Asian hornet is spreading in Germany – beekeepers alarmed

Invasive species
Asian hornet conquers the Palatinate – beekeepers alarmed

The Asian hornet is worrying beekeepers in southwest Germany. The introduced insects can cause great damage in this country. They are also not entirely harmless to humans.

The beekeepers’ association in Rhineland-Palatinate is alarmed: in the past few months alone, 450 Asian beetle nests have been found in the state Hornet discovered, reported “SWR Aktuell” at the beginning of February, citing new data from the association. The number is three times higher than about a year ago.

Beekeepers estimate that there are probably 2,000 nests of the introduced insects in the state, as not all of them have probably been discovered. The number of unreported cases is therefore probably high.

The insects, with the scientific name Vespa velutina, are on the EU list of invasive species and must be reported and combated as soon as they are discovered. They should not be confused with the hornets native to Germany, which are among the specially protected species.

Asian hornets are slightly smaller than local hornets and appear darker than them. Their abdomen is yellow-black.

Warm summers and mild winters favor the Asian hornet

Last year, beekeepers in this country reported occurrences of the new species. The fact that a relatively large number of nests are now being found despite fighting the insects could be an indication that the species is spreading further and further.

This was first spotted in Europe a good 20 years ago: that was in France. It is believed that the hornet species, which comes from southern China, spread with international trade. The warmer summers and milder winters recently in Europe are reportedly encouraging the spread. The animals have now also been discovered in Spain, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The southern Chinese insects are uninvited guests because they attack beehives to steal honey and also eat bees, as well as wasps, bumblebees and other wild bees.

Asian hornets are also known for literally laying siege to beehives. The animals can fly like dragonflies and stand in front of the hive’s entrance hole – sometimes so penetrating that the bees no longer dare to come out, as the German Press Agency quoted a representative of the Palatinate beekeepers some time ago.

Honey bees are likely to develop strategies against the new predators over time

Beekeepers should therefore equip their hives with grilles at the entrance hole or with fruit protection nets to ward off intruders. However, not every attack by the Asian hornet causes massive damage, reports the Rhineland-Palatinate Beekeepers Association on its website. Strong and healthy bee colonies could ward off an infestation. Beekeepers also estimate that the local bees will adapt to their new predators over time, as the SWR writes.

Asian hornets can also be dangerous for people as their stings can trigger allergic reactions, warns the SWR.

It is at least doubtful whether the fight against this invasive insect species will ultimately be successful, as the insect has already been spotted in other parts of Germany. It is “here to stay,” states the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety in a North German-dry manner.

Sources: “SWR Current“, Rhineland-Palatinate Beekeepers Association, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety

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