Serbia hornet population expansion prompts expert warnings

Expert Vladica Stanković has reported a significant increase in hornet activity in Serbia, noting that favorable weather conditions are contributing to an expansion of their population. Stanković, a specialist in removing dangerous animals, recently performed multiple interventions in a single day to manage large hornet nests.

Stanković warns that the risk of encounters is expected to peak around mid-August, with activity typically continuing until late October. He highlights the extreme difficulty and danger of the profession, noting that fewer people are willing to undertake these high-risk removals due to the intense heat and physical danger.

Experts advise citizens to never attempt to remove hornet nests themselves using sprays or fire, as these methods often provoke mass attacks. Residents are urged to contact professional services if nests are found in attics, sheds, or chimneys. Special caution is advised at night, as hornets are active in the dark and attracted to light. Immediate medical attention is necessary following stings to the head, neck, or tongue to prevent swelling and potential anaphylactic shock.