Beekeeping and Gardening in January: Combatting Asian Hornets and Planning Ahead

Beekeeping Main Topic:

• Discussing effective trapping, protection, and eradication strategies.

  
  

  Trapping Measures and Methods for Asian Hornets

  • How traps work to reduce hornet populations near hives.

  • Types of traps effective for Asian hornets: bottle traps, commercial traps, homemade options.

  • Placement tips for traps to maximize capture rates.

  • Timing for setting traps to target hornet queens and workers effectively.

    
    

Different Baits to Use in Asian Hornet Traps

• Sweet baits: sugar water, fruit juices, or wine as attractants.

• Protein-based baits: raw meat or fish to lure hornets during hunting phases.

• Blending baits for increased effectiveness.

• Avoiding baits that attract beneficial insects or honey bees.

• Using different bacteria or fungi to kill the hornets from within the hive

  
  

Protection Methods for Honey Bees Against Asian Hornets

• Physical barriers: electric harp/ lyre/ mussel/  JABEPRODE BCPA XL Force 4

  
  

Tracking Measures For YLH

• Advance tracking methods using Micro-Transmitters:/Radio-Telemetry Drones:/AI & Camera Systems (VespAI)

• UKs method on how to track YLH

• Tinsel Tracking

• Asian Hornet Watch App:

  
  
  
  

Beekeeping Second Topic: January Honeybee Management Guide and Beekeeper’s Checklist

• January success is about restraint + readiness.

• Hands OFF the Brood Nest (Mostly)

• Check Food Stores

• Moisture Control (More Important Than Cold)

• Entrance Protection

• Varroa Check & Treatment Status

• Pollen Patties: Use Strategically

• Observe From the Outside

• Plan for Spring (January is Prep Month)

• Red Flags to look for

•  January Mindset- Don't fix what isn't broken

Gardening with Elli: Planning for the Year Ahead

• Use this time to create DIY garden planners to organize planting schedules.

• Plan crop rotations and seed orders for spring.

• Prepare garden beds by clearing debris and adding compost.

• Start indoor seedlings for early crops like tomatoes and peppers.

Planning now saves time and improves garden success later.

Kids Club Project: Building Asian Hornet Traps

The kids club will build simple traps to take home. This hands-on activity teaches children about invasive species and helps protect local bees. Families can place traps in their backyards, contributing to community efforts.