Electric Mosquito Swatter

Despite what it may feel like, the warmer months are getting closer, which means so are the mosquitoes. Fortunately, there are plenty of designs out there to protect us from summertime bugs, like mosquito-killing lamps, DEET bug sprays, and citronella candles. However, when it comes to portable bug repellants for camping trips or long hikes, lamps can feel too bulky to pack, and sprays smell too much like chemicals. Ditching bulkiness for compactness and swapping chemicals for electric current, Sang Kun Park designed FOLD, a foldable electric mosquito net inspired by the traditional Korean fan.

A lot of us are going camping or spending more time outdoors these days, and when the bugs come out hunting, we need to be prepared. Sang Kun Park designed FOLD with Designer Dot so that when nature calls out our names, no amount of mosquitoes can get in the way of enjoying it. FOLD’s compact size is its primary appeal, fitting into even the most tightly packed knapsacks. Resembling the traditional Korean fan’s shape and folding apparatus, FOLD is a handheld, portable alternative to the heavy mosquito lamp that measures only two times the size of an average-sized smartphone when folded.

When fully extended, FOLD’s power buttons are revealed on the side of its handle, which charges up the swatter’s electrical current. In order to child-proof the electric mosquito net, whenever something touches the net’s electric current, a 0.5-second gap is applied before FOLD’s current revs back up again. In addition, when FOLD is not powered on but unfolded, the electric current will remain inactive in order to protect younger family members. When FOLD is expanded to its full length and width, 32 individual nets can be counted from left to right, and with additional LED lighting, not even one mosquito can get past this net.

Designers: Designer Dot x Sang Kun Park

With more people spending time outdoors, Sang Kun Park designed FOLD as a portable means of protection against mosquitoes.

When folded, FOLD measures at 250 x 70 x 36cm, and when fully expanded, FOLD doubles in size, reaching lengths of 420 x 235 x 36cm.

The fan itself is constructed from durable leather in order to remain an essential staple when packing for outdoor trips.

With 32 nets, no mosquito will get past FOLD.

LED lighting lets users spot mosquitoes even in the darkness of night.

With a rotational structure, FOLD expands seamlessly.

Both ends of FOLD’s fan meet and connect with a magnet to ensure constant operability.

Constructed forms stainless steel, FOLD’s power and LED switches securely click and lock into place.

Mosquito swatters can be a lifesaver (not for the mosquitoes though). One swat and the mosquitoes swoop to their death, saving you from the tragedy of being bitten! However, the handy tool isn’t the best looking. You can’t really leave them lying around in your home unless you want the clash of aesthetics! Intrigued by this, product designer Sheng-WenWang decided to explore ‘What can an electric mosquito swatter do besides killing mosquitoes?’ Turns out it can also be a pretty little lamp! And a portable one too, that you can carry around if ever the lights go out, like a beacon in the dark! Inspired by the aesthetics of plants and flora, Sheng-WenWang created an almost petal-shaped mosquito swatter that also functions as lighting, called the ‘Home Swatter Vase’.

Creating an appealing appearance for the everyday tool was his top priority, something that can seamlessly integrate into our home space. The swatter consists of 8 tube-like lights surrounded by an electrified wire mesh, outlined by black detailing. It reminds me of a beautiful hibiscus flower blooming under the sun. The mosquito swatter was designed to be placed in an accompanying vase, mimicking the plant and potter or flowers and vase equation. The metallic base of the vase looks like it could be the charging pad for the lamp, enabling the lamp to be wirelessly charged! The long handle ensures that it can be placed easily in any type of vase, adding a tang of quirkiness to your home. The fan-like shape is also reminiscent of a fly swatter, hence making use of established ergonomics. An electric swatter that kills mosquitoes, and looks good while doing it? It hits all the sweet spots for me!

Designer: Sheng-WenWang