Asian hornet trap

2023-03-02 UPDATE : NEW DESIGN AVAILABLE

I just released a new full-3D print trap with new integrated features. It's available here.

A trap to capture and neutralize asian hornets, made to protect bees.

Disclaimer: I never captured any asian hornet nor have I ever seen one in my garden. I made this trap to prevent those pests from killing the bees in my garden if they ever come close.

I collected information, examined several models, made by individuals and professionals.
This is my version. If you feel it is inspired by something you saw elsewhere, it probably was.

Technical precisions: the cones were designed with the recommended measurements to let asian hornet in but not out. Bees or other harmless insects should be able to get out though. The holes in the grids are the exact size of regular "queen bee excluders" so you won't accidentally capture bees.

Overview here: https://youtu.be/7p3Y0O0f9z0

Parts list:

6mm thick wooden boards (see attached figure):

• Sides: 2 x 300x150x6mm (plain)
• Roof: 1 x 300x150x6mm with a rectangular 200x100mm hole in the middle
• Bottom: 1 x 300x150x6mm with a circular 60mm hole in the middle

Front & Back: 2 x 150x138x6mm with a 120x108 rectangular hole in the middle (for the conical traps) 1 x 214x114x2 PMMA (plexiglas) board for the transparent, sliding roof

wood glue to assemble the wooden parts

• some screws to assemble the jar holder and tighten the mosquito net; also to attach the feet to the wooden box
• a small piece of mosquito net to let the smell emission out and prevent insects from drowning in
• a small glass jar that contains the bait and that you screw in and out under the wooden box

PETG (recommended) or PLA for the plastic printed parts The recommended bait is a mixture of dark/red fruit syrup (cherry or blackcurrant for instance), honey, brown beer and white wine. This should attract hornets and not bees (bumblebees and bees are apparently repelled by alcohol).
Demo here: https://youtu.be/aexgryPzoJ8
I used a small used glass jar I found in my kitchen. It's convenient for my project. I could design some other formats for the jar holder if needed. Let me know.

The transparent sliding roof lets you watch inside the box, set innocent insects free and remove dead bugs if necessary.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer: 

I3 MK3S

Rafts:

No

Supports: 

No

Resolution:

200

Infill: 

20

Filament:
Prusament PLA Orange 
 

Notes: 

Since it's made for outdoor use, standing in the sun and exposed to rain, you should definitely print it in PETG. I printed mine in PLA and it's still OK one year later but I would not recommend that.

Another thing you should do different: I used MDF for the wooden parts. Because that's what I had at hand. It is a very bad choice for outdoor use. It literally drinks humidity and won't last very long. It will eventually deform and the box will most certainly split apart. So choose some outdoor friendly material, there is plenty of choice.

To get things done the way I showed in the pictures, you need to print two "grid and cone" parts and 4 feet.

Category: Outdoor & Garden