Asian hornet trap making workshop

The Asian Hornet, Vespa velutina, is an aggressive predator of honey bees and other beneficial insects. It has extended its geographical range from Asia to mainland Europe following an accidental introduction to France, is now also present in Spain, Belgium, Portugal and Italy and the UK. Adult hornets are highly mobile; the rate of spread across France is approximately 100 km/year. Hanging a simple trap in your apiary will allow you to monitor for pest arrival and, if necessary, help to protect your colonies from attack. These are especially effective if used in late winter and early spring.
Reports from France suggest that in areas where spring trapping has been used, subsequent numbers of Asian hornet nests are reduced by as much as 97% (2 or 3 nests in trapping areas versus >70 nests where no traps have been hung).
Following advice from the NBU, we are organising a trap making workshop on the 28th January 2017 from 10.00am, at the Bee Pavilion, Murton (the Association’s apiary).
Required materials:
– a couple of pop bottles – Look for pop or fizzy water bottle which has ridged sides with the bottom section marginally wider than the middle.
– plastic coated garden wire
– 100mm square off-cut of wire mesh
– sharp knife or Stanley blade
– scissors
On the day will assemble one trap together following the NBU guidance, and you can make more at home if you wish.