Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) Spreads Across Germany

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), native to South Asia, has been expanding throughout Europe since its first European detection in southwestern France in 2004. Climate‑related warming and accidental importation have helped the species spread, and recent records show it now occurs widely in western Germany as well as in Berlin and Hamburg during 2023‑2024.

The hornet is classified as an invasive species by the EU and is targeted for control to protect native biodiversity, while the indigenous European hornet (Vespa crabro) enjoys legal protection. Experts note that the Asian hornet’s sting is no more dangerous to humans than that of native wasps, but its diet heavily includes honeybees, potentially accounting for up to 80 % of its food intake. This poses a serious risk to beekeeping and agriculture, and German authorities impose hefty fines for illegal killing of the insects.