The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive exotic species that has been found in the Netherlands for several years. The hornet is harmful to honey bees, bumblebee species and other pollinating insects, and it also endangers the ecosystem and our environment. For fruit growers, for example, it is a catastrophe when pollinating insects are killed in large numbers.
Nests must therefore be detected. An effective method for this is to place a small transmitter on the hornet.
Robor Nature recently developed a, in several ways, revolutionary system for detecting hornets with a microtransmitter. Modern radio technology allows targeted searches via handheld directional receivers. The transmitters can also be tracked via a smartphone, and they also report over the mobile network, facilitating the search.
The transmitter itself is very lightweight (<160mg) and has a shorter antenna than previously possible. The hornet is thus less bothered by it in terms of weight and ballast, which increases the likelihood that the hornet with transmitter (after locating the nest) can be recaptured, making the transmitter reusable several times. The transmitter is rechargeable and adjustable via an included controller.
A new and much easier method of attachment has been developed that does not require the hornet to be anesthetized. The application takes 5 seconds. This means less stress for the hornet and anyone can safely do it themselves. The hornet can be released immediately and does not need to recover and recuperate before flying.
Using specially designed auxiliary tools, the transmitter can be easily attached to the Asian hornet. All necessary tools can be found in the AH detection kit.
The receiver consists of a handy direction-sensitive antenna with a smart receiver. You can easily track the signal with the antenna. The signal strength on the receiver is indicated with a number on the display and in pitch.
A special receiver has been developed that can be paired with a drone, which can display the signal strength on the remote controller. This offers a significant advantage, as sensitivity and range are greatly increased when searching from higher altitudes. The range is hereby stretched to 2 kilometres.
If one is near the nest, anyone with a regular smartphone can help search via a special Hornet App.
Benefits global location reports via “the mobile network”
The signals broadcast by the little transmitter are also picked up via the mobile network and forwarded to an online platform. Here one can then see a map with foraging area and approximate location of the nest. So this can already be done without going out with an special receiver.
Both the transmitters and the receiver are considerably more affordable than existing systems. With this system, tracking will gain momentum and become significantly more effective.
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