Morning Habit Near Chicken Coops May Attract Asian Hornets
Listen to the story
Many people keep chickens in a small house called a coop. Every morning, they open the coop and give the hens food and water. This is a common habit.
Now, experts say this habit can bring Asian hornets near the chickens. Asian hornets are big insects from Asia. They are not from Europe. People call them an invasive species because they came from another place and can cause harm.
The food and water near the coop may attract the hornets. The hornets like the smell. They can come close to the hens and the eggs.
Because of this problem, groups are doing a special trapping campaign. They put out traps to catch the hornets. This helps stop the hornets from growing in number.
Experts also use small tracking devices called beacons. They put a beacon on a hornet. Then they follow it. This helps them find the hornet's nest.
Finding the nest is important. When they find the nest, they can remove it. This helps protect chickens and other insects, like bees.
Vocabulary8 words
- coop
- a small house for chickens
- Asian hornets
- big flying insects that came from Asia
- invasive species
- an animal or plant that comes from another place and causes harm
- trapping
- catching animals with a special tool
- traps
- tools used to catch animals
- tracking devices
- small tools that show where something is
- beacons
- small devices that send a signal
- nest
- a home that insects build
Quiz
Answer key
1. Feeding and watering chickens 2. Big insects from Asia 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Many people keep chickens in a small house called a _____. Every morning, they open the coop and give the hens food and _____.
Now, experts say this habit can bring _____ hornets near the chickens. Asian hornets are big insects from Asia.
People call them an invasive _____ because they came from another place and can cause harm.
The food and water near the coop may _____ the hornets. The hornets like the smell.
Because of this problem, groups are doing a special _____ campaign. They put out traps to catch the hornets.
Experts also use small tracking devices called _____. They put a beacon on a hornet.
This helps them find the hornet's _____. Finding the nest is important.