Electric Harps Zap Hornets, Saving Honey Bees

Imagine being a honey beekeeper in Europe. For years, you've watched in horror as invasive Asian hornets massacre your bees by the thousands. You've tried everything to fight back – swatting them, blasting nests, and even chemical warfare. But nothing seems to work.

Then, a glimmer of hope arrives in the form of a strangely named weapon: the electric harp.

Michel Costa, a French beekeeper, knows this struggle all too well. By 2021, he was at his wit's end. Traditional methods failed to stop the relentless hornets, who had decimated his hives. But when he heard about electric harps, a spark of optimism ignited.

These harps aren't your traditional musical instruments. They're metal frames strung with electrified wires, strategically placed near beehives. When a hornet flies through, it gets zapped – problem solved!

A Promising Solution

Early results are encouraging. Studies show hives protected by harps experience an 89% reduction in hornet attacks. This allows bees to collect food for winter survival, which was previously hampered by fear. Beekeepers report a significant increase in winter hive survival rates with harps.

But what about harming other beneficial insects? Here's the beauty of the harp: the wire spacing allows bees to pass through unharmed, while electrocuting the larger hornets. A recent study found 91% of harp casualties were hornets, with minimal harm to bees.

The best part? Electric harps are relatively cheap and easy to maintain. Complete kits cost around $300, and some beekeepers are even building their own for as little as $160! This affordability makes them a viable option for beekeepers who often receive limited government support.

While eradicating the hornets entirely may be impossible, electric harps offer a powerful new weapon in the fight to protect Europe's honey bees. Combined with targeted nest removal, these "electro-fences" could turn the tide of this war.

The Buzz on the Future

Beekeepers like Michel Costa are now sharing their knowledge, teaching others to build and use these innovative tools.

With continued research and collaboration, the electric harp could become a crucial instrument in the fight to save Europe's honey bees.

SOURCE: Reasons To Be Cheerful