Asian hornets spread across Germany, threatening ecosystems

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is increasingly spreading across Germany, particularly in states such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saarland. First detected in Germany in 2014, the species is considered an invasive threat to local ecosystems due to its high population density and predatory behavior.

According to the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), these hornets pose a risk to native insects, including honeybees, wild bees, wasps, flies, and spiders, as they hunt them to provide protein for their offspring. Additionally, the species can cause agricultural damage by feeding on grapes and other fruits.

Classified as an invasive species by the EU in 2018, the management and containment of the Asian hornet are the responsibility of the respective state nature conservation authorities in Germany. Experts warn against attempting to remove nests personally, as doing so can be dangerous.