Invasive insects spread rapidly across Germany

Invasive insect species are expanding rapidly across Germany, driven in part by climate change. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is now considered an established species in the country. Its population has seen an explosive increase, with sightings rising from nine in 2022 to over 7,300 in 2025. This expansion poses a significant threat to local ecosystems, particularly honeybees and other native insects. In response to the difficulty of removing secondary nests located high in tree canopies, the state of Baden-Württemberg is increasing subsidies for nest removal from 60 to 200 euros starting in September.

Simultaneously, the European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) is also seeing an unusual surge in sightings. The NABU has reported over 2,000 observations in a single week in July, a significant increase compared to previous years. Experts attribute this accelerated development to high summer temperatures, which allow eggs and larvae to mature faster. While the praying mantis is considered harmless to humans, its rapid spread marks a notable shift in local biodiversity patterns.