# Asian hornet expansion and management

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/asian-hornet-expansion-and-management
> Updated: 2026-09-07T05:06:16.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 7.

The invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) continues to expand its presence, threatening biodiversity and honeybee populations. In France, beekeepers have reported a two- to three-fold increase in identified colonies, a surge attributed to mild winters that improve queen survival rates. To combat the species, apiarists like Benjamin Dumoulin are utilizing the VespaTracker system, which employs a miniature radio transmitter called the VESPA-NANO to locate nests that may be kilometers away. Natural predators, such as the European honey buzzard, are also noted for their role in biological control.

As the species expands into regions like Lower Saxony, Germany, experts highlight a critical transition in colony behavior. During summer, approximately 70 percent of colonies move from small, ground-level primary nests to much larger secondary nests located 10 to 30 meters high in tree canopies. These secondary nests can reach 1.20 meters in diameter and house between 3,000 and 5,000 hornets. Because the hornets are highly aggressive when defending nests, authorities advise the public to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters and report sightings through official portals.

In the United Kingdom, the threat to the agricultural economy and food security has intensified. British beekeepers are calling for a national awareness campaign to address the creation of “pollinator deserts.” While total sightings in the UK have decreased compared to the previous year, the geographic spread is widening. The National Bee Unit recently located the first nest on the Isle of Wight, found high in an oak tree following a coordinated tracking operation. This discovery, alongside nests in Kent, Norfolk, and Yorkshire, has raised concerns that the species may be becoming established in the South East.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: National Bee Unit locates first Asian hornet nest on Isle of Wight

The National Bee Unit located the first yellow-legged Asian hornet nest on the Isle of Wight using radio tracking, amid concerns that the invasive species is becoming established in the UK.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-bee-unit-locates-first-asian-hornet-nest-on-isle-of-wight

### 2026-09-05: UK beekeepers warn of Asian hornet threat to food security

British beekeepers are urging a national awareness campaign against invasive Asian hornets, warning they create “pollinator deserts” that threaten food security and biodiversity.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-beekeepers-warn-of-asian-hornet-threat-to-food-security

### 2026-09-03: Invasive hornet species expand across Europe

Invasive hornet species, including the oriental hornet in Spain and the Asian hornet in Germany, are expanding across Europe, threatening local ecosystems and causing public concern.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/invasive-hornet-species-expand-across-spain-and-germany

### 2026-08-18: Asian hornet management: effective trap placement for gardens

To deter Asian hornets from terraces, experts recommend placing sweet baits at least 10 to 20 meters away from seating areas to avoid attracting them to dining spaces.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-hornet-management-effective-trap-placement-for-gardens

### 2026-08-15: Asian hornet expansion poses risks via large secondary nests

Invasive Asian hornets are moving from small spring nests to large secondary nests in tree canopies, posing risks to honeybees and humans through high aggression and large colony sizes.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-hornet-expansion-poses-risks-via-large-secondary-nests

### 2026-08-15: Experts warn against Asian hornet traps due to biodiversity risks

Experts warn that DIY Asian hornet traps are often ineffective and cause significant collateral damage to beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/experts-warn-against-asian-hornet-traps-due-to-biodiversity-risks

### 2026-08-09: Asian hornet threats drive use of tracking technology

Asian hornet populations are surging, threatening bees. Beekeepers are using VespaTracker mini-GPS technology to locate nests, while natural predators like the honey buzzard offer biological control.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/asian-hornet-threats-drive-use-of-tracking-technology

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Cite as: Asian hornet expansion and management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/asian-hornet-expansion-and-management