Finding DCAs
In the past DCA hunting has involved weather balloons filled with helium, with either caged virgin queens or queen pheromone laced lures dangling below.1 Using either a long pole or string, one would walk around and look for drones flying around the lure. This method is time consuming and the areas limited to open spaces where one can walk under the balloons. With the advent of hobbyist unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, hunting DCAs is much easier. The ability to fly as high as 5,000 meters, videotape and photograph the bees flying below the UAV, and to access areas above trees, make using the UAV a simpler and more accessible method. To avoid confusion, on this website drones refer to male honey bees and UAVs refer to unmanned aerial vehicles.
