Beak Trap : Hornet trap for hive

Here is a trap muzzle adapted from Fernando's design: Beak Trap or trap muzzle.

This model is optimized for Dadant hives with Nicot floors. It is adaptable to any hive size and any floor.

Its role is primarily that of a muzzle: it allows the bees to continue their activity without being paralyzed by the proximity of hornets.

Only hornets that are too adventurous are trapped. Hornets hunting in flight in front of the hives are far enough away that hive activity continues.

The "floor extension" is optional, but preferable in high pressure situations.

Youtube presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWj6RNaWeq0

Ideal material: alveolar plastic ep.~2mm (recovery of supermarket advertising panels)

Flexible plastic mesh of 5x5mm: cutting size 430 x 220 mm

Diameter of holes : Passage Bees + Hornets: Ø8 to 9 mm Passage Bees only: Ø5 to 6 mm

Print the 3 patterns in PDF on A4 paper, check the scale, cut the solid lines and fold according to the dotted lines.

Cut out the soft plastic mesh and sew it with fishing line.

Assemble with staples (galvanized to limit rust) and/or hot glue.

The principle: the vast majority of bees fly horizontally or nearly so.

The hornet takes flight vertically or almost vertically and gets trapped.

It is necessary to set up the trap without the bottles for 3 to 4 days of foraging so that the bees get used to passing in the right place.

The cones should preferably be made of plastic mesh to prevent hornets from coming out.

The bottles can be replaced by cylinders made of plastic mesh which facilitates the exit of trapped bees and improves the aesthetics.

I used Nortene's "Cuadranet" flexible plastic mesh: reference 2017228, roll width 1.03m, mesh size 5x5 mm (inside measurement of the mesh so the bees go through), density 300 g/m². This material is expensive but practical, UV and hornet resistant and recyclable.