Velutina wasp trap
A selective, 3D-printable trap designed to mitigate the impact of the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in Europe, while protecting native insects and preserving ecosystem balance.
This project was born from a personal concern for the environment and the growing threat posed by the Asian hornet in Europe. As an invasive species, Vespa velutina disrupts local ecosystems, especially affecting honeybee populations that lack natural defense mechanisms against it.
The goal is not eradication at any cost, but selective mitigation. The trap is designed to reduce the hornet population while minimizing harm to other wildlife and avoiding unnecessary suffering.
Design and operation
The trap consists of a 3D-printed structure that can be screwed onto a standard plastic bottle. An attractant placed inside lures the hornets, causing them to fall into the liquid where they cannot escape. The entrance geometry allows smaller insects to exit, reducing collateral impact on native species.
“The objective is control, not indiscriminate elimination.”
The project is currently in a field data collection phase. We are monitoring efficiency, selectivity, and environmental impact to continuously improve the design.
Attractant research (ongoing)
The effectiveness of the trap depends heavily on the attractant used. We are actively studying different mixtures to maximize attraction to Vespa velutina while repelling bees and other beneficial insects. Attractants should be replaced every 2–3 weeks, depending on temperature.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Bees | Repel Bees | Velutina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple juice | 200 ml | Low | Medium | High |
| White wine | 200 ml | Low | Medium | High |
| Red wine vinegar | 50 ml | Low | Medium | High |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | Low | Medium | High |
| Cinnamon | 1/4 tsp | Low | High | Medium |
| Thyme essential oil | 5 drops | Low | High | Medium |
| Ingredient | Quantity | Bees | Repel Bees | Velutina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grape juice | 200 ml | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Rice vinegar | 50 ml | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Water | 100 ml | Low | Low | Medium |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Medium | Low | Low |
| Lavender oil | 5 drops | Low | High | Low |
| Eucalyptus oil | 5 drops | Low | High | Low |
| Ingredient | Quantity | Bees | Repel Bees | Velutina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange juice | 200 ml | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Apple cider vinegar | 50 ml | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Water | 100 ml | Low | Low | Medium |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Lemongrass oil | 5 drops | Low | High | Low |
| Peppermint oil | 5 drops | Low | High | Low |
Research continues. Attractant formulations and KPIs are still under evaluation and may evolve as more field data is collected.