Asian Hornet nests increasing in Engelskirchen, Germany

Experts have removed a large Asian hornet nest in the Ründeroth district of Engelskirchen, Germany. The nest, which was roughly the size of a medicine ball, was located 22 meters high in an ash tree. To complete the removal, experts Thomas Beissel and Johannes Schuster utilized a cherry picker provided by the Engelskirchen municipality.

It is estimated that approximately 2,000 hornets were inside the nest. Local officials report that Engelskirchen has been particularly affected this year, with about 20 nests identified and removed by trained beekeepers. The Engelskirchen Beekeeping Association has been able to actively combat the invasive species using equipment funded by sponsors, including the Engelskirchen Citizens' Foundation.

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was first detected in Germany in 2014 and is classified as an invasive species by the EU. Its spread is considered problematic for the ecosystem because the hornets prey on native insects, such as honeybees and wild bees, and can cause agricultural damage by feeding on fruit.