A smart, eco-minded trap designed for effective hornet capture while reducing bycatch to avoid clogging the trap unnecessarily.
The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is a serious biosecurity threat to honeybees and other pollinators. Biosecurity New Zealand is currently responding to detections on Auckland’s North Shore, and is urging the public to stay vigilant and report sightings.
Why this matters for NZ beekeepers
Hornets prey on bees at hive entrance causing the bees to stay in the hive.
The ongoing stress of this "hawking" can cause colony collapse
Early detection will give eradication a high chance of success
The GOOD4BEES trap is suited to monitoring and targeted trapping—particularly where hornet activity is suspected or where you want an extra layer of protection around apiaries.
It is extremely well built and made to last a long time. The structure is rigid and durable for NZ conditions. The attractant is protected from rain dilution to give great results in all weather. The base is very easy to remove to refill with attractant without risk of any hornets escaping.
Key feature: bycatch release mechanisms
Unlike basic “bucket” style traps, this design is built around selectivity:
Calibrated entry aimed at hornet-sized insects
Dedicated escape routes so smaller insects can exit
No-drowning design (bait is separated from insects) to reduce unnecessary mortality
Result: effective trapping, with less collateral damage to beneficial insects.
Transparent bait reservoir for quick checks and easy cleaning -
Dual-wick diffusion system to increase scent release
Ventilation openings to help disperse attractant odour
Biosecurity NZ uses a mix of carbohydrate and protein trapping approaches in their response work. We recommend mixing Grape Juice and Brown Sugar 50/50 for Bait. This has been very successful in Georgia, USA.
Tip. When hornets die, they put out a pheromone that attracts more hornets. If you are in a hornet area, leave 2 or 3 dead hornets in the trap at all times, where possible.
2) Capture
Hornets tend to move toward light—this design encourages top-section movement
A flexible one-way cone helps reduce escapes once inside
This “anti-return cone” concept and the broader attract–capture–select approach are well established in European hornet-trapping products and use
3) Select (in/out control)
Entry sizing helps limit access by larger non-target insects. (Not important in NZ)
Escape points help smaller insects get out
Separated bait reduces drowning risk
Many modern selective traps use the same principles—calibrated entrances, escape routes, and anti-drowning features—to reduce impact on non-target insects.
Simple to use
Hang it or place it on the ground
Quick visual inspection of bait level
Reusable, durable construction
Works with liquid or solid baits
Compact and lightweight: approx. 18 × 13 × 13 cm, ~95 g.
Note: The product is packed as a kitset to save shipping costs. Some simple assembly is required. Instructions are included.
Important: reporting in New Zealand
If you suspect you’ve seen a yellow-legged hornet or a nest, do not disturb it or attempt control—report it as soon as possible. Biosecurity NZ specifically asks people not to spray or remove suspected nests, as this can make eradication harder.
Biosecurity NZ hotline: 0800 809 966
You can also report online via MPI’s reporting tool (select “plants, spiders or insects”)
Available from Beequip — practical, beekeeper-focused gear for real-world conditions.
Plastic Grafting Tool with larvae release mechanism.
Green Foam Mesh Ventilated Bee Suit
701-43FG-XS
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$138.00
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Sweltering under the heat of the midday sun you struggle to keep comfortable while beekeeping unless....
You have our New Green Foam Mesh Bee Suit! The lightest and coolest suit possible
Green doesn't attract the bees at night and doesn't show all the little Propolis marks.
This is a similar concept to the 3 layer mesh suits, but instead of beads to separate the mesh it has foam, making it very light and very breathable. Almost as though you're not wearing it!
The Suit is very high quality and has the following features:
Heavy duty fine visor mesh. Excellent visibility. Coat hook loop at back of veil. Knee Pads Folding visors have full sun protection at top. No collar and open neck design to keep cool. Top quality brass YKK zips. Folding veil sits firm on suit and doesn't blow around in the wind. Folding veil allows easy head movement and gives good clearance to nose! Veil can be easily unzipped & flipped over head when driving. 30cm zip at base of legs to allow easy removal over boots. Extra layer over knee. Hoops on the veil to fit ourMultifunction Headtorch
Designed by beekeepers in NZ. Made in Pakistan under license.
Half Coat Nitrile Gloves
701-02-S
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$12.00
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These gloves are perfect for using in your beehive while treating with acid materials.
They are made with a nylon lining and have an open back for excellent breath-ability on those hot days.
Available in Sizes S - 2XL
Larger orders may incur slight delays.
Half Face Respiratory Mask Package
751-0220-M
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$105.00
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Protect yourself with this Half-Face Respirator Mask.
This will give you the bestlung protection when using a Vaporizer with Oxalic Acid. Some form of eye protection should also be worn.
This mask will also give very good lung protection when working with Formic Acid.
This is a complete kit including a pair of Organic Vapour / Acid Gas Cartridges to suit. Also included is a handy container to store the mask and keep it clean. You can get spare filter cartridges here.
Comes in Medium and Large - both are adult size, the large has slightly more room in the mask.
Silicone material Reusable Low breathing resistance High filtration efficiency filters Protects against airborne contaminants
The Masks are tested and approved to meet the following standards:
Certified AS/NZS 1716:2012 Certified CE Standard EN143:2000 P3 R Certified CE Standard EN14387:2004+A1:2008 Certified CE Standard EN149:2001+A1:2009 Certified CE Standard EN143:2000 P2 R
NOTE: The service life of any acid gas cartridge filter is affected by many factors.
Replace both the filters: -
When the expiry date stamped on the sealed packet has elapsed.
Once opened, maximum use time is 6 months (even ifnot used). The carbon will absorb contaminants fromthe general environment.
When contaminant can be detected by smell or taste.
Hambly Queen Dial
840-0050
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$26.00
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Introducing the Hambly Queen Dial - the ultimate tool for beekeepers, from beginners to experts. Whether you're just starting out or planning queen rearing, this device is a must-have.
With its comprehensive charts, the Queen Dial helps you track important hive information. Easily identify how long your hive has been without a queen or know when to expect the queen to start laying. Even unexpected cells can be managed confidently with the guidance provided.
Originally designed by Deborah for her queen rearing classes, the Queen Dial is suitable for both professional and hobbyist beekeepers. It offers valuable assistance, even if queen rearing is not your primary focus.
No more guesswork about the queen's absence! Simply write your dates and details directly onto the card and wipe the data when you need to reuse it.
This enhanced version of the Queen Dial includes additional diagrams and photos for a more comprehensive beekeeping experience. Explore detailed visuals of drones, workers, and queens, as well as varroa mites on bees, larvae, and capped cells. Discover the lifespan development and adult life cycle of each bee caste, differentiate between swarm cells and supercedure cells, and analyze laying worker versus new queen laying patterns. You'll also find an international queen color chart, highlighted queen cells at various developmental stages, and essential information on the care, caution, and weather required for successful mating.
Upgrade your beekeeping skills and gain invaluable insights with the Hambly Queen Dial.
Heart Shape Comb Honey Box with Lid
870-0241
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$1.60
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Transparent Heart-shape Honey Box with plastic foundation base and printed lid for Comb Honey.
Dimensions: 112mm x 108mm x 23mm high
Honey capacity approx. 100g.
A beeswax coating is required on the hexagonal embossed base.
16 of these fit into a special full depth frame. Click here to order.
Caution! Do not use these frames in areas where the bees could collect poisonous Tutin during the months of January to May. For more info, click on the links below.
Full Depth Comb Honey Frame to take 16 heart-shape Honey Containers. Click here for more info.
When the containers need to be removed, simply leaver them out with a screw driver through the holes on the top and bottom of the frame.
233mm deep. Allow 40mm width per frame. It is suggested to use 7 of these frames per super plus a standard frame on the outsides. (9 frames in total)
Heavy Duty 0.95mm Galvanized Lid
792-0155
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$20.00
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Heavy Duty Lid, square folded with no hand grips. 511 x 409 x 55mm 0.95mm Thick / 2.33kg 250 per pallet.
Heavy Duty Auto Hose Reel - 20m
920-0915
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$1,512.00
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These high quality hose reels are an excellent way for getting your syrup from the tank to the beehive while keeping everything in a tidy orderly fashion. We know that these are put under great pressure when used by beekeeping staff therefore we didn't stop until we found ones of exceptional quality.
On each rotation, the reel has a click position where it can lock to prevent rewinding back. To release, pull hose out a small amount to release, then retract the hose on the reel.
Specifications:
Auto Retract Hose Reel with 20 metres of 20mm delivery hose and a dispenser nozzle fitted. Has a 25mm inlet fitting.
Due to the weight of sugar syrup, we recommend that the reel is mounted on a flat surface like as shown in the photo. Not mounted on a vertical surface.
Heavy Duty Hose Reels
920-0902
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$1,980.00
Save $-1,980.00
These high quality hose reels are an excellent way for getting your syrup from the tank to the beehive while keeping everything in a tidy orderly fashion. We know that these are put under great pressure when used by beekeeping staff therefore we didn't stop until we found ones of exceptional quality.
There are three options:
Auto Retract Hose Reel with 15 metres of 25mm delivery hose and a dispenser nozzle fitted. Has a 25mm inlet fitting. Can be mounted with bracket and dispensing guide at various angles.
Manual Hose Reel with 16 metres of 25mm delivery hose, dispenser nozzle, swivel and short connector hose fitted. Made in NZ from solid steel - built to last! The reels come fitted with a positive interlock mechanism to prevent the reel from unrolling when not in use.
Please note: These are usual stock items but during periods of high demand, lead times can be up to 5 weeks. Feel free to contact us directly if you wish to get an more exact time.
Heavy Duty Ventilated Leather Bee Gloves - Long
701-82-S
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$40.00
Save $-40.00
Thicker leather than standard for longevity
Designed as a hard wearing glove for general beekeeping duties. Very comfortable fit on your hands and will last a long time.
The Yellow cuff gives total wrist protection and gives an air space to reduce any sweating. The vent area allows air flow and cooling.
Made in Pakistan where the leather tannerys are regarded as some of the best in the world.
Standard sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL. Other sizes available on request.
A very efficient bee hive connector, simple to use and will ensure no unwanted surprises when moving bee hives regardless of the distances involved. The loop is attached to an adjustable thread. The handle pulls down over centre to lock down.
They are an optional item and need to be ordered separately. The Technosetbee floors use the latch with a short lever if required.
Zinc plated. Weight: 0.1 kg
Sold and priced per pair with 12 screws to suit
Hive Latch Set with Short Lever (pair)
950-0012S
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$8.00
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This latch kit has a short lever and is designed to suit the floors but is also suitable to use with all the boxes.
Comes as a pair with 12 screws.
They are an optional item and need to be ordered separately unless already specified in a beehive package.
Click Here for Hive Connector Latch kit with long levers.
Hive Mat - 21mm Rim
790-0011-W
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$15.40
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Top Quality Hive Mat assembled in NZ.
Assembled with 21mm thick wooden frame and 4.5mm smooth oil tempered hardboard. 507mm x 407mm. 15 per carton.
The rim is made from Russian Pine. Very strong and durable.
The rim has radiused outer edges. Nice to handle.
Each corner has two 38mm long galvanised staples. Very secure.
The hardboard is oil tempered and smooth both sides. Durable and doesn’t get chewed by the bees.
Options:
Rim
Treated - This is where the wooden rim has been dipped in hot micro-crystalline wax prior to assembly. This makes it far more durable and longer lasting.
Untreated - The Russian Pine treat is left in its natural state untreated.
Hive Mat - 40mm Rim
790-0040
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$14.60
Save $-14.60
Top Quality Hive Mat assembled in NZ.
Assembled with 40mm thick wooden frame and 4.5mm smooth oil tempered hardboard. 507mm x 407mm. 15 per carton.
The rim is made from Russian Pine. Very strong and durable.
The rim has radiused outer edges. Nice to handle.
Each corner has four 38mm long galvanised staples. Very secure.
The hardboard is oil tempered and smooth both sides. Durable and doesn’t get chewed by the bees.
The space under the hardboard on the shallow side is 8mm.
The air space on the deep side is 27.5mm.
Options:
Rim
Treated - This is where the wooden rim has been dipped in hot micro-crystalline wax prior to assembly. This makes it far more durable and longer lasting.
Untreated - The Russian Pine treat is left in its natural state untreated.
Hive Mat - Oil Hardboard Only
790-0020
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$7.00
Save $-7.00
4.5mm thick smooth oil tempered hardboard only for Hive Mat.
Very strong and combines the best features of the Kelly and Maxant hive tools all into one.
Hive Tool 26cm long: 2.8mm thick - Kelly Type - S/S
750-0201
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$8.00
Save $-8.00
Hive tool. Stainless steel Kelly type. 260mm long, 2.8mm thick.
This is the most popular style used.
Volume discounts available. Please tell us what quantity you require and the freight address and we can give you our best quote. Click here to contact us now.
Volume discounts available. Please tell us what quantity you require and the freight address and we can give you our best quote. Click here to contact us now.
Hive Tool 28.5cm long: 3.8mm thick - S/S Flat
750-0212
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$8.00
Save $-8.00
Hive tool. Stainless steel flat style. 285mm long and 3.8mm thick.
Very strong.
The hook end style works well on all frame styles.
Hivemaster 80 Drip Tray - Single Super Stack
850-0064
Price excludes GST
Regular price
$114.00
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Drip Trays for a single stack of honey supers.
Perfect for keeping your honey supers in storage until they need to be extracted. Closable vent for air circulation when the supers are in the hot room prior to honey extraction. Made to fit our Small Pallet Jiffy Stack tidily without getting jammed.