9 Best Bug Vacuum Reviews of 2023

Bug Vacuums are a great way to remove pests from your house without chemicals. Especially for homes trying to get rid of one or two insects, they provide a great, non-toxic way to remove insects. Some families also love the extra clean feeling of using some vacuums on their furniture. After consulting experts, and performing a few tests of our own, we found the best bug vacuum to be the Sonic Technology Bugbuster. We found it straight-forward, easy to use, and portable for the camper or tent.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Sonic Technology Bugbuster
  • Easy battery power with 9-volt
  • Colorful design
  • Great for stink bugs
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Nature Bound Bug Catcher Vacuum
  • Includes batteries and habitat
  • Capture Container easy to remove
  • Attached night collection LED
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BugZooka WB 100
  • Lightest weight bug vacuum
  • Highest suction
  • Long suction tube lets you keep your distance
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Cleanrth XVac500
  • Easy to hang
  • Easy to empty
  • Turn it on and walk away
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Shark WV201 Wand Vac
  • Use for bugs or dirt
  • Easy recharge dock
  • Lightweight easy to use
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My Critter Catcher
  • Longest reach at 4 feet
  • Easy to clean
  • Electricity Free
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9 Best Bug Vacuum of 2024 Reviews

#1 Sonic Technology Bugbuster – Best Bug Vacuum

Most folks looking for a bug vacuum would like to get things started right away. One 9-volt battery is all you need to turn on Sonic Technology’s Bugbster. This brightly colored bug vacuum features a long capture tube. When caught, you seal the tube. Take the bug outside and release it.

This model is designed to keep the insect safe from harm – it will be up to you to decide how to dispose of it. It is also easy and safe for children to use. While not designed for it, it can double as a science collector.

PROS

  • Lightweight, handheld model
  • Easily available 9-volt battery power
  • Colorful design for your home
  • Users found it great for stink bugs

CONS

  • Low suction (Designed for bugs only, which is what you need!)

#2 Nature Bound Bug Catcher Vacuum – Best Bug Vacuum for kids

While an insect vacuum can be a powerful tool to keep your home insect-free, kids have a different idea. Science and STEM products are everywhere, and bug vacuums for kids are popular. These offer young scientists a way to collect insect samples in the field for observation.

The Nature Bound Bug Catcher is a great handheld bug vacuum designed with kids in mind. It features a removable capture chamber to transport samples to an included habitat.

The Nature Bound also features an LED laser light to help collect during both day and night time. Nature Bound also includes the batteries in the package so kids can head right into the field. It has the same power as the best bug vacuums.

PROS

  • Includes batteries and collection habitat
  • Attached LED for night collection
  • Removable capture container

CONS

  • Trapdoor affects suction (A feature to help save the battery!)
  • Shorter collection tube (To allow for science minds to observe)

#3 The BugZooka WB100 Bug Catcher Vacuum – Best battery-free bug vacuum

Portability is helpful, especially on camping trips. However, when your bug vacuum loses power it’s not very useful. Owning a hands-free way to deal with insects can be very helpful.

Enter the BugZooka. Like the best bug vacuums, it features a long collection tube so you can get rid of insects without touching them. The big difference is the suction power is provided by a hand pump. Prime the pump, aim the catch tube, and a press of the button traps the bug.

The lack of moving parts makes this incredibly lightweight. It’s perfect for an RV or tent campers. Kids also found it fun to play with and a neat way to learn how vacuums work.

PROS

  • Battery-free, making it quick to use out of the box
  • Lightweight
  • Patent-pending design 10x stronger than some powered vacuums
  • Longest collection tube, letting you keep your ideal distance

CONS

  • Hand pump means one chance to catch (Extra suction power makes this an easy catch)
  • Smaller entry nozzle for smaller insects (Providing stronger suction)

#4 Cleanrth XVac500 X-Vactor – Best Outdoor Vaccum Zapper

The occasional insect or vacuum for spiders is a helpful product in the home. However, homes also suffer from occasional fruit fly attacks. It’s also nice to be able to enjoy the backyard once in a while. In these cases, a one-and-done handheld vacuum isn’t always the best solution.

Cleanrth has designed a combination vacuum and bug zapper for this reason. While it has a lower suction than the other best bug vacuums, it adds LED bug luring lights to bring flying insects close enough to trap them. Bugs are zapped and placed in an easy to remove drawer.

This combination vacuum/zapper features a hook space on the top so you can hang it outside. This makes it a great tool for keeping your deck bug free during a party or relaxing weekend. The LED lights also provide colorful ambience for evening parties.

PROS

  • Hook area provides hanging access
  • Easy to empty and keep clean
  • Passive insect control – turn it on and let it go
  • Colorful LED lights to attract insects inside

CONS

  • Needs cord for power (Which means never having to change batteries)
  • Only comes in white (Which provides a stylish look)

#5 Ortensi Insect Trap – Best Fly Vacuum

Power can be a great tool when attracting flying insects. If a smaller, portable solution is more to your liking, the Ortensi Insect Trap is an excellent solution. It is a tabletop vacuum trap for smaller insects.

The Ortensi uses UV LED light to attract mosquitos and fruit flies who are then sucked into its vortex. The air movement slowly kills them through dehydration. The user can then dump the detachable insect bin. The LED and body can be ordered in custom colors as well.

The Ortensi uses a micro USB cable for power making it useful for camping tents and other enclosed outdoor spaces. It also uses a timer to preserve the motor. The fan on this device is whisper quiet as well, so you might forget it’s on.

PROS

  • Fashionable LED lights provide a stylistic look
  • Chemical-free fan kills smallest bugs quickly
  • Quiet fan with great look

CONS

  • Corded power (Uses portable USB, easy to provide anywhere)
  • Easy to forget it’s on (Timer switch provided switches it off to save the motor)

#6 Shark WV201 WandVac – Best Dual Purpose Vacuum

The best bug vacuums tend to be single-purpose items. If you want your critter catcher to double for the occasional pet hair or dustpan substitute, a powerful handheld vacuum can be a great solution.

The Shark WV201 WandVac provides incredible suction and is very lightweight. It’s charging dock eliminates the need for batteries as well. This gives it a powerful motor for tight spaces. You can take it to the garage, the pack porch, or any room in the house.

The Shark tackles spiderwebs along with spiders, trapping them in its removable dust cup until you’re ready to send them on their way. This lets you set it back on the charger until you’re ready to empty it.

PROS

  • Most powerful motor to double as dirt vacuum
  • Rechargeable port – no batteries to buy!
  • 0.08 Quart dust cup to hold a swarm of gnats

CONS

  • Needs to stay in the home (Which means you always have power)
  • No collection tube (For when you just want the bugs gone)

#7 Lightsmax Pest Control Human Spider Catcher – Best Bare Bones Vacuum

If all you want is a quick, simple bug vacuum to keep flies out of the air and roaches off the floor, the Lightsmax is a great choice. The easy use, battery-operated bug catcher makes it one of the best bug vacuums at a value level price.

To use it, grip the ergonomic handle and push the button. Insects are sucked into the capture tube one at a time. As with other models, they can then be released to the outdoors with no mess or fuss.

Why call it the Lightsmax? It features a bright LED light to capture bugs under the bed or in dark closets. This feature helps keep you on the hunt late at night. The Lightsmax is a great, non-toxic solution that may be what you’re looking for in a battery-operated bug vacuum.

PROS

  • The ergonomic grip makes it easy to hold
  • LED light to find bugs after dark
  • Non-toxic and quick to use when you need it.

CONS

  • Shorter tube than some models (But long enough for your comfort)
  • Battery not included (A 9 Volt is needed and likely in your home already)

#8 Edu-Toys Bug Collector Set – Best Bug Vacuum for Science Fans

Quick collection is necessary for science-minded collectors. Bugs are quick! Being able to sneak up and pull a trigger is helpful for picking up science samples. Ease of use is a great feature in the best bug vacuums.

The Edu-Toys Bug Collector lets you pick up ladybugs and other fun-to-observe insects with the pull of a trigger. Bugs are deposited into an attached collection jar, letting you watch them as long as you want. This kit also features a collection net allowing you to grab more easily from the air before sucking into the jar. Each jar also has a magnifying viewer.

The Edu-Toys Bug Collector also features a sturdy build. This is essential out in the field. Collectors can use the included tweezers to sort their catch. It is a great product with quality accessories.

PROS

  • Sturdy, hard plastic construction
  • Included collection jars with magnifiers for observation
  • Includes net and tweezers
  • Three-speed settings

CONS

  • Collection tube is quite short (designed for observation in mind!)

#9 My Critter Catcher – Best Not-a-Vacuum Vacuum

Motors can burn out and batteries can be hard to find. The best bug vacuums are designed to remove insects so you don’t have to touch them. Enter the Critter Catcher spider and insect catcher. It provides a way to pick up spiders and centipedes from a distance.

The Critter Catcher has a trigger handle. Pulling it opens up the catching mechanism and releasing it catches the bug. Stiff, but gentle bristles grab the creature until you can drop it where you want. It’s a non-toxic, easy to use device for anyone.

This device is great for folks who don’t want to worry about suction or batteries. It provides an easy to use way to get rid of invaders.

PROS

  • No need for batteries or cords
  • Humanely grabs insects for removal
  • Easy to use for arthritic hands
  • Provides 4 Foot distance between you and the bug

CONS

  • Critter Catcher catches without suction (meaning, no batteries or motor or noise to worry about)
  • Bristle cover comes off easily (Which makes it easy to keep clean)

#10 Housmile 804 Anti Dust Mites UV Vacuum Cleaner – Best Vacuum for dust mites 

No list of great bug vacuums would be complete without thinking of larger infestation. While many people are happy enough to remove visible bugs from the air, it can be helpful for allergy sufferers to know there is a way to remove mites from the furniture.

Enter the Housmile 804. A corded, handheld device that heats up the surface being vacuumed to dry out mites, bed bugs, and other microorganisms. If no-see-ums are a worry in your house, this will give you the peace of mind you need. The easy to use handheld slides over mattresses, couches, and more. It has an integrated HEPA filter to release fresh air after use.

If your family is big on either tent or RV camping, it is a great way to freshen up sleeping bags and cushions after a long trip. Hitchhikers can come from anywhere and the Housmile will help you take care of them and leave you with refreshed, clean-smelling equipment when you come home.

PROS

  • Eliminates dust mites, bed bugs, and other bugs that stay out of your sight.
  • HEPA filter removes allergens from the air as it passes through.
  • Uses heat to kill critters as they get absorbed by the suction.

CONS

  • No collection tube for release (These are the bugs you want gone for good)

FAQ

Do bug vacuums work?

Short answer – yes! A portable bug vacuum is designed to be handheld which allows you to pick up a six or eight-legged intruder and remove bugs from your home. They are made to be easy to use and let you focus on getting rid of insects. Using suction power, the bug is trapped in a chamber. It is then up to the homeowner to decide if they want to empty the catch tube outside, or get rid of the bug permanently. Especially in the case of stinging insects, it can be nice to release them outside. An easy to use release chamber also means you don’t have to clean or touch any part of the bug.

Many bug vacuums allow you to collect and study bugs if you desire. They provide a humane way to collect insects. However, some are not designed for airborne insects. These larger bug vacuums are made to use heat and suction power for the mites in couches, mattresses, or cushions in the camper. Dust mite vacuums are easily used on sleeping bags as well, helping you to keep the outdoors fully outside. It’s worth the cost for peace of mind as these bug vacuums leave your furniture looking and feeling refreshed.

Other vacuums are designed more as toys for kids. These brightly colored models provide the science-minded child with a tool to collect critters. If your family has kids of the adventurous type, a bug catcher vacuum will be a great addition to their arsenal of adventure.

Do flies die in the vacuum?

It depends on the vacuum. Most handheld models are designed to catch insects and spiders alive. These are often made with led light to help assist in catching in dark corners. However, some feature a kill chamber which prevents the offending insects from re-entering the home. Whether you want this feature or not will depend on why you are catching the bugs! Some folks want their home insect free and use it to keep it that way. Some are looking for a way to collect critters for science.

While most bug vacuums are handheld and designed for occasional use, some are made to set and forget. These slowly attract flies and smaller insects in your home or porch, acting as a bug vacuum zapper. These can be plugged into the wall for constant use, but some have batteries for camping trips.

How do you make a bug vacuum?

While you certainly can use your home vacuum – and some of our top picks are designed to double – a vacuum bug catcher is designed to keep the bug trapped inside. Many at-home vacuums can allow the bug to crawl out. The difference in a vacuum for bugs is the creepy crawly is trapped inside. This may mean a sealed chamber or a capture tube you seal yourself. Most bug vacuums are also battery operated so they can be hand-held.

Other features can include LED lights, rechargeable batteries, and replaceable filters. If you want to remove bugs from your home, provide a cleaner home, or help your kids explore nature, you may want to consider a bug vacuum.


What is the best bug vacuum? – Final Thoughts

A bug vacuum is a great way to get rid of insects without touching them. It helps the user keep their house clean and bug free. Consider how many bugs you need to catch and whether or not you want to release them humanely. These can also help keep furniture and cloth clean.

If a quick, easy, bug-dedicated vacuum is in your future, the Sonic Technology Bugbuster is the best choice. It provides portability, good suction, and the choice of what to do with your capture.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Sonic Technology Bugbuster
  • Easy battery power with 9-volt
  • Colorful design
  • Great for stink bugs
Check Latest Price
Nature Bound Bug Catcher Vacuum
  • Includes batteries and habitat
  • Capture Container easy to remove
  • Attached night collection LED
Check Latest Price
BugZooka WB 100
  • Lightest weight bug vacuum
  • Highest suction
  • Long suction tube lets you keep your distance
Check Latest Price
Cleanrth XVac500
  • Easy to hang
  • Easy to empty
  • Turn it on and walk away
Check Latest Price
Shark WV201 Wand Vac
  • Use for bugs or dirt
  • Easy recharge dock
  • Lightweight easy to use
Check Latest Price
My Critter Catcher
  • Longest reach at 4 feet
  • Easy to clean
  • Electricity Free
Check Latest Price
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