Fight against the wasp

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) poses a significant threat to honeybee colonies, especially during late summer and autumn, due to intense predation pressure. Choosing the right methods and tools is essential to effectively manage this invasive species and protect your apiary.

In this category, you’ll find various control methods with practical guidance:

Entrance Reducers and Excluders: Recommended only for weaker colonies lacking sufficient guard bees. Regular inspections are crucial, as prolonged use can result in poor ventilation, accumulation of dead bees, or inability to expel drones.

Protective Screens ("Bozales"): Should be placed well ahead of peak hornet activity, at least 25 cm from hive entrances to reduce bee stress. These screens allow proper airflow and facilitate removal of dead bees and drones.

Electric Harps: Highly effective at reducing immediate hornet pressure around hives during peak seasons (summer and autumn). Though not eliminating the hornet entirely, harps significantly decrease bee stress and enable safer foraging. Be aware that these devices may inadvertently capture beneficial insects or small birds, so careful placement and regular checks are advised.

Selective Traps with Specific Attractants: Crucial for capturing founding queens in spring, workers throughout the summer, and future queens in autumn. To minimize impact on beneficial insects, traps should be frequently monitored, used only in confirmed hornet-infested areas, and promptly removed once the trapping period ends.

By strategically combining these methods and following our practical recommendations, you can effectively manage Asian hornet populations, significantly reducing their impact and ensuring the survival and productivity of your bee colonies.