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I’ve tested bug zappers in the past, and while they can be effective, the tell-tale sizzling sound has never been pleasant. The Zevo Flying Insect Trap takes a different approach. Instead of electrocuting bugs, it uses a soft blue light to attract flying insects to an ultra-sticky cartridge hidden behind a white cover.
When I tested the starter kit, along with a four-pack of replacement cartridges, I immediately noticed how incredibly sticky the adhesive panels were. Very sticky. The design reminded me of old-fashioned hanging fly strips, but without the visual ickiness.
Rating: 4.6/5
Best Plug-In Trap
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What We Like
- Very sticky cartridges
- Quiet operation (no zapping)
- Easy, mess-free cartridge swaps
- Works well for gnats and fruit flies
What We Don’t Like
- Limited coverage area
Product Specs
- Power Source: Standard wall outlet plug-in
- Attractant: Blue/UV light
- Capture Method: Disposable adhesive cartridge
Does it actually catch bugs?
I tested the Zevo for a full week, moving it around my kitchen and then into other living areas where I have houseplants on windowsills. Over the years, I’ve occasionally dealt with fungus gnats after bringing plants indoors to overwinter, so I placed the Zevo near houseplants in those spaces, and I also plugged it in the kitchen near fruit and produce, which can attract gnats as well. Even though I never noticed a visible infestation in my home, each day the cartridge collected a handful of tiny flying insects. It was clearly doing its job.
The trap doesn’t eliminate the source of a bug problem—you’ll still need to address overripe fruit or damp potting soil – but it helps control the population while you figure that out. During my winter test, I didn’t encounter larger flies, but I’m curious to see how it performs in summer when doors are opened more often.
Is it easy to use and maintain?
Replacing the cartridge couldn’t be simpler. Each sticky panel has a small tab at the top, which I used to pull the used cartridge straight up and out after unplugging the unit. I dropped it directly into the trash—no mess, no touching any dead insects.
Installing a new cartridge was even easier: slide it in, peel away the protective film, and plug the unit back in.
Who is the Zevo Insect Trap best suited for?
At around $19.95 for the starter kit, the Zevo is affordable, and the sticky replacement cartridges should probably last a month or more, depending on insect activity. It’s not powerful enough to cover an entire home, but for a kitchen, pantry, or plant area, it’s a practical, low-maintenance addition. What I appreciated most was the quietness: no popping, no sparks—just steady, silent bug control.
Best Plug-In Trap
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila