Red alarm level: Asian hornets gnaws at Germany's insect kingdom!

Red alarm level: Asian hornets gnaws at Germany's insect kingdom!

The Asian hornets are spreading further and more in Germany, and the recent sightings in Schleswig-Holstein, especially in Lübeck and the district of Schleswig-Flensburg, alert conservationists. Reports by [Merkur] (https://www.merkur.de/Deutschland/art-breit--sich-aus-mittlermar-ihr-stich-stich-ausserst-Schmerzhaft-Invasive-93770853.html) show that this invasive type, which has already come to France, in several federal countries in 2004. is widespread. The Asian hornet stands out from the domestic European hikers due to its darker coloring and the yellow feet.

The immigration of these hornets is irreversible, and the spread is favored by the climate crisis. In the meantime there are hundreds of sightings in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the range of the federal states in which the hornets have already been registered includes Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. According to NABU, the Asian hornet is not more aggressive than its European relatives, unless you come to her nest. Her stings are more painful, but less toxic than that of European hornets.

threat to domestic insects and beekeeping

The Asian hornets, also known as Vespa Velutina, is a significant danger to domestic insect species, especially for honeybees that are one of their main sources of food. Studies show that the hornet hunts up to 85% of their prey from bees and other insects, which can lead to massive losses in beekeeping. In heavily affected areas, beekeepers report losses from 30% to 80% of their bee colonies. Well of science illustrates that the hornet, which spreads at a speed of about 80 kilometers per year

The nests of the Asian hornets are founded in places such as scales or roller shutter boxes and move into the tree tops in midsummer. A single hornet colony can include up to 2,000 individuals. For comparison: domestic hornet states have a maximum of around 700 members. The European Union has classified Asian hornets in 2018 as an invasive way, which imposes measures to combat the states.

handling of sightings and nests

In order to curb the dangers of the Asian hornets, it is important to report sightings. Reports should be made via special platforms or nature conservation associations. The NABU sees the authorities in duty and appeals to them to implement measures to contain the containment in non -established federal states. Nests of these hornets should be removed professionally to avoid security risks, since the animals can react aggressively when approaching.

In addition, beekeepers are advised to protect their bee colonies with small mesh grid rods in order to make hunting more difficult for hornets. In view of the fact that the Asian hornets can not only threaten domestic fauna, but also endanger local harvesting, long -term management is necessary to minimize the negative effects of these invasive species and to maintain the biodiversity of our nature.

The topic therefore remains exciting and necessary for the regions affected by the hornets. Healthy caution is advised!