Methodology
How we test outdoor gear.
Every product we recommend goes through the same five-dimension rubric, run across at least three test yards over a minimum of six weeks. No shortcuts, no spec-sheet reviews.
01
Charge reliability
How well the unit holds working charge in mixed sun, including partial shade and overcast days. Tested against a 7-day rolling battery log.
02
Effectiveness
Insect knock-down volume measured against a baseline trap nearby. We score by relative reduction, not absolute counts (which depend on local pressure).
03
Build quality
Survives rain, wind, UV, and being knocked over by a lawn mower. We re-inspect each unit at week 3 and week 6.
04
Disturbance
How loud, how bright, how visible. A product that wins on performance but ruins the ambience loses points here.
05
Total cost of ownership
Purchase price plus replaceable parts (batteries, bulbs) annualized over two seasons.
Final ranking
Each dimension is scored 0–10. A product needs to score above 35/50 to make a category top list, above 42/50 to be considered for Editor's Choice. Ties are broken by total cost of ownership.