[REVISION HISTORY]

Asian hornet expansion and safety risks across Europe

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-08 03:43 UTC → 2026-09-10 15:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The spread of the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) continues to expand across Europe, with significant activity in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In Germany, the species remains common in several states, including Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saarland. In Baden-Württemberg, sightings of primary nests more than doubled compared to the previous year, with over 2,000 reported between spring and August 2026. In France, where estimates suggest between 200,000 and 350,000 nests exist, the species poses a seasonal risk to gardeners. During September and October, nests often reach peak size and are frequently hidden in dense ~~hedges~~ hedges, shrubs, or ~~shrubs.~~ climbing ivy. Fruit trees, including fig, plum, apple, and pear trees, as well as vines, are noted as particularly attractive to the insects due to sugary sap and fruit. Safety concerns have escalated in the Benelux region. In the Netherlands, a large nest near a daycare center and a busy bicycle path has caused anxiety among residents and business owners. In Belgium, the rise of the species has led to severe medical emergencies, including multiple hospitalizations in Kluisbergen and a fatal attack on a 60-year-old man in Ninove. Experts warn that if stung, individuals should move to a safe, enclosed space and avoid swatting, as insects release alarm pheromones that trigger further attacks. To combat threats to biodiversity, local beekeeping associations In Austria, authorities in ~~Germany~~ Kössen, Tyrol, have ~~received specialized gear. Authorities continue~~ implemented a new thermal removal method called ‘velutina Steam EX’. This technique uses a pipe system to ~~warn against fraudulent pest control services and advise the public~~ deliver hot steam to ~~report sightings of primary and secondary~~ nests high in tree canopies without ~~attempting~~ pesticides, subsequently vacuuming returning workers through the system. This marks the first use of such a method in the country to ~~remove them personally.~~ protect local biodiversity, specifically honeybees and wild bees, from colonies that can contain up to 2,000 insects.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.