, the electronics are straightforward. On the bottom of the circuit board, you’ll find a small transformer that boosts the 5-volt input to a higher voltage, a capacitor to help regulate the output, several surface-mount components, and a blue UV LED to attract mosquitoes.
One unusual detail is the so-called power button. It is not a real button at all. Instead, it is just a piece of plastic with no mechanical parts underneath. The lamp turns on automatically when plugged in, so this “button” serves no real function.
The heart of the circuit is the high-voltage generator. It takes the 5-volt input from the USB and steps it up to around 300 volts DC using a small transformer and supporting components. This high voltage is applied to the metal grid inside the device. When a mosquito touches the grid, it completes the circuit and receives a quick electric shock that kills it almost instantly.
When measured, the smoothed voltage read around 317 volts DC, although this is likely on the low side. In reality, the peak voltage output is probably closer to 350 to 370 volts, since the zapper uses pulsed DC which most basic multimeters cannot measure accurately. Despite the high voltage, the current is extremely low, so accidental contact is usually harmless on par with a static shock, although still not recommended.
Final Thoughts
For just 50 baht (USD $1.50), this USB mosquito zapper is a bargain for small indoor spaces like a bedroom while you sleep. It does not remove the need for proper mosquito measures like screen doors, netting and repellent however it is useful for eliminating those that still get inside.
Running costs should be minimal and unlike larger mosquito zappers with fluorescent UV tubes that need to be replaced on a regular basis, the LED lamp should last a considerable amount of time.
What’s Hot
- Very low price around USD $1.50
- Modern USB-C Power Connector
- Chemical free and silent operation
- Effective in small, enclosed areas
- The plastic loop is a thoughtful addition to make it easy to hang
- Long life LED bulb
What’s Not
- Limited effectiveness outdoors
- No branding from a reputable company
- Lack of a functioning on/off button is annoying
- Less effective than lamps that have a small fan
Price: USD $1.50 (50 baht)
Date of Review: May 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐(4 stars)
FAQ
Q: Does this zapper use chemicals or produce any smells?
A: No. It works purely with a UV light and electric shock. There are no chemicals or odors.
Q: Is it safe to touch the electric grid?
A: You shouldn’t, but the voltage is high but current is very low. You may feel a small shock if you touch it, but it is generally safe. Keep children away.
Q: Can I use it outdoors?
A: It is designed for indoor use. It is not waterproof and may not be effective in open or windy areas.
Q: Will it kill other insects like flies or moths?
A: It mainly targets mosquitoes and small flying insects. Larger insects may not be affected.
Q: How often should I clean it?
A: When you see dead insect parts inside, gently tap or brush them out to keep it working well. Every week is a good start.
Q: Can I run it all night?
A: Yes. It uses very little power and can safely run overnight.
Q: Can I power it from a USB power bank?
A: Yes, as long as the power bank provides 5 volts from a USB port.
