Hornet Traps

Asian hornets

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a threat to bees and biodiversity. An action and coordination plan is in place to step up the fight against this species. You can find more information on the Minister for Nature website and on Walloon Biodiversity.

Why trap Asian hornets?

A queen captured in spring prevents the creation of a nest that could produce thousands of individuals. Selective trapping at the right times helps protect apiaries and local wildlife without harming other beneficial insects.

Many initiatives to distribute selective traps are underway in Wallonia. However, some municipalities are not taking part or have run out of stock. That is why we decided to start 3D-printing selective traps to help combat this species.

Trap selectivity is essential to preserve biodiversity.
Citizen trapping is limited to a specific period, until 31 May, which is the most strategic time to act.

The trap

The trap we use was designed to be selective and has been scientifically validated by CRA-W.

It is a lid that screws onto a standard T082 jar, the same type used for most jam, pickle or honey jars.
It is 3D-printed in PETG, a resistant material (mechanically and chemically), also to UV and outdoor temperatures and sunlight. It is lightweight and recyclable.

Inside the jar, a sweet attractant mix (1/3 grenadine syrup, 1/3 dark beer and 1/3 white wine to deter bees as much as possible) should be poured onto a sponge to avoid drowning non-target insects.

Feel free to read this article for more information.

Below you can see an example of a complete trap with its lid and jar.

How to order?

Printing traps is not complex but can take some time. Our small studio does not yet have large production capacity, so stock is limited. Because biodiversity matters to us, we have still decided to take on this project and offer these selective traps at a reduced price.

The selling price is €2.50 per trap (lid only).

• Traps can be collected at our studio in Charleroi.
• We can send traps by BPost or Mondial Relay; however, delivery cost can exceed the value of a few traps, so we recommend joining with neighbours for a collective order in that case.
• Depending on availability and demand, we may be able to organise collective delivery in your area at a reduced rate.

Order traps