The New York Times - The truth about bug zappers

Two bug zappers shown hanging in a tree next to eachother.

Doug Mahoney

Bug zappers kill bugs by the thousands. But there’s a problem: They kill the wrong ones.

While they may help to clear your air of flying pests, bug zappers’ indiscriminate slaughter can disrupt pollination (think of the bees!) and generally throw the environment out of balance. Plus, the force of their electrocution can spew a mist of bug parts out into the air. Yuck.

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Why they’re a no for us—and what to get instead→

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What expert birder Christian Cooper uses to go bird-watching

Birder Christian Cooper using binoculars to look at birds in the trees of a city park.

Brittainy Newman

We sat down with Extraordinary Birder host Christian Cooper to get the scoop on the best gear for bird-watching.

While he stressed that you can go birding right now, as-is—no matter who you are, where you are, or what stuff you do or don’t own—he did share a few things that can help make the experience more educational, comfortable, or just plain magical.

Bird extraordinarily→

By the way, the New York Times is inviting readers—both new and experienced birders—to participate in a bird-watching science project this summer. Learn more here.

What else is new at Wirecutter

A plastic compost bin placed next to some grapefruits that have been cut and grapefruit peels that are ready to be composted.

The compost bins you’ll find in our kitchens

Here are a few (non-gross!) compost bins we love, along with tips for buying one and ways to reduce funky odors.

Some of our recommended lifestyle speakers, shown in a living room environment.

Is that lamp … playing music?

We found seven great speakers that don’t look like speakers.

A person riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk in a downtown area.

Make your commute more joyous

An electric scooter can be a fast and fun mode of transportation. (And one of our favorites happens to be on sale.)

One last thing: A great deal on bug control gear that does work

The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System, our also great pick for the best mosquito repelling gear.

Michael Hession

For a comprehensive mosquito system that’s easy to control, protects a wide area, and requires no charging, the Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is our recommendation.

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Use promo code LIVWIRECUTTER23 to save $120→

Have a great weekend.

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You can reach the Wirecutter newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond but we do love to hear from you.

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The New York Times - The truth about bug zappers

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