With the increase in temperatures, the Queens of the Asian Calabrone (Vespa Velutina) come out of lethargy to found new colonies. Each queen captured before March 20 prevents the birth of approx 1,500 specimensdrastically reducing the proliferation of this invasive species.
The spread of the Vespa Velutina represents a threat to beekeeping and biodiversitysince these hornets are predators of bees and other pollinating insects. Acting promptly with effective prevention methods is essential to limit damage. But how to recognize a queen? Which traps to use? Here is everything you need to know to intervene effectively.
Because intervening immediately against the Asian hornet
The Asian hornet was sighted for the first time in Italy in 2013in the Ponente Ligure, and since then it has spread to different regions of the country. Initially, it was thought that the best period for capture was the end of spring, when the secondary nests were already developed. However, it was discovered that The founding queens survive in winterhiding in the ground or in tree trunks, and then re -emerge with the increase in temperatures.
Therefore, the most effective strategy is capture the queens between February and Marchthus preventing the formation of new colonies. Each eliminated queen means 1,500 Asian Calabers less.
In Italy, various prevention measures have been adopted, including:
- Distribution of traps in particularly affected areas.
- Monitoring of specimens through surveillance networks.
- Involvement of citizens and beekeepers in the early capture of the queens.
The goal is block the proliferation before the start of spring reproduction.
How to recognize a Queen of Asian Calabrone
The queens emerge from the hibernation between February and March to feed on nectar and build the primary nest. Unlike workers, they have larger dimensions and distinctive characteristics:
- Length between 25 and 35 mmagainst 17-24 mm of the workers.
- Black or dark brown bodywith Orange or yellow bands on the abdomen.
- Gialla-orange band clearly visible at the end of the abdomen.
- Black legs at the base and yellow at the end.
- Orange head with robust jaws.
- Wings slightly amber or smoke.
The queens are sighted usually alonelooking for a safe place to build theirs primary nest. They often choose repaired places such as:
- Attics and attics.
- Garden sheds and shelters.
- Cavities of trees or marching strains.
- Abandoned agricultural or farmhouses.
How to capture a Queen of Asian Calabrone
The most effective technique to capture the queens is the targeted trap. It is possible to build an artisan trap in a few minutes with easily available materials.
Necessary materials
- A 1.5 liter plastic bottle.
- Iron wire or string.
- An attractive bait (mixture of beer, fruit and white wine syrup).
Procedure
- Cut the upper part of the bottle and turn it upside down like a funnel inside the lower part.
- Pour the attractive mixture inside.
- Hang the trap in a sunny area and protected by the wind.
The traps must be positioned Between February and April And then removed to avoid capturing useful insects such as bees.
The electronic tracking
An innovative solution could come from technology: the Tracking with microchip. This system would allow you to Follow the hornets to their nestsfacilitating their location and destruction.
In France, experiments are already underway to monitor the flight of Asian hornets and identify their colonies. If this technology proved to be effective, it could represent a turning point in the fight against this invasive species.
API play a fundamental role in the pollination and maintenance of biodiversity. Asian hornet is a aggressive predatorcapable of decimating whole colonies of bees in a short time.
Capture the queens in advance and report the presence of suspicious nests can make a difference. The active participation of citizens, beekeepers and institutions is essential to limit the expansion of this invasive species and protect natural ecosystems.
