Spring: now is the time to catch queens
In spring, queens become active. Catching one queen prevents an entire nest later in the season.
Between March and May, overwintered queens become active and start building a primary nest. This is the most effective monitoring period: catching one queen prevents an entire colony later. We work with beekeepers and volunteers to cluster regional reports. Spotted a large, dark hornet in March–May? Send a photo. This could be a foundational sighting.