Asian hornet invasion spreads across France

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has expanded across metropolitan France, reaching Corsica in 2024. Since its accidental introduction in 2004, the number of recorded nests has risen from 15,000 to over 35,000 in five years. Government officials state that total eradication is no longer feasible with current resources.

These insects pose a significant threat to the beekeeping industry, as a single hornet can kill between 25 and 50 bees per day. This predation weakens honeybee colonies and reduces honey production. To manage the spread, digital mapping tools and reporting platforms are used by citizens and professionals to track nest locations.

During the autumn months, hornet nests often move from high treetops to lower, more accessible areas such as hedges and bushes, typically between 1 and 3 meters high. In Malguénac, a specialized company recently had to destroy a massive nest containing an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 hornets located 30 meters high in a tree.