France heatwave 2026 reduces Asian hornet activity

The summer of 2026 has been recorded as the hottest ever in France, with Météo-France reporting an average 24-hour temperature of 24.0°C, an anomaly of +3.6°C. The season included 53 days of heatwaves and a nearly 40% rainfall deficit.

This extreme weather has significantly impacted the Asian hornet population. Pest control professionals in Belgium and France report a sharp decline in requests for nest destruction, with some estimates suggesting a drop of 60% to 80% compared to 2025. Experts suggest the heatwave hinders hornet development because larvae require protein from other insects that are weakened by the heat, and the extreme dryness makes the necessary nest construction difficult.

While the decline is beneficial for bee populations, it represents a loss of revenue for specialized companies. Some experts warn that the trend may not be permanent, noting that calls for intervention can still rise in certain regions during September.