[CLSTR]
API
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

56 clusters · 159 sources · 169 days · First seen · Last updated

Asian hornet expansion and impact on European ecosystems

Overview

The spread of the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) continues across Europe. In Germany, the species is expanding into new territories, including the Harz region in Saxony-Anhalt and Munich in Bavaria. In Munich, experts used telemetry to locate a nest in a building roof following official confirmation of the species' presence. In Engelskirchen, beekeepers recently removed a large nest containing approximately 2,000 hornets. This nest, located 22 meters high in an ash tree, was part of a larger local impact where about 20 nests were identified and removed by trained beekeepers.

In France, the species remains a major concern. While a record-breaking heatwave in the summer of 2026 initially caused a sharp decline in nest destruction requests, experts note that surviving colonies have developed into exceptionally large “monster” nests. In the Alpes-Maritimes, beekeepers report significant hive losses, with some losing half a hive in a single week. To manage risks, authorities advise against DIY destruction and recommend maintaining a safety distance of 5 to 10 meters from nests.

In the Netherlands, nest reports rose sharply to over 10,000 in 2025. Belgium is also seeing a surge, with the fire service in Vlaams-Brabant West establishing partnerships with beekeeping associations to manage the workload. In Slovakia, the presence of the species has been confirmed in the village of Uloža, where authorities have launched monitoring and eradication operations. In Poland, the species has been confirmed near Kraków. The State Fire Service destroyed a nest in Wielka Wieś on orders from the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection. Experts warn that these hornets hunt at hive entrances, which can lead to the starvation of entire colonies. Scientists expect dozens of new nests to emerge in the area this coming spring.

Entities

Germany · NABU · European Union · Baden-Württemberg · Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU)

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Invasive Asian hornets detected in Poland

    The first nest of invasive Asian hornets has been destroyed near Krakow, Poland. Experts warn that dozens of new nests may emerge this spring, threatening local honeybee populations.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian Hornet nests increasing in Engelskirchen, Germany

    Experts in Engelskirchen, Germany, removed a large Asian hornet nest containing an estimated 2,000 insects as the invasive species continues to spread across the region.

  3. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Asian hornets confirmed in Poland

    Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) have been confirmed in Poland following the discovery and removal of a nest near Krakow, raising environmental and ecological concerns.

  4. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Asian hornet detected in Poland near Kraków

    The invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been detected in Poland for the first time near Kraków, threatening honey bee colonies by hunting at hive entrances.

  5. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Asian hornet presence confirmed in Uloža, Slovakia

    Authorities in Slovakia have confirmed the presence of the invasive Asian hornet near Uloža. Experts are using drones and tracking to locate the nest for eradication to protect pollinators.

  6. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian Hornet nest discovered near Munich

    The first nest of the invasive Asian hornet has been located in a building near Munich's Theresienwiese, prompting efforts to prevent the species from spreading and harming local bee populations.

  7. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Asian hornets spread across Germany, threatening ecosystems

    The invasive Asian hornet is spreading through several German states, threatening native bee populations and agriculture. Authorities manage containment efforts to protect local ecosystems.

  8. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    Munich officials confirm presence of invasive Asian hornet

    The invasive Asian hornet has been officially confirmed in Munich, posing a growing threat to local bee populations and agriculture as its presence expands across Bavaria.

  9. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornet colonies grow larger following record heatwave in France

    Extreme heat in France has led to a survival-of-the-fittest scenario for Asian hornets, resulting in fewer but much larger colonies that require specialized observation rather than simple bottle traps.

  10. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornet activity peaks in gardens during autumn

    Asian hornet activity peaks in September and October. To avoid defensive attacks, residents should maintain distance from nests and avoid garden maintenance near suspected colonies.

  11. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Asian hornets cause massive hive losses in Alpes-Maritimes

    Beekeepers in France's Alpes-Maritimes face massive hive losses due to the Asian hornet, prompting a national combat plan amid concerns over limited funding and declining bee populations.

  12. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Asian hornet sighted for the first time in Harz region

    The Asian hornet has been sighted for the first time in the Harz region of Saxony-Anhalt, signaling a continued expansion of the invasive species across Germany.

  13. [INTERNATIONAL] 7 sources
    Asian Hornet spread threatens European ecosystems

    The invasive Asian Hornet is spreading through Germany and Europe, threatening native bee populations and agriculture. Authorities advise against attempting to remove nests personally.

  14. [INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
    France heatwave 2026 reduces Asian hornet activity

    Record-breaking heat in France and Belgium during the summer of 2026 has caused a significant drop in Asian hornet nest activity, benefiting bees but impacting pest control businesses.

  15. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Asian hornet management and safety guidelines

    Experts advise on managing Asian hornet activity in September, emphasizing the removal of sugary fallen fruit and warning against attempting to destroy nests without professional assistance.

  16. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornet populations surge in the Netherlands and Belgium

    Invasive Asian hornets are surging in the Netherlands and Belgium, threatening pollinators and prompting fire departments to partner with local beekeepers to destroy growing nests.

  17. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    France implements national plan to combat Asian hornet

    France has launched a national plan to combat the invasive Asian hornet, aiming to protect honeybee populations and agriculture through coordinated local actions and a 3 million euro fund for 2026.

  18. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornet invasion spreads across France

    The Asian hornet invasion continues to spread across France, threatening honeybee populations and requiring specialized management as nest counts exceed 35,000.

  19. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Tyrol uses new thermal method to remove Asian hornet nest

    Tyrol authorities used a new pesticide-free thermal steam method to remove an Asian hornet nest in Kössen, addressing a growing threat to local bee populations.

  20. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornets pose seasonal risks to French gardens

    Asian hornet populations in France are estimated to reach up to 350,000 nests in 2026, with colonies peaking in autumn and hiding in hedges and fruit trees, posing risks during seasonal garden maintenance.

  21. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Asian hornet activity sparks safety concerns in Netherlands and Belgium

    Rising concerns over Asian hornet activity in the Netherlands and Belgium follow fatal attacks and reports of large nests near residential areas and daycare centers.

  22. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Asian hornet expansion poses threat to German ecosystems and beekeeping

    The invasive Asian hornet is spreading rapidly across Germany, threatening bee populations and ecosystems. Authorities urge citizens to report sightings and warn against DIY nest removal or fraudulent pest-fix-

  23. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Asian hornet invasion becomes a national issue in France

    The Asian hornet has become a major issue in France, with an estimated 200,000 to 350,000 nests present in 2026, threatening bee populations and requiring organized national and local reporting efforts.

  24. [INTERNATIONAL] 10 sources
    Asian hornet expansion detected in Tirol and Germany

    The invasive Asian hornet is spreading through Austria and Germany, threatening honeybees and local biodiversity. Experts in Tirol and Saxony are working to locate and remove nests to prevent further expansion.

  25. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Asian hornets expand presence in Baden-Württemberg

    Invasive Asian hornets are spreading rapidly across Baden-Württemberg, Germany, threatening honeybee populations and local ecosystems. Authorities urge citizens to report sightings to help track their expansion

  26. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Invasive species spread across Germany as experts monitor threats

    Invasive species like the Asian hornet and disease-carrying mosquitoes are spreading in Germany, prompting experts to use public assistance and monitoring traps to protect ecosystems and public health.

  27. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Asian hornets threaten German honey production

    Invasive Asian hornets are spreading across Germany, threatening honeybee colonies. Authorities and environmental groups are calling for increased monitoring and the use of drones to combat the species.

  28. [INTERNATIONAL] 9 sources
    Invasive insects spread rapidly across Germany

    Invasive species like the Asian hornet are spreading rapidly across Germany, prompting increased government subsidies for nest removal, while praying mantis populations also surge due to heat.

  29. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Asian Hornet Invasion Threatens Bees Across Germany and Switzerland

    Asian hornets are expanding in western Germany and Switzerland's St. Gallen, threatening honeybees and prompting citizen‑reporting and professional nest removal.

  30. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Netherlands tackles Asian hornet and wasp problems with new detection and prevention methods

    Dutch residents use simple garden practices to deter wasps while volunteers employ tiny transmitters to pinpoint Asian hornet nests, addressing a sharp rise in infestations.

  31. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian hornet sightings rise in Germany and Austria

    Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is spreading in Germany and Austria, prompting warnings for biodiversity, agriculture and beekeepers, with a new primary nest found in Lustenau, Vorarlberg.

  32. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Asian hornet control efforts in Dutch towns Stein and Weert

    Dutch municipalities Stein and Weert, together with local beekeeping groups, deployed traps and removed Asian hornet nests, capturing over 1,000 queens in Stein and clearing a summer nest in Weert.

  33. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Invasive ant species detected in Germany spur control and health warnings

    Germany reports two invasive ant species—Tapinoma magnum in Haßfurt and Brachyponera chinensis in Baden‑Württemberg—prompting eradication measures and warnings about painful, potentially dangerous stings.

  34. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Central Germany Insect Populations Show Early Recovery Amid Asian Hornet Threat

    In central Germany insect activity rises, hinting at recovery, while the invasive Asian hornet spreads, prompting safety warnings and ecological concerns.

  35. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) Spreads Across Germany

    The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), an invasive species from South Asia, has expanded across western Germany and into Berlin and Hamburg in 2023‑24, threatening honeybee colonies despite being no greater a risk

  36. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Asian hornet eradication efforts expand in Netherlands and Belgium

    Volunteer programs in the Netherlands and Belgium are intensifying Asian hornet eradication, using tracking traps in Moerdijk and powder‑treated lances in Westerlo as nest numbers double.

  37. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian hornet sightings rise in Switzerland and Germany

    Bern urges citizens to report Asian hornet nests and avoid handling them, while Brandenburg records its first hornet nest, prompting expert removal, highlighting the species' spread across Europe.

  38. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian Hornet Nest Removal in Netherlands and Belgium

    Dutch and Belgian teams removed Asian hornet nests, using funded vacuum methods in the Netherlands and a free citizen‑reporting program in East Flanders to curb the invasive threat to bees.

  39. [INTERNATIONAL] 11 sources
    Invasive Large Gland Ant Spreads Across Germany, Threatening Biodiversity and Infrastructure

    Tapinoma magnum, an invasive ant, is spreading in Germany, forming million‑member supercolonies that damage infrastructure, displace native species, and attract aphids. Authorities urge reporting and steam or d

  40. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    ADAC warns of heavy fines for self‑removal of wasp nests in Germany

    ADAC says German households must use professionals to remove wasp/hornet nests; DIY removal can incur fines over €50,000 and poses allergy risks.

  41. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    South Carolina fights invasive yellow‑legged hornets threatening bees and honey production

    Asian yellow‑legged hornets, first spotted near Savannah in 2023, have spurred a Clemson‑led removal campaign in South Carolina that destroyed hundreds of nests and killed over 400 queens, protecting bees and h

  42. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Spain ramps up Asian hornet removal as attacks surge in Vitoria and O Salnés

    Asian hornet attacks hit Vitoria while Galicia’s O Salnés removes 200 nests in a week, highlighting an intensified control effort across Spain.

  43. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Spanish beekeepers warn of severe Asian hornet pressure on hives and orchards in Galicia

    Galicia beekeepers say 13‑20 Asian hornets per hive are blocking bees, endangering colonies and fruit trees, and advise caution when picking fruit.

  44. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Germany warns of invasive ant and Asian hornet damaging homes and ecosystems

    Germany warns that invasive large glandular ants are damaging buildings and infrastructure, while Asian hornets threaten native insects and crops; authorities urge reporting nests, not self‑removal.

  45. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Georgia battles rising invasive insect threats to farms and pollinators

    Georgia faces invasive spotted lanternflies and yellow‑legged hornets threatening crops and pollinators; officials urge public reporting and eradication efforts.

  46. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Asian hornet sighted in East Hesse raises concern for native bees

    An Asian hornet was spotted in Michelsrombach, East Hesse, prompting beekeepers to warn of threats to honeybees and call for public reporting of further sightings.

  47. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    First Asian hornet nests detected in Austria’s Vorarlberg region

    Two Asian hornet nests were found and destroyed in Lustenau, Austria, the first documented nests in the country, prompting a nationwide monitoring effort to protect bee colonies.

  48. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Asian Hornet Invasion Prompts Caution and Control Measures in Germany

    Asian hornets, now widespread in Germany, are EU‑listed invasive pests; authorities urge reporting nests rather than DIY removal. The green peach aphid also threatens crops, with biological control recommended.

  49. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Asian hornet detected in Bavaria, prompting bee‑keeper alerts

    An Asian hornet queen was found in Bavaria, raising beekeeping alarms, while Germany’s blue carpenter bee, the 2024 wild bee of the year, continues to thrive harmlessly.

  50. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Asian hornet expands in Hungary, endangering bees and crop pollination

    The Asian hornet, first spotted in Hungary in 2023, threatens bees and pollination of key crops; experts call for coordinated monitoring and control.

  51. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Canary Islands activate Asian hornet response as nest removed in Gran Canaria

    The Canary Islands have launched a preventive plan against the invasive Asian hornet and removed the only confirmed nest in Gran Canaria, keeping the situation under control.

  52. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Asian Hornet Found on Gran Canaria as Germany Expands Beekeeper Aid

    A nest of 93 Asian hornets was removed on Gran Canaria, while Germany reports rising sightings and introduces subsidies for beekeepers to combat the invasive species.

  53. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Asian Hornet Spread Threatens Bees in Germany's Märkischer Kreis and Karlsruhe

    Asian hornets proliferate in Germany, endangering bees and crops; beekeepers and activists urge nest removal.

  54. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Germany offers up to €2,000 to combat invasive Asian hornet

    Germany pays up to €2,000 for removal of invasive Asian hornet nests as sightings surge.

  55. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    German municipalities fund special lance to combat Asian hornet spread

    Gaggenau subsidizes a steam‑vented lance to destroy Asian hornet nests, while Hessen reports new sightings and urges public reporting.

  56. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Belgian towns ramp up Asian hornet control measures for 2026

    Belgian towns plan free nest removal and volunteer traps in 2026 to curb Asian hornets.

Sources

5min.at · actu.fr · ad-hoc-news.de · agri-mutuel.com · alertes-meteo.com · allgaeuer-anzeigeblatt.de · androidworld.nl · apach57.fr · atlantico.net · attendorner-geschichten.de · augsburger-allgemeine.de · ballad-et-vous.fr · berliner-kurier.de · biobestrijding.nl · bol-an.nl · bonheiden.be · braunschweiger-zeitung.de · buggenhout.be · cdn4.svenskatecknare.se · chip.de · clementine-autain.fr · communederoquebrune.fr · ddbelchatow.pl · de.euronews.com · decofabrica.com · derwesten.de · diario.mx · dorstenerzeitung.de · duurzaamnieuws.nl · echo-hassfurt.de · economx.hu · efakt.pl · elchaplon.com · fehmarn24.de · foxweather.com · fr.news.yahoo.com · gemeentestein.nl · genk.be · gld.nl · glob.zoznam.sk · gofeminin.de · goodnews4.de · harelbeke.be · haushaltundwohnen.de · herzele.be · hlavnespravy.sk · imgl.krone.at · info.sk

This summary has been updated 27 times: see revision history