Alarming increase: Asian hornet threatens beekeeping in Luxembourg!

Alarming increase: Asian hornet threatens beekeeping in Luxembourg!

The Asian hornet, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, has been in the headlines lately. This invasive insect species is originally from Southeast Asia and was first spotted in southern France in 2004. It has been on the EU list of invasive species since 2016 and is spreading through Europe - such as in Luxembourg, where it has become increasingly common in recent years lessentiel.lu reported.

The worrying issue becomes more relevant every year. While there were only three nests in Luxembourg in 2020, the number exploded to 123 in 2024. The nests, which can be up to 80 cm large, house up to 2,000 hornets and eat around 12 kg of insects every year - mainly honey bees. Unfortunately, this is not without consequences: A survey of 420 beekeepers showed that around 200 bee colonies were lost to these hornets in 2024, which represents an additional loss of around 8% on top of the already high overwintering losses of 16%.

A big problem for beekeepers

Beekeeping is suffering enormously from the spread of these hornets. The estimated cost of beekeeping in Luxembourg last year was between 100,000 and 120,000 euros. And this despite the fact that the hornet is not per se more dangerous to people than wasps or bees. However, they can cause allergic reactions, especially through multiple stings, making handling the animals risky.

To deal with the problem, countermeasures are being taken. Traps for young queens are set up in the spring, and the nests, like the one recently removed at Neumünster Abbey, must be dealt with by the authorities. Since information in this area is often neglected, the responsible authority calls for people not to remove nests on their own. Contact inquiries can be made via vespa@neobiota.lu.

Bavaria in focus

The situation is worrying not only in Luxembourg, but also in Bavaria. The Asian hornet has been known there since 2014 and from March 2025 will no longer be classified as an invasive species, but as widespread. This new regulation brings major changes: If there is no serious threat to biodiversity, beekeepers must organize and finance the removal of nests themselves. This is despite the fact that the hornet can catch up to 1,500 bees per day.

In order to prevent damage to beekeeping and agriculture, the Bavarian state government is planning measures that will provide the necessary coordination and support. This also includes a reporting platform and training courses to better educate and educate beekeepers. Around 700,000 euros are available for these initiatives. That shows there's something going on!

A consistent picture emerges in both regions: the Asian hornet is a serious problem that threatens both beekeepers and local nature. Its spread is rapid and requires a coordinated response from everyone involved. Stay informed and protect your bees!

For more information about the dangers and control measures of the Asian hornet, you can also visit the website BR.de visit.