ANEL Funnel Trap for Vespa Velutina and Vespa Orientalis

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Design and Functionality
The trap consists of a sturdy plastic funnel that fits perfectly onto a sealed container or box, enabling the creation of high-capacity traps. For maximum efficiency, it is ideal to assemble this trap using two empty Langstroth boxes, simulating a complete hive, which naturally attracts the hornets. A perforated inner cover with a central hole is placed on top to hold the funnel in place, which acts as the entry point. Hornets enter through the funnel, drawn by the light and bait inside, but cannot escape once inside the container.

Technical Specifications
• Diameter: 23.00 cm
• Height: 17.00 cm
• Material: Durable plastic, suitable for outdoor use
• Applications: Effective for catching Vespa orientalis, Vespa velutina, and other predators threatening your hives.
• Compatibility: Can be mounted on homemade containers or Langstroth hive boxes.

Customizing and Improving the Trap
To avoid accidental capture of non-target species like the European hornet (Vespa crabro) or bumblebees, we recommend adjusting the entry hole to approximately 7.8 mm for Vespa velutina or 8.6 mm for Vespa crabro. Additionally, a queen excluder can be added at the top of the box, allowing honeybees to escape freely while keeping the hornets trapped inside.

Usage Instructions
• Assembly: Attach the ANEL funnel to an empty Langstroth hive or a sealed container, preferably using two hive bodies to simulate a full hive.
• Bait: Place bait inside, such as fish, sweet syrups, or glucose, to attract the hornets to the funnel.
• Queen excluder: Install a queen excluder at the top to allow bees to exit without being trapped.
• Placement in the apiary: Position the trap near the hives or in strategic locations around the apiary, particularly during the months of highest hornet activity (summer and autumn).
• Monitoring: Regularly check the trap to ensure it is functioning correctly and empty it as needed.

Benefits for Beekeepers
• Effective protection: The ANEL funnel trap effectively captures invasive hornets without harming honeybees, ensuring continuous production from your hives.
• Affordable solution: By allowing beekeepers to create DIY traps using Langstroth hive bodies, this trap is a cost-effective and scalable option for protecting multiple hives in an apiary.
• Durable material: Made from tough plastic, this trap is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, offering a long-lasting defense.

Beekeeping Education: Why Use Funnel Traps?
Funnel traps are an effective solution for beekeepers facing the growing threat of Vespa orientalis and Vespa velutina. These hornets are natural predators of honeybees, attacking hives to gather protein and honey, which can drastically reduce bee populations and severely impact honey production. Funnel traps mitigate this risk by capturing the hornets before they can reach the hives.

Moreover, by combining trap use with hive management techniques such as reducing hive entrances and strategic feeding to strengthen hive defenses, beekeepers can effectively safeguard their apiaries.

Protect your apiary from invasive hornet threats with the ANEL funnel trap. A simple, affordable, and effective solution for dedicated beekeepers!