Monitoring for Asian yellow legged Hornets
We are approaching the time of year when temperatures are rising, and any yellow legged hornet queens will be emerging from hibernation, so we need to start monitoring for their presence. We don’t think that any queens have overwintered in the UK, but we need to keep our eyes open for any that may have been accidentally introduced in deliveries or transport from Europe. Research suggests that the South West is an area where incursions are likely to occur, so we cannot be complacent even though last year was a quiet year. We still need to be vigilant.
We would like to suggest that we have Spring Monitoring fortnight (April 11 -24) when we monitor carefully. We strongly recommend the use of monitoring stations, rather than killing traps. This allows us to get the evidence of Asian hornets that we need, without killing our native beneficial insects, in particular European hornets.
This time of year, Asian hornet queens will be searching for sugary foods to build up their energy, not preying on your bees. This means that all monitoring stations need to be positioned where you cannot help but see them and where you can easily check them daily - e.g. outside the kitchen window, or in a sunny spot in your garden. All beneficial insects must be released from monitoring stations daily.
From mid-May Asian hornet queens will be mainly in their nests and so monitoring stations can be removed.
We are recommending the adaptation of Thornes traps to include the wick stations inside. This allows wasps and small flies to escape.
Liquid bait – get Suterra (now sold as Trappit wasp attractant) from your AHAT Team leader or buy online. If you cannot get it due to current restrictions try one of these French recipes:
If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet
Monitoring stations instructions
This is the new design monitoring stations as used in Jersey. They are designed to allow beneficial insects to escape. The wick pot also prevents all but the smallest flies etc. from getting down the side. They still require daily monitoring.
The trap:
The sample pot is cut at half its height i.e 3.5cm and the lower section is fitted through the top section base first. Place a small block of wood or similar over the top of the pot and tap the two parts together. That way you retain the screw top and the modified pot fits snuggly into the trap.
A 12mm hole is drilled in the lid to take the wick which is made from paper towelling / Jeye cloths etc. Fill with your liquid bait.
The wick pot prevents all but the smallest flies etc from getting down the side, and the Suterra/Trappit doesn’t evaporate so quickly. The holes in the trap allow beneficial insects to escape. Please monitor regularly.
For more information about Asian hornets click here.
Somerset Asian Hornet Team details
Somerset AHAT Coordinator
Lynne Ingram – 0784 616 5877 - asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk
Asian Hornet Team Leaders
Burnham on Sea – Tom O’Neill 01278 786036
Central – Paul Harper 01458 210051
Exmoor – Vanessa McDonnell 01278 741225 / 07582813598
Frome – Nicola Peacock 01373830247 / 07492420103
Mendip – Cathy Edge 07986 471627
Quantock – Barry Hulatt 01458 210861 / 07891493709
Somerton – Bernie Perkins 01458 250095 / 07948408770
South East – Lionel Horler 01963 351037 / 07894039933
South West – Bryan Goodman 07816659795 / 07816659795
Taunton – Vanessa Woodford 01460 234426 / 07983118732
Wedmore & Cheddar – Bridget Knutson 01934 742187 / 07952922374
Yeovil – Sharon Blake 01460 242124 / 07907414293
We would like to suggest that we have Spring Monitoring fortnight (April 11 -24) when we monitor carefully. We strongly recommend the use of monitoring stations, rather than killing traps. This allows us to get the evidence of Asian hornets that we need, without killing our native beneficial insects, in particular European hornets.
This time of year, Asian hornet queens will be searching for sugary foods to build up their energy, not preying on your bees. This means that all monitoring stations need to be positioned where you cannot help but see them and where you can easily check them daily - e.g. outside the kitchen window, or in a sunny spot in your garden. All beneficial insects must be released from monitoring stations daily.
From mid-May Asian hornet queens will be mainly in their nests and so monitoring stations can be removed.
We are recommending the adaptation of Thornes traps to include the wick stations inside. This allows wasps and small flies to escape.
Liquid bait – get Suterra (now sold as Trappit wasp attractant) from your AHAT Team leader or buy online. If you cannot get it due to current restrictions try one of these French recipes:
- Dark beer mixed with 25ml strawberry dessert sauce and 25ml orange liqueur
- 350ml sweet white wine (or white wine sweetened with sugar) + 20-30ml mint syrup
If you think you have seen an Asian Hornet
- Get a photo (or sample)
- If you are not sure or are struggling to get evidence contact your local Asian Hornet Action Team – asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk (plus list below)
- If you are sure and you have evidence, then report on the Asian Hornet Watch App or on alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk and to your local AHAT.
Monitoring stations instructions
This is the new design monitoring stations as used in Jersey. They are designed to allow beneficial insects to escape. The wick pot also prevents all but the smallest flies etc. from getting down the side. They still require daily monitoring.
The trap:
- Drill 3 x 6mm holes in the flutings around the top of the Thornes trap.
- The wick station
The sample pot is cut at half its height i.e 3.5cm and the lower section is fitted through the top section base first. Place a small block of wood or similar over the top of the pot and tap the two parts together. That way you retain the screw top and the modified pot fits snuggly into the trap.
A 12mm hole is drilled in the lid to take the wick which is made from paper towelling / Jeye cloths etc. Fill with your liquid bait.
The wick pot prevents all but the smallest flies etc from getting down the side, and the Suterra/Trappit doesn’t evaporate so quickly. The holes in the trap allow beneficial insects to escape. Please monitor regularly.
For more information about Asian hornets click here.
Somerset Asian Hornet Team details
Somerset AHAT Coordinator
Lynne Ingram – 0784 616 5877 - asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk
Asian Hornet Team Leaders
Burnham on Sea – Tom O’Neill 01278 786036
Central – Paul Harper 01458 210051
Exmoor – Vanessa McDonnell 01278 741225 / 07582813598
Frome – Nicola Peacock 01373830247 / 07492420103
Mendip – Cathy Edge 07986 471627
Quantock – Barry Hulatt 01458 210861 / 07891493709
Somerton – Bernie Perkins 01458 250095 / 07948408770
South East – Lionel Horler 01963 351037 / 07894039933
South West – Bryan Goodman 07816659795 / 07816659795
Taunton – Vanessa Woodford 01460 234426 / 07983118732
Wedmore & Cheddar – Bridget Knutson 01934 742187 / 07952922374
Yeovil – Sharon Blake 01460 242124 / 07907414293
