Catalog

Harp traps 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 mesh size of about 18–20 mm, allowing bees to pass through while blocking Asian hornets. The wires are electrified and deliver a shock to the Asian hornet. This stuns the Asian hornet so it drops to the ground, or it may 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. It lingers for a short time.

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

Effectiveness of the electric harp at the peak of hornet activity

The electric hornet harp is particularly effective when the Asian hornet needs a lot of protein, typically at the peak of brood nest development, August–October. They will then hunt solitary bees and other insects, but also target beehives, which serve as an easy feeding station for the Asian hornet. By positioning the electric harps in a specific way, many hornets can be caught. They then fall to the ground or into a water tray and drown, reducing predation pressure on the hives.

Placement of the electric harp for optimal capture

The hornet harps are positioned perpendicular to the beehives, with two at the ends and one in the middle of a row of hives, to catch Asian hornets. They receive a shock when flying from hive to hive, something bees do little or not at all. Some beekeepers also place a lure near the harps to attract the Asian hornet and make it fly through.

Components and variants of the electric harp

The electric hornet harp consists of two components: the hornet harp itself and a device that generates the current. There are versions that run on mains power or solar power, and you can add a battery for days with less sun. Accessories also 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 with hornets, always use the right protection. Hornets are very different from wasps or bees and require specialized suits and personal protection.

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

When a bee colony is attacked by Asian hornets, they will initially catch worker bees in the air or off the landing board. If this continues, the colony will retreat and mount a defense, trying to kill every intruding hornet. This hampers the colony’s food supply. They no longer fly out to forage, which can ultimately lead to the collapse of the colony. The harps help reduce predation pressure. In the final months of the season, a strong colony can sometimes withstand Asian hornets, but even then they can suffer by bringing in too little nutrient-rich pollen, which jeopardizes the colony’s winter survival. Healthy, well-fed winter bees are then not produced.


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