Capture queens

Spring trapping via Mijn Tuinlab

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Actively trapping of queens during spring (February-June) is one of the most widely used methods of Asian hornet control in Europe. However, it is also controversial for these reasons:

  1. The effect of spring trapping on number of nests in the fall has not yet been demonstrated.
  2. Spring trapping only lowers competition between queens. Thus, a nest of a captured queen will soon be occupied by another queen.
  3. A selective trap is not really selective. Native species can always enter those traps. In spring, potential damage to native biodiversity is largest as many queens of native species are seeking nesting sites.
  4. Protecting hives (harps, mesh structures, trapping between June and November) is more effective in reducing impact on honey bees.
  5. The only proven way to control the Asian hornet efficiently is through nest destruction.

Because of these reasons, spring trapping is not recommended. It is only justified within a research context. Would you like to contribute to research on the effectiveness and selectivity of selective traps? Then be sure to join the initiative below.

Study on effectiveness and bycatch

Through this study, we want to learn more about spring trapping for queens of Asian hornets. This will allow us to find out whether they work and which other insects might be affected. This research is an initiative of the Limburgse Imkersbond vzw and is running in collaboration with Vespa-Watch (INBO and Natuurpunt Studie vzw.

How can I participate?

This study is running from March 7 to June 30, 2024.

  1. Purchase a spring trap yourself (contact vzw LIB via the contact form).
  2. Create a profile via Mijn Tuinlab (you can also log in with your waarnemingen.be profile).
  3. Find the spring trapping project Voorjaarsvallen voor Aziatische hoornaar: Een studie rond effectiviteit en bijvangst and click on Join/Doe mee.
  4. Fill in the short questionnaire after placing the trap.
  5. Strictly follow the instructions to report your trappings.
  6. Natuurpunt Study determines the bycatch of a number of traps at species level. Are you interested in collecting your bycatch for this? Consult the protocol and sign up.