Asian Hornet Found on Gran Canaria as Germany Expands Beekeeper Aid

A nest containing 93 Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) was discovered in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Local fire crews removed the nest on the night of discovery, and authorities have installed monitoring traps in nearby parks and the harbour to track any further spread.

In Germany, reports of the invasive hornet have risen sharply, with over 100 sightings recorded in Lower Saxony this year. North Rhine‑Westphalia has launched a support programme for beekeepers, offering training on nest removal and subsidies up to €2,000 for professional equipment. Additional premiums of €150‑€300 are paid for successful elimination of primary and secondary nests. These measures aim to protect honeybee colonies, which are a primary food source for the hornet and vital to agriculture.