This really works. It has to be hung up a distance away from where you are - we usually hang it on the other side of the yard when we have a fire. It works really well - it has a UV light that attracts bugs. You can hear them get zapped, so you know it is working! The only downside of this unit - and the reason I wouldn't recommend it - it attracts ALL bugs - not just mosquitoes! I hear a lot of BIG zaps when I have it on and watch moth after moth die - kind of sad. It is a great alternative to bug spray but not selective enough, which leaves me feeling REALLY guilty when I use it. I don't want to kill all the flying bugs in my yard - just the ones that want to bite me!
It is a well built unit, though. We have had ours for several years with no issues.

I've owned this for a few years and it still works wonderfully.