In this update, I wanted to share some recent developments and learnings regarding a potential Asian hornet sighting in our area. The initial intel on Friday indicated that a single Asian hornet had been spotted exiting the rear of an HGV trailer that recently arrived from France. As a precaution, the MBU (Mobile Beekeeping Unit) arrived in Leyland and set bait traps in the vicinity. Local beekeepers were alerted, and many have also started setting up their traps.
Current Situation and Weather Concerns
Since Friday, there have been no further sightings or reports of the hornet being caught. Given the poor weather conditions—hail and cold temperatures—it’s possible the hornet may not have survived. The weekend weather was harsh, which could have been detrimental to its survival. Fortunately, it appears that this incident involves just a single hornet and not an entire nest, reducing the risk significantly.
However, it’s essential to stay vigilant, as local beekeepers have quickly taken on the role of “Asian Hornet experts” and raised awareness among the public. I want to thank Kev and Duncan, both subscribers and regular viewers of my channel, for pointing me in the right direction and sharing valuable insights regarding trap placement and minimising bycatch.
Lessons Learned: Trap Placement and Modifications
One key piece of advice I’ve picked up is not to place traps near your apiary during the early season. Doing so could inadvertently attract Asian hornets directly to your hives. Instead, it’s recommended to position traps away from your apiary to capture them before they pose a threat. Additionally, bycatch, which refers to accidentally trapping other beneficial insects, needs to be carefully managed.
Based on Duncan’s advice, I’ve been modifying my traps to make them more bycatch-friendly. This involves drilling small holes and adding mesh to allow other insects to escape while keeping the hornets contained. For those of you who have similar traps, it might be worth making these changes.
Step-by-Step Trap Modifications
Recently, I had a chance to chat with Richard Nunn at the Beekeeping Show. Richard is highly experienced with Asian hornets and shared valuable insights into dealing with them. His advice helped guide some of the changes I’m making to my traps.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the modifications:
- Adding a Mesh Insert: I used some scrap wire mesh to create discs that fit snugly into the cups of my traps. This mesh prevents bees and other small insects from getting stuck.
- Drilling Exit Holes: I drilled several 6.5mm holes around the top of each trap. This allows non-target insects to escape while ensuring that Asian hornets remain trapped.
If you’re looking to make similar modifications, be sure to use sturdy materials and be mindful of safety while drilling. I’ve got several projects on the go, so my workspace is a bit chaotic, but I managed to create enough discs and drill the necessary holes without too much trouble.
Final Thoughts
This situation has been a reminder of the importance of preparation and knowledge-sharing within the beekeeping community. Thanks again to Duncan and Kev for their guidance. If you’re facing similar challenges, I hope these tips help you adapt your own traps.
If there are any new developments regarding the hornet sighting, I’ll be sure to update you on this channel. In the meantime, I’ve shared some footage below of the trap modifications, which might be helpful if you’re planning on making your own.
Stay safe, and let’s keep working together to protect our bees!
