Trap-nests

Trap-nests are widely used to study the fauna (species composition) of bees and wasps or effects of environments on their success or failure of nesting. Similar traps have also been used for the purpose of utilizing pollinator bees.

The trap-nest that we use is made of bamboo or reed tubes with an inner diameter of about 5–20 mm, cut into 20 cm pieces. Different species of bees and wasps prefer different diameters, so it is recommended to mix tubes of various diameters so that more species can nest. We can make a trap by arranging the tubes like a bamboo screen, or simply by bundling them with strings. Nesting frequencies and species compositions of bees and wasps have been shown to be alike between the two types of trap.

In forests, the trap-nests are usually tied to the trunks of trees. In residential areas, they are conveniently placed under the eaves of roofs of houses or in other places where they will not be exposed to rain.

In order to study the species composition of trap-nesters, the traps are normally set up in spring, say April or May, and collected in autumn and winter, November to March, when their nesting activities are over, and the nests contain overwintering young (prepupae or pupae). Let's open the traps to see what bees and wasps are inside!

Bundle type		Screen type		Trap fixed to a hut beam

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