AI-Powered Detection

Protecting Pollinators with AI

Detect Asian Hornets. Protect our insect ecosystem. An intelligent, solar-powered detection device developed in association with Asian Hornet Alert.

Register Interest How It Works
Asian Hornet and honey bee visiting a BuzzCopper bait station Asian Hornets swarming near a beehive with BuzzCopper detection device attached Close-up macro photograph of a Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet on a leaf BuzzCopper AI model training results showing detected Asian Hornets with bounding boxes

Why BuzzCopper

Everything you need to monitor for Asian Hornets

AI-Powered Detection

Machine vision with an onboard AI model identifies Asian Hornets at bait stations — no manual checking required.

Solar Powered

Runs on solar power with battery backup for weeks of autonomous monitoring. No wiring, no mains electricity needed.

Zero By-catch

Non-lethal floating platform design means no harm to native insects. Monitor without disrupting the ecosystem.

Real-time Alerts

Receive email alerts with photographs when an Asian Hornet is detected. Forward directly to authorities for verification.

How It Works

Three simple steps

From deployment to detection, BuzzCopper works automatically — so you don't have to.

1

Set Up

Place the BuzzCopper device in your garden or chosen monitoring site. No wiring needed — it runs on solar power.

2

Detect

The onboard AI continuously monitors the bait station, identifying and classifying visiting insects using machine vision.

3

Alert

When an Asian Hornet is detected, you receive an email alert with images. Forward any sighting emails to the nonnative species secretariat for verification.

Learn more about how it works

Seen an Asian Hornet?

Report a sighting immediately

Use one of the official reporting channels below. Fast reporting helps authorities act before nests become established.

Asian Hornet Watch App (iOS)

Official iOS app for submitting sightings with photos and location.

Asian Hornet Watch App (Android)

Official Android app for submitting sightings with photos and location.

Online Reporting Form

Official web form for reporting Asian Hornet sightings.

Live Sighting Map

Tracking the spread across the UK

Asian Hornet sightings are increasing year on year. View confirmed sightings across the UK on the interactive CATCH map, powered by the Asian Hornet Alert detection network.

View Full Map
AHA CATCH sighting map showing Asian Hornet detections across England, concentrated in the south-east

The Threat

Why Asian Hornet detection matters

The Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive predator threatening UK honey bee populations. First confirmed in the UK in 2016, sightings have risen sharply — with over 70 confirmed in 2023 alone. Early detection is critical to locating and destroying nests before they become established.

Learn about the Asian Hornet threat

Open Source

Free open-source designs

Download the 3D-printable frame parts, firmware, and build instructions to assemble your own BuzzCopper device. All designs are free and open source.

Browse Downloads

Ready to protect our pollinators?

Register Your Interest