Tartago® water-tray harp for Asian hornet, 60 cm

01 · HOW IT WORKS

Putting the wires in the hornet’s path

The harp works without bait. When a hornet touches two wires of opposite polarity, the discharge can stun it and drop it into the tray. A pass with no contact may not produce a discharge: watch the hunting route before deciding where to put it.

The wires are spaced 20 mm apart. That gap helps bees get through, but does not rule out all bycatch. Do not narrow the gaps to try to catch more: the manufacturer warns that closer spacing increases the risk to bees.

02 · WHAT YOU NEED

Power and collection are part of the system

The frame measures 62 × 92 cm and uses 1 mm stainless steel, PCB insulators and 0.35 mm tempered wire, each wire tensioned individually. It has two moisture-proof connectors, in and out, which let you link harps with the right cabling.

Choose the energiser according to the power available and the planned installation. The manufacturer states up to five harps for both its 15 W solar module and the universal one. The universal module is powered by USB from the mains or from a 12 V battery through an adapter. Do not connect the harp directly to a battery or to the mains. If you are adding it to Tártago modules or extensions you already have from 2024 or earlier, ask us before ordering: 2024 ones need a connector adapter.

The water tray sits underneath, level. Tártago advises adding a little liquid soap to reduce the surface tension and make it harder for a fallen hornet to stay afloat. That tray can also drown non-target insects: counting what is in it is part of the upkeep.

03 · ASSEMBLY AND CHECKS

Stability, wire tension and insulation before switching on

Assemble the harp with the module disconnected and take your time fitting and tensioning each wire. Check that they keep their spacing and that none touches the frame. Fix the whole thing to a stable base following the assembly instructions, and site it away from where people and animals pass.

While it is in use, check the power supply, insulators, connections and water level. If bee catches go up, check both the placement and the condition and tension of the wires. There is no universal bees-per-hornet ratio that validates every set-up.

04 · BEFORE YOU BUY

Plan the full set-up and the maintenance routine

You receive the harp unassembled, without energiser module, tray, extension leads or mounting base. The wires can be replaced individually. This version collects in water; a hopper that collects dry is a different system.

Its job is to help reduce the pressure on the apiary while attacks last. As well as counting catches, also check whether the bees get back to foraging. Disconnect the power before touching the wires or seeing to the tray.