Zero-Bycatch: How to Use the Red and Orange Nozzles
Each Gard'Apis kit comes with red and orange nozzles fitted to the cones. They are designed to all but eliminate bycatch.
The Red Nozzle — Spring and Autumn
Red nozzles allow entry of queen-sized Asian hornets and should be used from early spring through early summer, and again in late autumn.
In spring, queens emerge from hibernation and build a small nest to raise the first batch of workers themselves. Each queen caught at this stage reduces the number of nests that will grow to full production. European queen hornets are also present at this time — the red nozzle prevents them from entering while allowing smaller insects to pass freely through the mesh sides.
In late autumn, the hornet nest produces up to 300 new queens before dying off for winter. Selective trapping at this time of year is paramount and is the most effective way to reduce the hornet impact the following season.
The Orange Nozzle — Late Spring to Autumn
Once the primary nest is complete, the queen and her workers leave to establish the secondary nest. The queen no longer forages herself — all food collection is now handled by worker hornets, which are smaller than the queen.
This is the moment to switch to the orange nozzle, which prevents European worker hornets from entering. This switch typically occurs between late spring and early summer, but depends on weather conditions.
Monitoring During Transitions
Some bycatch may occur during transitions between the red and orange nozzles. If the trap is monitored carefully, this can be easily managed — see the instructions on emptying the Gard'Apis trap.