Autumn marks a critical phase in the fight against the Asian hornet. Colonies reach full development, and future queens prepare to leave the nest for winter. It is therefore time to redeploy traps.
Autumn trapping serves several purposes: protecting bees, which are heavily targeted by hornets feeding their larvae; capturing future queens that seek sugary resources for hibernation; and consequently limiting the establishment of new colonies in the spring, as each overwintering queen can found one.
In October and November, colonies can comprise several thousand individuals. This is the reproductive period when young queens and males gradually leave the nest. Workers, males, and the old queen perish with the cold, and the nest is abandoned.
Citizens who participated in spring trapping are urged to set up their traps again. It is crucial to prioritize selective trapping to avoid unnecessarily capturing other insects. A sweet and alcoholic bait, such as a mixture of beer, white wine, and syrup, can be used. The model developed by the CRA-W (Walloon Centre for Agronomic Research) is recommended for its targeted approach.
If a nest is spotted, it is strongly advised not to attempt to destroy it yourself. Nests can be particularly large at this time and require intervention by trained and equipped individuals.
The Asian hornet can be distinguished from the European hornet by its predominantly dark body, a broad orange band on its abdomen, yellow leg tips, and a slightly smaller size.
