Asian Hornet Muzzle (Beehive Entrance Guard) – Protection Against Vespa Velutina - Ornetin
Protect your hives with a smarter defense
We designed the Ornetin Muzzle® to counter the growing threat of Vespa velutina (Asian hornets), while addressing the common flaws found in conventional muzzles.
Unlike net-based systems that confuse bees and are eventually outsmarted by hornets, our design features multiple precisely calibrated entrances with a total effective lenght of 130cm — 10x longer than the classic green Nicot reducer — allowing bees to enter and exit rapidly from multiple directions, making it extremely difficult for hornets to intercept them.
Each entrance is laser-cut to 5 mm, narrow enough to block hornets while letting your bees pass safely. Unable to enter, hornets grow desperate and often end up caught in an adjacent Ornetin trap.
Crafted from natural wood and transparent plexiglass, the muzzle ensures:
- Lightens the guard bees’ workload and calms the entire colony
- Unhindered bee movement in the safe zone
- Ensures smooth and confusion-free circulation for returning foragers
The design has been carefully engineered to maintain performance even with imperfect hive geometries — accommodating body-to-bottom misalignments and irregularities in the hive’s front face.
This product is protected under an internationally registered design. All rights reserved.
⚠ Check your compatibility before ordering.
Available versions:
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Dadant-Nicot (MUNI) → specifically designed to fit Nicot bottom boards.
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Dadant-Adapt (MUDY) → supplied with adjustable sides that you can trim to match the dimensions of any bottom board.
The Ornetin Muzzle® is a durable, eco-conscious, and locally produced solution by the BroodMinder Team in France. Combine it with our Ornetin UV® trap for a complete defense system against hornet attacks.
Included
The Ornetin Muzzle comes as a self-assembly kit. It includes pre-cut natural wood panels, a transparent plexiglass front, and all necessary hardware for quick setup with basic tools.
Kit contents:
- 1 Ornetin Muzzle (flat-packed)
- All required screws
- Assembly instruction & video link
Equipping multiple hives? Special rates available for multiple hives, associations, and dealers. Contact us for details at info@ornetin.com
Specification
Hive Compatibility:
Designed for standard Dadant hives with bottom Nicot boards (with green reducer installed).
Do you have a different hive configuration? Let us know — we may be able to produce a custom version for your needs.
Dimensions:
- Width: 420 mm
- Height: 135 mm
- Depth: 160 mm
Materials:
- Untreated natural wood
- Transparent plexiglass
- Zinc-coated fittings
Maintenance Tips:
Should be painted or oiled for improved weather protection and visual appeal.
Installation
Assembly:
Delivered flat-packed for easy DIY assembly.
- Includes all screws and illustrated instructions
- Estimated build time: ~10 minutes
To learn more in detail about how to install the Ornetin Muzzle, click here
Mounting on the hive:
We’ve designed installation to be as simple as possible — a single screw secures the entire unit to the hive.
Deployment period:
Install at the end of June, when hornet activity begins.
- Preferably place it in the morning so bees can reorient during their first flight.
- Bees may take a few hours to adapt to the new “king-size” entrance.
Maintenance during the season:
- Occasionally, bees may leave debris inside. To clean, lift the muzzle slightly and gently shake — debris will fall easily.
- Remove the device by late November, unless you prefer to keep the entrance warmer over winter.
- Optional: Paint wooden parts to match hive aesthetics and improve durability.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship worldwide. Orders are prepared and dispatched on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Delivery times vary depending on the destination country and carrier. Please note that orders shipped outside the EU may be subject to local customs duties and import taxes.
Returns
If you are not satisfied with your Ornetin trap, you may return it within 30 days of receiving it. Items must be unused and in their original condition. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility unless the product is defective or incorrect.
FAQ – Asian Hornet BeeHive Protection
Quick answers about installation, compatibility, seasonal use, and how the Ornetin Muzzle helps protect beehives from Asian hornets (Vespa velutina).
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The Ornetin Muzzle is designed to fit standard hive formats. Always check your hive entrance measurements before ordering to ensure proper compatibility.
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It is recommended to install the muzzle during periods of high Asian hornet activity, typically from late summer through autumn, when colonies are most at risk.
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The Ornetin Muzzle (Asian hornet entrance protection) is available in two versions:
- Dadant – Nicot (MUNI): designed to fit directly on Nicot Dadant bottom boards.
- Dadant – Adapt (MUDY): a universal version with adjustable sides that can be adapted to other Dadant hive configurations.
Please check the compatibility table to choose the correct model for your beehive.
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The Ornetin Muzzle significantly reduces hornet intrusion and pressure at the hive entrance. While no solution guarantees 100% prevention, it greatly improves colony defense and reduces successful hornet attacks.
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We process and ship orders every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Once your order has been dispatched, delivery times vary depending on your location.
Orders within the EU typically arrive within 3–7 business days after dispatch, while international shipping may take longer depending on the destination and local customs processing.
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No. The Ornetin Muzzle is designed to allow smooth bee movement while creating a controlled entrance that makes it harder for Asian hornets to attack or enter the hive. Bees quickly adapt to the modified entrance.
Ornetin vs other protections
Standard metal grilles can slow bees down and cause congestion at the hive entrance. Ornetin is designed for fluid bee movement, allowing fast, stress-free access while still protecting against yellow-legged hornets.
Easy to assemble: under 10 minutes
The Ornetin beehive protection installs in less than 10 minutes, providing fast and effective protection against yellow-legged hornets to help keep your bees safe.
See Ornetin in Action
Bees move freely in and out of the hive without hesitation. Ornetin provides reliable protection against yellow-legged hornets while maintaining natural bee traffic.
Secure Your Hive with Just One Screw
(in the video, show installation on the beehive & how easy it is to clean it)
⚠ Check Compatibility Before Ordering
To ensure the perfect fit, please verify your bottom board type before selecting your Ornetin version.
Available Versions:
Dadant–Nicot (MUNI) → Specifically designed to fit Nicot bottom boards for precise, secure installation.
Dadant–Adapt (MUDY) → Includes adjustable sides that can be trimmed to fit most standard bottom board dimensions.
Wood Protection Required
For optimal longevity, apply a suitable exterior wood protection (paint, varnish, or sealant) before exposure to rain and outdoor elements.
Designed, Made & Produced in France 🇫🇷
Engineered and made in France, near Pau in the Pyrenees — where beekeeping meets innovation by BroodMinder team.
