Invasive Asian insects spread across Germany

Invasive insect species are increasingly spreading across Germany, driven in part by climate change. Two specific species, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), are causing growing concern for both ecosystems and public health.

The Asian hornet, first detected in Germany in 2014, is expanding through states such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saarland. Classified as an invasive species by the EU in 2018, these hornets threaten local biodiversity by preying on honeybees, wild bees, wasps, and spiders. They also cause agricultural damage by feeding on fruit crops.

Simultaneously, the Asian tiger mosquito is spreading along the Upper Rhine region, with increasing sightings in areas like Karlsruhe. These mosquitoes are day-active, aggressive, and capable of transmitting diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya. Authorities are focusing on public education to help residents eliminate breeding sites, such as standing water in rain barrels, to mitigate the spread.