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Electric harps for Asian hornets 

What is an electric hornet harp for controlling the Asian hornet? An electric hornet harp is essentially a square frame strung with wires. These wires have a spacing of about 18 – 20 mm, allowing bees to pass through while stopping Asian hornets. The wires are electrified and deliver a shock to the Asian hornet. This causes the Asian hornet to drop to the ground stunned or even die on the spot. It works much like an electric fly swatter. In addition, at that moment the Asian hornet releases a pheromone that deters other hornets. This pheromone signals danger and warns others to stay away, lingering for a short time.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 items
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 items

Effectiveness of the electric harp during peak hornet activity

The electric hornet harp is especially effective when the Asian hornet has a high protein demand, typically at the peak of brood nest development, August–October. They will hunt solitary bees and other insects, but also heavily target hives, which serve as an easy buffet for the Asian hornet. By positioning electric harps in a certain way, many hornets can be captured. They then drop to the ground or into a water tray and drown, reducing predation pressure on the hives.

Placement of the electric harp for optimal capture

Hornet harps are placed perpendicular to the hives, with two at the ends and one in the middle of a row of hives, to intercept Asian hornets. These receive a shock as they fly from hive to hive, something bees rarely do. Some beekeepers also place attractant near the harps to draw the Asian hornet in and make it fly through.

Components and variants of the electric harp

The electric hornet harp consists of two parts: the hornet harp itself and a unit that generates the current. There are versions that run on mains power or on solar, and you can add a battery for days with less sun. Accessories include a water tray in which stunned hornets can drown. The hornet harp is widely used in Portugal, Spain, and France and is gaining popularity across the rest of Europe. Other solutions also exist, such as trapping hornets with traps or locating nests and destroying them. If you work around hornets, always use proper protection. Hornets are very different from wasps or honey bees and require special suits and personal protective equipment.

Impact of Asian hornets on bee colonies and the value of harps

When a colony is attacked by Asian hornets, they will initially catch worker bees out of the air or off the landing board. If this continues, the colony will retreat and mount a defense, attempting to kill every intruding hornet. This restricts the colony’s food supply. They no longer leave the hive to forage, which can ultimately lead to colony collapse. The harps help reduce predation pressure. In the final months of the season a strong colony can sometimes withstand Asian hornets, but even then it may suffer by bringing in too little nutritious pollen, which jeopardizes winter survival. After all, no healthy, well-nourished winter bees are raised.


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