Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most often, organised by topic. If you can't find what you're looking for, write to contacto@galutina.com and we reply within 48 working hours.
About the product
What is the Galutina trap?
It's a selective trap against the Vespa velutina, designed to protect beehives. It captures velutina queens and workers while letting honey bees and most non-target insects out. Swiss engineering, made and operated from Galicia.
How does the selective system work?
The selection is double. At the entrance, a flap calibrated to 8.75 mm needs the strength of a V. velutina queen to open — honey bees, lighter, can't move it. At the exit, a 6 mm hole lets any honey bee or small insect escape, while the velutina stays trapped in the lower chamber.
Why 8.75 mm at the entrance and 6 mm at the exit?
8.75 mm is the critical dimension that admits Vespa velutina queens but excludes Vespa crabro (>9 mm), which is a native species. 6 mm is the upper limit through which a honey bee can escape without trouble.
Does the trap catch honey bees?
No. The combination of a heavy flap and a 6 mm exit is designed precisely so that no honey bee remains inside. If one accidentally enters following the bait, it will leave through the selective exit.
Does it work against Vespa crabro (European hornet)?
No, and that's intentional. The entrance is calibrated to keep V. crabro out — it's a native species and not our target.
Can it be used in vineyards? Does velutina also attack the harvest?
Yes. In late summer and early autumn — when Albariño, Godello, Mencía or Treixadura ripen — V. velutina swarms pierce the grapes to access the sugar. That triggers unwanted acetic fermentations and puts the harvest and manual pickers at risk. The five Galician DOs (Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, Monterrei) lie within the territory colonised since 2012. The same double selection of the Galutina (calibrated entrance + 6 mm exit) lowers pressure in the vineyard without capturing pollinators; deployment from spring is recommended to reduce active queens by harvest time.
Does it catch other non-target insects (butterflies, bumblebees…)?
Accidental capture is low thanks to the 6 mm exit. Small insects escape; most bumblebees are too large to enter through the flap.
Does the trap attract more velutinas to the area?
The bait is used in small quantities and is meant to attract velutinas already operating around the apiary, not to "call in" distant colonies. Place the trap near the hive (3–5 m), not in neutral areas.
Does it work in small or hobbyist apiaries?
Yes. The 1-unit pack is intended for recreational beekeeping or small apiaries. The 3-pack covers a full season for several hives.
Installation and use
Where do I place the trap?
In a sunny spot, 1.5–2 m off the ground and 3–5 m from the hive. Don't place it directly on top of the hive or in completely shaded locations.
At what height should I hang it?
1.5–2 m from the ground. That's the height at which velutina queens usually fly when patrolling around apiaries.
How many traps do I need per hive or apiary?
It depends on the size of the apiary and the velutina pressure in the area. As a reference, the 3-pack covers a small-to-medium apiary for one season. For large apiaries or high-pressure areas (Pontevedra, Coruña), write to distribuidores@galutina.com and we'll recommend a sizing.
When is the best time to start?
The active period is March–October. The most critical window is late winter and early spring (February–April), to capture founding queens before they establish their nests.
What bait is used?
Protein- or sugar-based bait, with no persistent chemicals. We recommend refilling the bait weekly during the active season. We sell compatible 50 ml bottles, or you can use equivalent attractants from the beekeeping market.
How much bait do I need?
A 50 ml bottle covers one trap for a full season with weekly refills.
How often do I need to refill?
Weekly during the active season (March–October). If the trap is catching a lot, you can check it more often to remove specimens and refresh the bait.
How do I remove captured velutinas?
The lower chamber dismantles easily. We recommend emptying it every 1–2 weeks during peak capture. Wear gloves: even when velutinas are dead, their stingers can still sting.
Maintenance and durability
How long does the trap last?
It's reusable. The structure holds up for several seasons; you only need to refill the bait. With basic care it should last you many years.
Does it withstand sun, rain and wind?
Yes. It's designed to live outdoors throughout the season. We recommend protecting it from hard frosts and storing it under cover during winter when not in use.
Can it be washed?
Yes, with water and mild detergent. Don't use bleach or solvents that may leave attractive or repellent chemical residues.
What do I do if a part breaks?
Write to contacto@galutina.com with a description and photos of the problem. We cover manufacturing defects within the legal warranty period and can offer spare parts.
What do I do with the trap out of season?
Empty it, wash it, dry it well and store it under cover until the next spring. Don't leave it baited in winter: it could attract unwanted wildlife and the bait would degrade.
Purchase, shipping and returns
When do you ship the order?
We dispatch within 24 working hours from Galicia. Orders placed on Friday afternoon ship on Monday.
How much is shipping?
Worldwide shipping. €20 flat or free over €50. Dispatched within 24 working hours. Customs duties outside the EU may apply at the recipient's expense.
Do you ship outside Spain?
Yes — we ship worldwide. €20 flat shipping, free over €50. Outside the EU, customs duties and import taxes may apply at the recipient's expense.
How do I track my order?
When the shipment is prepared you'll receive an email with the carrier's tracking number.
Returns?
14 calendar days to return at no cost, provided the product is unused and in its original packaging. We refund through the same payment method.
What payment methods do you accept?
Card (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, Bizum, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Shop Pay and Link. For institutional orders we offer bank transfer — see below.
Institutional and wholesale orders
Do you provide quotes for administrations, cooperatives or beekeeping associations?
Yes. Send a request from /en/distributors/ and we reply within 48 working hours with a quote, lead times and conditions.
Minimum wholesale quantity?
The price scale starts at 25 units, with a reduced rate from 500. For larger volumes or multi-year contracts, contact us via /en/distributors/ for tailored conditions.
Invoicing with VAT/tax ID?
Yes. We validate the VAT/tax ID at the time of request and issue an invoice with the applicable tax conditions.
Do you accept bank transfer for large orders?
Yes. The page /en/bulk/ contains the bank-transfer order form. We confirm bank details and the transfer reference after the request; shipping is triggered when we receive proof of payment.
Lead time for large batches?
Standard stock ships in 5–10 working days. For larger orders or specific logistics (pallets, scheduled deliveries) we coordinate timings in the quote.
Company, support and language
Where does the product come from?
Galician brand with design, distribution, support and warranty from Galicia. The engineering of the selective mechanism is Swiss; operations and customer service are Galician.
What languages do you support?
Galician and Spanish via email, phone and forms. We also reply in English if you need it.
Do you offer after-sales support?
Yes. Write to contacto@galutina.com with any question about use, installation or incidents. We reply within 48 working hours.
How do I get in touch?
General support: contacto@galutina.com. Distribution and wholesale orders: distribuidores@galutina.com. You can also use the forms at /en/contact/ and /en/distributors/.
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