How-to : Bait recipes to attract the Asian hornet

The bait must be selective and attractive.

• The fermented and sweet smells attract hornets in search of energy.
• Alcohol and acidity (white wine) can help repel bees, making the bait more selective for hornets.

The classic: Three-thirds recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 grenadine syrup: fruity smell and very appealing sweetness
• 1/3 dark beer: for fermentation and alcohol
• 1/3 dry white wine: to repel bees

Preparation

1. Pour the grenadine into a clean container (bottle, bowl, etc.)
2. Add the dark beer slowly so it doesn't foam too much and mix it in a little.
3. Add the dry white wine and mix again.
4. Allow the mixture to rest for a few hours at room temperature to stabilize.
5. It's ready!

Use

Once rested, pour the mixture into the bottom of the trap jar.

Variant of the Classic Three-Thirds

It's the same recipe as before, only the proportion of ingredients changes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of grenadine syrup: fruity scent and very appealing sweetness
• 1/1 of dark beer: for fermentation and alcohol
• 1/4 cup dry white wine: to repel bees

For the rest, see the Classic recipe above.

Protein Recipe

Ingredients

• Brown beer
• Sugar
• Animal protein:
• Water (optional)

Preparation

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the beer until it begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
3. Once cooled, add the protein: flaked tuna or pâté, small cubes of chicken...
4. You can add a little water if the mixture is too thick.

Use

Pour the mixture into the bottom of the trap jar. The protein scent attracts queen bees during their egg-laying phase (early spring). The sugar keeps the bait attractive for several days. Refresh every 5 to 10 days (or as soon as the liquid becomes cloudy).

Key points to remember

• Hornets like sugar and animal protein.
• Wine helps to avoid attracting bees.
• Avoid honey, which attracts bees.
• Replenish the bait when necessary