Trap location

At the start of the season (timing varies by region), use Trap-X® as a monitoring trap to detect the early presence of hornets. Place it away from your hives to detect hornet presence and intercept individuals before they reach the apiary.

Only move traps closer to your hives once hornets begin hawking. This helps reduce stress on the colony and keeps your bees flying confidently.

If hornets are found, report and work with your local or national appropriate authority (e.g., AHAT in the UK, regional beekeeping associations, or invasive species response teams) to ensure correct identification and coordinated action.

Best positions for Trapping

• Away from flowering plants – avoid placing traps near flowers, fruit trees, or known bee foraging areas.

• In partial shade – hornets prefer sheltered but visible areas; shaded spots often perform best.

• Deploy traps 1–2 metres above ground level. This is an ideal working height and makes inspection easy. The trap will also work effectively when placed at hive height.

Can I use TRAP-X® all year round?

Hornet activity begins at different times across regions, and the timing of the season will depend on your local climate. Avoid trapping too early. In early spring, many native wasp and beneficial insect queens are active, and deploying traps too soon can lead to unnecessary bycatch and disruption of local ecosystems.

TRAP-X® should be deployed only once Asian hornet presence is confirmed in your area. Confirmation can come from:

• Local beekeeping associations

• Asian Hornet Action Teams (AHAT) in the UK

• Regional environmental agencies

• National invasive species response units

• Local monitoring networks and verified sightings

Where hornets are detected, work in cooperation with organisations responsible for response, containment, and nest tracking. These may include:

• UK example: National Bee Unit (NBU), AHAT groups, and local Beekeeping Associations

• EU example: Regional beekeeping federations, official invasive species handling bodies, biodiversity or forestry services

• International: Local entomology departments, invasive species councils, agricultural ministries

These organisations help to verify identification, coordinate rapid response teams, and track hornet flight lines to locate and destroy nests. Reporting early and accurately ensures the most effective control outcomes.

Summary of Good Practice:

• Do not deploy traps pre-season unless under expert guidance for queen-phase monitoring.

• Do deploy traps once workers or confirmed queens are present in your locality.

• Always report sightings — do not attempt nest destruction yourself.

• Work with coordinated authorities to ensure effective and legally compliant action.

By deploying TRAP-X® in alignment with organised response efforts, you support ecologically responsible, selective, and strategically effective hornet management.