Asian hornets, introduced to France in 2004, have become a serious threat to beekeepers by…

Asian hornets, introduced to France in 2004, have become a serious threat to beekeepers by capturing many bees and endangering entire colonies. A French company developed an innovative device to counter them: an electric harp called Vespender, created by the InTi group in Loiret.

The Vespender, resembling a musical instrument with vertical wires, delivers a 400-volt electric shock to hornets that touch it, neutralizing them. The wires are spaced to allow bees to pass safely. The system is powered by an electronic module and solar panels, with one module able to connect to four harps and protect between four and eight hives.