Asian Hornet Trap: How to TRAP Responsibly and Effectively

Apitura TRAP-X® - Asian Hornet Traps

The invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is a growing concern across the UK and Europe. Known for preying on honey bees and other pollinators, it threatens biodiversity, beekeeping, and ecological balance. An Asian hornet trap offers a practical tool for managing this invasive species — but effectiveness depends on using it responsibly, with careful consideration for native insects and the environment.

What Is an Asian Hornet Trap?

An Asian hornet trap is a purpose-built device designed to attract and capture Vespa velutina through the use of specific bait types and trap design features. Unlike general insect or wasp traps, these are developed to be selective, helping to minimise the accidental capture of bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects (known as bycatch).

Modern traps often feature escape holes or internal mesh barriers, allowing smaller non-target species to exit safely. Some models, like the Apitura TRAP-X, include specially engineered bait delivery systems (Bait Pod™) and internal architecture designed to improve selectivity while maintaining a high capture rate for hornets.

Why Trapping Matters

Asian hornets are highly efficient predators. A single hornet can kill dozens of honey bees in a day, and a mature nest may consume over 11,000 pollinators each season. By trapping queens in early spring, or workers later in the season, it’s possible to reduce local population growth and slow the spread of this damaging species. Trapping also supports wider control efforts by providing evidence of hornet presence and seasonal activity.

Monitoring and Feeding Stations

Before deploying traps, or in areas without confirmed sightings, monitoring and feeding stations offer a non-lethal way to detect the presence of Asian hornets.

These consist of simple bait containers — often with fermenting fruit or a weak sugar-protein solution — placed in suitable locations to attract foraging hornets. They allow for:

• Visual confirmation of Asian hornets without trapping

• Tracking behaviour, including flight direction, which helps locate nests

• Safe observation, with reduced risk to non-target insects

Feeding stations are especially useful early in the season or when used in conjunction with traps. If necessary, they can later be replaced or adapted to act as full trapping stations.

Introducing the Apitura Bait Pod™

Apitura Bait Pod™

To support both trapping and monitoring efforts, the Apitura Bait Pod™ has been developed as a specialist lure container designed to work inside an Asian hornet trap, including the TRAP-X system. This reusable pod allows for safe, consistent, and controlled bait delivery while further reducing bycatch risks.

Key benefits of the Bait Pod include:

• Bycatch-friendly design: The bait is enclosed within the pod, limiting exposure to bees and other non-target insects.

• Slow-release effect: It extends the working life of fermenting baits by controlling evaporation and helping maintain a steady scent trail over time.

• Easy to clean and refill: The pod can be reused with fresh bait mixtures, improving cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

• Optimised for hornet attraction: Designed to dispense bait attractants in a way that mimics natural fruit fermentation, which appeals strongly to Vespa velutina.

Whether used in a trap or at a feeding station, the Bait Pod enhances targeting precision, improves bait longevity, and supports responsible pest control practices.

Best Practices for Using an Asian Hornet Trap - TRAP-X

To ensure effectiveness and minimise environmental impact, the following practices are strongly recommended:

1. Time Deployment Wisely
   Use traps in early spring (March to May) to target overwintered queens, and again in late summer to reduce foraging worker numbers near apiaries. Delay deployment if for example wasp queens and bumblebees are foraging in the area.

2. Choose Selective Bait
   Avoid sugary or floral attractants, which may lure bees and butterflies. Instead, use protein-rich baits or fruit-based mixtures designed to appeal more strongly to hornets. For best results, combine them with a Bait Pod.

3. Use a Bycatch-Friendly Trap
   Select traps with escape routes or internal barriers that allow non-target insects to escape unharmed. TRAP-X, for instance, with integrated escape holes.

4. Position Carefully
   Place traps and feeding stations away from flowering plants, compost heaps, or bee hives. Ideal locations include woodland edges, hedgerows, or apiary perimeters where hornets may forage.

5. Monitor Regularly
   Check traps at least every few days. Release any trapped insects that are not hornets, refresh bait when needed, and relocate traps if bycatch persists.

6. Use Monitoring in Tandem
   Begin with non-lethal monitoring stations, especially in new areas, to gauge activity before deploying traps. This improves precision and reduces unnecessary trapping.

Supporting Broader Efforts

Using an Asian hornet trap is just one part of a wider control strategy. Early detection and public reporting are critical. If you spot an Asian hornet or find one in a trap, it should be reported immediately to the relevant local authority or national monitoring scheme (e.g. the UK’s Non-Native Species Secretariat or your local beekeeping association).

Public awareness, proper use of traps, and coordinated monitoring all contribute to slowing the spread of this invasive species and protecting native wildlife.

Conclusion

An Asian hornet trap, when used correctly and alongside monitoring stations and a well-designed Bait Pod™, can be a powerful tool in the fight against Vespa velutina. Responsible trapping isn’t just about effectiveness — it’s about environmental responsibility, selectivity, and strategic action. Whether you're a beekeeper, conservationist, or concerned landowner, adopting a thoughtful and informed approach to hornet control can make a real difference.