BuzzCopper

Coming soon, BuzzCopper is an insect detector for detecting Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets. BuzzCopper takes a sequence of photos over a bait station and uses machine vision processing to look for insect-shaped 'blobs'. If a new blob is roughly the right size and shape it then uses an onboard AI model to determine the species. If an Asian Hornet is inferred it sends out an email alert warning you, the device operator, of the sighting. All images (Asian Hornets and other insects) and inferences are uploaded to Google Cloud for posterity and may be referenced through a link in the email. You may then forward the link onto the appropriate authorities (e.g. the National Bee Unit in the UK) as you see fit.

If the device is operating out of WiFi range it will store any sightings on an SD card until it next senses a WiFi signal.

It runs off a rechargeable battery, which lasts between a week and a month depending on activity. A small USB solar panel can be attached to run it for an entire season.

The device is housed in a fizzy drink bottle with apertures cut for insect access. A platform that floats on the bait reservoir ensures 0% By-catch deaths.

The first prototypes of BuzzCopper v1 were field tested over the summer and autumn by volunteers in SE England.

An example Asian Hornet sighting is here:

For 2026 we are redesigning BuzzCopper to have internal solar panels, cheaper components and a larger bait capacity within a 2 litre cola bottle enclosure. We hope to have BuzzCopper2 available in quantity by mid-May subject to securing funding for parts purchase. We anticipate they will then be available for no more than £25.

You can help by making a donation, express interest in buying a BuzzCopper2, sponsoring one for someone else to operate or volunteer to help make them.

All IP will be open-sourced so you could build your own if you have the necessary expertise. Otherwise, they will be available from here and other outlets (tba) at an attractive price.

In association with Asian Hornet Alert (A 'Not For Profit' organisation)

Contact me