Electro-shock venom collection traps are designed around a mechanism of controlled electrical stimulation. These devices utilize a grid of wires suspended directly above a specialized collecting tray. When bees come into contact with the wires, they receive a mild electric shock, which triggers their defensive response and causes them to sting the surface below, depositing venom onto the tray.
Successful venom collection depends on integrating the trap seamlessly into the hive's vertical architecture. The device must be positioned in specific high-traffic zones—either at the very bottom or the very top of the stack—to ensure maximum interaction with the colony.
The Mechanical Design
The Stimulation Interface
The core of the device is a grid of wires designed to deliver a mild electric shock.
This current is not intended to harm the bee, but rather to provide just enough stimulation to provoke a sting reflex.
The Collection System
Located immediately beneath the wires is a collecting tray.
Because the wires are set above this tray, gravity ensures that any venom released during the stinging process falls onto or is deposited directly on the collection surface for later harvest.
Positioning Strategies within the Hive
Entrance-Level Placement
One primary method for positioning the trap is at the base of the hive, specifically at the hive entrance.
Technically, this involves inserting the tray between the bottom board and the brood chamber.
This placement targets the colony at its primary access point, interacting with bees as they enter or guard the lower section of the hive.
Top-Level Placement
The alternative configuration positions the trap at the apex of the hive structure.
This setup requires placing the trap inside a special box rather than leaving it exposed.
This box is then inserted into the stack between the supers (where honey is stored) and the protective hive cover.
Implementation Considerations
Hardware Dependencies
It is critical to note that the top-level configuration is not a standalone modification; it relies on specific equipment.
You cannot simply place the trap on top of the frames; you must utilize the special box to house the device properly between the supers and the cover.
Accessibility vs. Equipment
Placing the trap at the entrance requires manipulating the heavy brood chamber to insert the device above the bottom board.
Conversely, top-level placement may be physically easier to access but requires the additional component of the enclosure box to function correctly.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To determine the best configuration for your apiary, consider your equipment availability and preferred access point.
- If your primary focus is leveraging existing entry traffic: Position the collecting tray between the bottom board and the brood chamber to target bees at the hive entrance.
- If your primary focus is upper-hive access: Utilize the special box configuration and position the trap between the supers and the hive cover.
Correct positioning ensures the electrical stimulation grid remains stable and effective, maximizing venom yield without unnecessary disruption to the hive structure.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Entrance-Level Placement | Top-Level Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Between bottom board & brood chamber | Between supers & hive cover |
| Mechanism | Targets entry/guard bee traffic | Targets bees in upper honey storage area |
| Hardware Req. | Standard hive components | Requires a specialized enclosure box |
| Ease of Use | Requires lifting heavy brood chambers | Easier access but more specialized parts |
| Core Goal | Maximum interaction at primary access | Efficient harvest in upper hive architecture |
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