Red alert: Asian hornet floods Schleswig-Holstein!

Red alert: Asian hornet floods Schleswig-Holstein!

The Asian hornet continues to spread in Germany and is causing concern not only among beekeepers but also among nature lovers. This invasive species was most recently spotted in Schleswig-Holstein, with reports from Lübeck and Tielen in the Schleswig-Flensburg district. Rainer Borcherding from BUND and Carsten Pusch from NABU provide valuable insights into the behavior and dangers of this species, which came to Europe in 2004 through transport of goods from Southeast Asia. [Mercury] reports that the Asian hornet, scientifically known asVespa velutina, is smaller than its European relative, has a darker body and stands out with its yellow feet.

The spread of the Asian hornet is increasing rapidly. In addition to Schleswig-Holstein, the species can already be observed in federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia, with hundreds of sightings already reported in North Rhine-Westphalia. The climate crisis also contributes to this unhindered proliferation. This hornet has hardly any natural enemies and primarily attacks bee colonies, which can cause serious damage to beekeeping, as [ZDF] highlights.

Dangers and behavior of the Asian hornet

As pleasant as the Asian hornet may seem, the dangers of its presence cannot be underestimated. Asian hornets not only catch insects and spiders, but actually honey bees as well. It is estimated that high densities of these hornets can lead to serious losses in bee colonies, especially in late autumn when they prey on up to 75 bees per day. [AGES] explains that the hornet waits in flight for returning bees, which poses a significant threat to beekeepers.

An Asian hornet's nest can reach a diameter of 40 to 60 cm and often moves to higher trees in the summer months. Understanding their lifestyle is crucial for successful control: Despite their size, Asian hornets are not aggressive unless you approach their nest. Their venom is less dangerous than that of a bee, but can cause allergic reactions, as is the case with the domestic hornet.

What to do if there are sightings?

A common mistake is that sightings are incorrectly reported as Asian hornets; many of these reports turn out to be native species. However, to be on the safe side, nests should definitely be reported to the lower nature conservation authorities with photos. We strongly warn against any self-attempts to remove the nests, as these should be treated professionally. [ZDF] At the same time, it is recommended that the existing nests be left alone before they are professionally removed in order not to provoke the animals unnecessarily.

The EU already initiated measures to combat the Asian hornet in 2018. A much-needed focus is on the threats to our biodiversity. More and more invasive species are endangering native fauna and flora, and the Asian hornet is by no means the only one. [ZDF] The challenges are diverse, but in addition to concerns about the bees, there are also positive approaches: beekeepers can protect their hives with small-mesh bars.

The further spread of the Asian hornet and its dangers remains a topic of great interest: from control and protection of beekeeping to the impact on our ecosystems - there is a lot to discuss here. If you spot an Asian hornet, observe it calmly and inform the relevant authorities in order to protect nature and our environment!