Asian hornet sighted in East Hesse raises concern for native bees

A specimen of the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was found in Michelsrombach, a village in East Hesse, Germany. The sighting adds to the rapid spread of the species across Europe and has prompted local beekeepers to warn that honeybee colonies could be at risk.

Beekeeper and pollinator expert Verena Rübsam, chair of the Hünfeld beekeepers’ association, said the hornet’s nests are often low‑lying in hedges, grills or even discarded items, but later develop larger satellite nests up to a metre in size in trees, requiring specialised equipment for removal. One nest can produce up to five new nests, and the hornets need 11‑13 kg of pollinators each summer to feed their brood, potentially turning apiaries into “self‑service restaurants.”

The Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation and Geology notes that, while the hornet is classified as an “established invasive species” since March 2025—relieving authorities of mandatory nest destruction—the current data do not show a measurable threat to overall biodiversity. The office continues to monitor sightings and asks the public to report hornet observations, preferably with photos, via WhatsApp. Beekeepers urge caution, warning that even protective beekeeping suits offer limited protection against the hornet’s sting.