Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is a large wasp that is harmful to bees, bumblebees, and other insects, as well as to fruit on trees and shrubs. In February, the queens emerge from hibernation and the first nests are built. If you see an Asian hornet, please report it!
The Asian hornet is a wasp that is not native to the Netherlands, but has been found here for several years, including in the municipality of Moerdijk. To feed its larvae, this hornet preys on many honeybees, wild bees, and other pollinating insects. For this reason, efforts are being made to control its population throughout the European Union.
Various hornets
The Asian hornet is a large wasp: nearly twice the size of a common wasp or honeybee. It is almost entirely black with a reddish-brown stripe on its abdomen and legs with yellow tips. This also distinguishes it from the European hornet: the European hornet is slightly larger than the Asian one, but has striking red legs, a lot of red on its head and thorax, and yellow and black covering almost its entire abdomen. The European hornet is harmless, but the Asian hornet is not. That is why it is important to control its population.
Recognizing Nests
Karin van Rosendaal, a beekeeper in Heijningen, explains: “In the spring, between February and May, the queen builds a nest. It’s about the size of a large tennis ball—8 to 12 cm—and is located up to 3 meters high, for example, in a hedge, against the ceiling of a canopy, in a shed, or in a birdhouse. In June or July, this primary nest becomes too small, so they build a new nest 20 or 30 meters up in a tree, about the size of a basketball or a skippy ball. Starting in October, the young queens fly out. They are fertilized and search for a place to overwinter. After that, the colony dies out, and in the spring, the cycle begins again.”
Report it!
Help protect our bees, bumblebees, insects, and fruit trees! If you see an Asian hornet, take a photo if possible, go to the Asian Hornet Reporting Center website, and file a report. Want to report a sighting locally or ask a question? Contact Karin van Rosendaal at (06) 22 77 44 77 or emailinfo@derashoeve.nl.
A coordinator from the Asian Hornet Task Force will come to assess the situation and take appropriate action. Do not remove the nest yourself. If left alone, the Asian hornet is not dangerous, but if you get too close to the nest, they can become aggressive.
