Beekeepers continue to sound the alarm against what they consider to be a real scourge. “11,000 traps were distributed in Vaucluse, notably by beekeeping unions and the Departmental Councilindicates Christine Blanc, co-organizer of the event scheduled for Saturday May 4, at the Les Vignes shopping center in Orange. In a few months, the first results show a very large quantity of hornets caught (more than 2,000, Editor’s note.)mainly Asian hornet founders.“
The beekeeper specifies that capturing a foundress makes it possible to avoid building a nest, whose offspring can consume up to 11 kg of insect per year. Among Asian hornets’ favorite foods, bees can make up up to 60% of their diet. “They will provide them with protein and sugar. They just have to wait in front of the hive… It’s a big open fridge for them.“
A trap made from a water bottle
Unlike other species, hornets do not have predators, which explains their proliferation. To limit it as much as possible, beekeepers are raising awareness among the general public. “We need the support of individuals in this fight“, assures Christine Blanc.
The trap which will be proposed for manufacture is called, due to its ease of construction, “the simpleton”. It will be made from an empty, clean 1 L water bottle, in which a system of inputs and outputs will be created in order to operate a certain selectivity to block the founders and avoid collateral damage. (butterflies, European hornets, etc.).
Inside, a bait will be installed. The latter is made up of syrup, “whose sugar will attract hornets“, white wine, “to repel other insects“and beer”for fermentation and diffusing odors“Once set up, the trap must no longer be touched, otherwise it risks losing its attractiveness.”You only touch it when you want to reload the bait (every ten days on average, Editor’s note.) or empty it“
Following the workshop, participants will regularly report the number of insects captured to the beekeeping unions.
Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., at Les Vignes shopping center. Registration with the Jardipassion store.
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