Skip to main content

Spring trapping of the Asian hornet

Voorjaarsvangst van de Aziatische hoornaar

These traps are used to catch the founding queens (gynes) of Asian hornets before they can start a new colony.

The trap consists of a cone made of corn starch with selective openings. This cone is screwed onto a horizontally placed glass jar, in which you place an attractant. Attracted insects can enter, but only the founding Asian hornets remain trapped thanks to the system of openings.

How do you use a trap lid and register your catch?

  1. Screw the lid onto a glass jar, such as a jam jar: this forms your trap.
  2. Register as a participant and approve the charter here: External siteGroupe F - Vespa Hunter local
  3. Use your trap after the start signal, which will be sent by e-mail to registered participants and published on the blog: External siteGroupe F
  4. Place the jar horizontally and soak a piece of sponge with the recommended mixture: 1/3 white wine - 1/3 syrup (for example grenadine) - 1/3 beer.
    The sponge prevents insects from drowning.
  5. Preferably place the trap near flowers and/or in a sunny spot.
  6. Check your trap daily.
    • If you have caught an Asian hornet, place the pot in the freezer (-18 °C) for a few hours.
    • If you accidentally catch other insects (European hornets, bees, bumblebees,...), place the jar in the refrigerator (4 °C) for 1 hour: the insects will fall asleep. Then release the other species outside, keep only the Asian hornet in the jar and place it in the freezer.
  7. Report your catch daily here: External siteForm for registering Asian hornet catches in spring 2026 (in French)
  8. Do not move the trap once it has been set, even if you do not catch anything. Some locations do not catch any founding hornets, but this data is still important for better understanding their behaviour.
  9. Renew the bait at least every 8 to 10 days. In warm weather, replace it every 2 to 3 days to prevent the sponge from drying out.
  10. Remove the traps at the end of the campaign. You will be notified by e-mail and it will be posted on the blog.

How to obtain a trap lid?

Send an e-mail to:

bienetreanimal@brucity.be

This project is a collaboration between the City of Brussels and the Groupe F non-profit organisation.

PRACTICAL INFO