LOCATING TRAP-X®
WHAT LURE TO USE

What Lure to Use and When

For Yellow-legged Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina)

Asian hornet behaviour changes throughout the season, so the lure you use and when you use it really matters.

Early Season (Spring) – Queen TRAPPING

Timing: As temperatures rise and blossoms appear (varies by region).

Objective: Detect queens and early activity in your area.

Lure type: Protein / Fermenting Fruit Baits (not sweet syrups)

Examples:

  • Fermented fruit mix (apple/pear/raspberry + sugar + a small amount of yeast)

  • Beer + sugar

Avoid: Pure sugary syrups – these may attract bees and beneficial queens.

Placement for early season:

  • Away from hives (100–200m distance is ideal)

  • At head height or slightly higher, in sheltered positions.

Why use this lure type? Queens are attracted to fermenting/protein scent as they search for energy & nest-starting resources.

Do not use sweet fruit syrups at this stage — this risks bycatch of native beneficial queens.

Mid Season (Summer) – Worker Foraging & Nest Expansion

Timing: Once first workers are confirmed in your area.

Objective: Intercept workers and reduce hawking pressure later in the season.

Lure: Sweet / Sugar-based fruit lures

Examples:

  • Commercial hornet lure (if available)

  • Fermented fruit + sugar + yeast

  • Dark beer + sugar + fruit juice (not citrus)

Placement:

  • Edge of the apiary, orchard edges, woodland margins.

  • Avoid placing directly beside hive entrances at this stage.

Why: Workers forage for carbohydrates to fuel flight — sweet scents draw them strongly.

Late Season (Late Summer / Autumn) – Nectar Forage & Protein Hunt

Timing: When hornets begin hawking bee hives or when nectar flow drops.

Objective: Reduce pressure on colonies during peak predation.

Lure: Strong sweet lures (same as mid-season, renewed frequently)

Placement:

  • Around the apiary perimeter (10–50m away) to draw hornets away from hive entrances.

  • Only move traps close to hives once hawking is active.

Why: Colonies are vulnerable at this stage. Correct placement protects bees and keeps flight lines clear.

Important Notes

  • Refresh lures every 5–10 days (in warm weather more often if required)

  • Do not trap too early in spring as risk to native wasp queens and bumble bees

  • Report sightings to your local Yellow-legged hornet action team

  • Do not use pure syrups that may attract bees

  • Place traps at height 1–2m

  • Avoid trapping at hive entrances before hawking starts.