TRAP-X
ASIAN
HORNET
TRAP.
BYCATCH FRIENDLY
EASY TO DEPLOY
SAFE & EFFECTIVE
RIGOROUSLY TESTED
TESTED & PROVEN
HOW IT WORKS
KEY FEATURES
BYCATCH FRIENDLY
PLACEMENT & DEPloYMENT
DEVELOPMENT
SPECIFICATION
TRAP-X ASIAN HORNET TRAP was created to provide a practical, user-friendly solution for controlling Asian hornets, addressing the challenges of invasive species management with precision and efficiency. It offers a highly effective approach that is bycatch friendly, making it both environmentally responsible and highly targeted.
The development of the TRAP-X hornets traps involved extensive research and testing in Jersey, carried out in collaboration with some of the most respected experts in Asian hornet control. Combining scientific expertise with practical application, this innovative solution has been rigorously tested under real-world conditions. TRAP-X has demonstrated its effectiveness as a dependable, no-nonsense tool for managing and mitigating Asian hornet populations.
TRAP-X from inside showing captured Asian hornets during Jersey 2024
HOW IT WORKS
TRAP-X TESTED & PROVEN
TRAP-X CombinED scientific expertise with practical application, CREATING AN innovative solution rigorously tested under real-world conditions. TRAP-X has demonstrated its effectiveness as a dependable, no-nonsense Tool for managing and mitigating Asian hornet populations.
At Apitura we are committed to preserving ecological balance and inhibiting the spread of Asian hornets throughout Europe.
TRAP-X Available Sizes
TRAP-X Large (10 Litre)
TRAP-X Small (6 Litre)
TRAP-X COMPONENTS
(1) Trap Container – Durable container with a sturdy carrying handle.
(2) Bait Pod – A bycatch-friendly, self-righting, leak-proof, and contamination-resistant insect bait container.
(3) Anti-Escape Elbow – Designed to prevent captured Asian hornets from escaping.
(4) Secure Safety Clips – Engineered to prevent the accidental release of Asian hornets.
(5) Escape Holes for Bycatch – Carefully designed to provide effective and reliable escape routes for beneficial insects.
(6) Stabilising Feet.
KEY FEATURES
ANTI ESCAPE ELBOW
To ensure that hornets remain securely contained within the trap, TRAP-X is equipped with a uniquely engineered anti-escape elbow, that has been designed to provide an obstacle barrier, exploiting hornet natural behaviour. This innovative feature prevents hornets from retracing their steps and escaping the trap once they have entered.
During field testing, the anti-escape elbow proved to be highly effective, achieving an impressive reduction in escape rates of 99%.
Entering The Trap
Hornets are drawn into the trap through the funnel entrance, which guides them downward through the anti-escape elbow, progressing without hesitation towards the bait source.
No Escape!
The unique design of the anti-escape elbow, combined with the natural behavioural tendencies of the Asian hornet, ensures that escape attempts through the elbow attachment are exceedingly rare.
CORRALLING HORNETS
Guiding hornets into the trap entrance is far more effective with the use of guiding fins. These fins are positioned around the funnel to channel hornets directly towards the entrance, making use of their instinctive flight behaviours and their tendency to follow clear linear paths.
The unique fins create unobstructed pathways, directing the hornets towards the trap’s entrance with minimal delay. This design enhances trapping efficiency and reduces the chances of hornets loitering around the trap without entering.
Asian hornets entering TRAP-X Jersey 2024 (video speed 8x)
Corralling fins
Designed to prevent hornets from lingering outside the trap and guide them towards the entrance.
BYCATCH FRIENDLY
RESPONSIBLE TRAPPING
TRAP-X has been designed to provide effective and reliable escape routes for beneficial insects, ensuring their safety and freedom, while maintaining a clear focus on the efficient capture and control of Asian hornets.
Escape Routes
Bycatch can escape through the outer escape-hole ring as well as through the series of funnel bait-vapour vent holes.
Trap Effectiveness: Excessive bycatch can reduce the trap’s efficiency by distracting or deterring the target species. By minimising bycatch, TRAP-X focuses on capturing the intended pest species more effectively.
Bycatch Escape Opportunities: TRAP-X has been designed to offer excellent bycatch escape opportunities through dedicated bycatch escape holes, ensuring that non-target species can safely exit the trap, preserving their ecological role.
Video sequence showing beneficial insects escaping TRAP-X.
Responsible Trapping: TRAP-X has been designed with a clear recognition of the vital ecological role that beneficial insects and pollinators play in sustaining biodiversity. Rather than relying on indiscriminate trapping methods, TRAP-X strikes a balance between effective invasive species control and the preservation of these crucial insect species.
Ecological Balance: Non-target insects, such as pollinators, pest controllers, and decomposers, play vital roles in ecosystems. Unintentionally trapping these insects can disrupt ecological balances and harm biodiversity.
Beneficial Insects: Bycatch can include beneficial insects like bees, hoverflies, and predators that help control pest populations. Trapping these inadvertently can have negative consequences for ecological systems and natural habitats.
PLACEMENT & DEPLOYMENT
MANAGING HORNET ACTIVITY AROUND HIVES
Managing Hornet Activity Around Apiaries
Queen hornets emerge from hibernation at varying times depending on temperature and their hibernation site, with emergence sometimes differing by over a month. Typically, the first queens are seen around late March, marking the start of a new season.
Early Opportunities - Managing Emerging Queens
Queens establishing nests present an excellent opportunity for prevention. By placing traps around the perimeter of the apiary or in nearby areas, you can significantly reduce the chance of hornets settling close to your colonies.
Worker Activity in June - Staying Ahead
By June, nests begin producing workers. While these early workers are small and forage close to the nest, setting traps strategically now ensures you stay ahead of potential challenges.
Worker Activity in July - Building Resilience
By July, most nests will produce larger, full-sized workers. As these workers increase in number and begin to forage further afield, focusing your efforts on well-placed traps can protect your apiary and minimise losses.
Effective Trap Placement: Perimeter Positioning
Placing traps around the site perimeter is an excellent first line of defence, intercepting hornets before they reach the hives. For areas with tall vegetation, raising traps higher can improve effectiveness and ensure better coverage.
Proximity to Hives
If hornets begin hawking hives, moving traps closer to the hives can offer direct protection.
Flexibility and Adaptation
Each apiary is unique, with different layouts, terrain, and vegetation. Adjusting trap placement regularly or creating a circle of traps around the apiary can adapt to changing conditions like wind direction and improve overall effectiveness.
Hornet Flight Patterns
Hornets scout for food close to the ground, staying near where food is available. This makes traps positioned at low to moderate heights particularly effective.
TRAP-X DEPLOYMENT OPTIONS
Baiting the trap
The Bait Pod is highly versatile and can be deployed not only in the TRAP-X system, but also in any compatible trap. Its flexible design allows it to be easily integrated into various trapping setups, making it an effective solution for attracting and capturing Asian hornets in different environments. This adaptability ensures the Bait Pod provides reliable results across a wide range of pest control methods.
Capture & Release
TRAP-X can be used as a capture-and-release trap, designed to support researchers in the safe capture of live hornets, which can then be tagged with tracking devices or streamers. Once tagged, the hornets can be released to naturally return to their nests, providing crucial information about nest locations.
Capture & Destroy
TRAP-X offers two effective methods for hornet disposal. It can be used as a drowning trap by turning it onto its base and filling it with water and leaving it until all hornets have perished. Alternatively, place the trap in a freezer for at least two hours until all hornets have perished. When freezing, handle the trap with care after removal, as it will be brittle. Allow it to return to room temperature before opening to prevent damage. Once the hornets are disposed of, simply remove the lid, discard the dead hornets, rinse the trap thoroughly, and reset it for reuse.
DEVELOPMENT
ASIAN HORNET BEHAVIOURAL OBSERVATIONS - JERSEY
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BEHAVIOURAL OBSERVATIONS
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CAPTIVE HORNET NEST RESEARCH
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Entomological Comparisons
EARLY EXPERIMENTS
TRAP-X has been designed and developed from the ground up, based on extensive research, long-term experiments, rigorous testing, and detailed field observations of Asian hornet behaviour. This comprehensive approach ensures that TRAP-X consistently delivers outstanding performance and maximises effectiveness in capturing and controlling Asian hornet populations.
Early trapping experimentation.
SPECIFICATION
Funnel: Made from ASA, a tough durable plastic, that maintains its strength even in cold temperatures.
Weather Resistance: ASA plastic offers excellent resistance to UV radiation, ensuring it won’t fade or degrade even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Resistance: ASA performs reliably across a wide temperature range, from -40°C to +100°C.
Chemical Resistance: ASA is resistant to oils, greases, and many common chemicals used in bait formulations.
Polypropylene Bucket: Polypropylene is lightweight yet durable, with excellent impact resistance as well as high thermal and chemical resistance.
Handle: Made from stainless steel – corrosion-resistant and ideal for use in harsh environments.
