Asian hornets threatens bees: Experts warn of panicking!

Asian hornets threatens bees: Experts warn of panicking!

Streams / District. This voracious nature, known as "VESPA Velutina Nigrithorax", spreads rapidly in Germany and represents a serious threat to bee colonies. Christian Monier, an expert from Arnsberg, warned at a specialist conference of the district beekeeping association in Rücken: "It has come to stay!"

The Asian hornets that originated in Spain has already gained a foothold in cities such as Bielefeld and Minden. So far there are no sightings in Schaumburg, but time is pushing! An estimated 60,000 honeybees as a source of food requires a hornet people. The high reproduction rate and the preference for protein from other insects make the hornet a dangerous opponent for beekeeping. "Healthy bee colonies can cope with losses," says Monier, but the danger remains.

protective measures for beekeepers

beekeepers are not powerless! There are effective protective measures to defend your own peoples. Wire or plastic grilles can prevent the hornets from penetrating into the beehives. But caution is advised: the "yellow -footed hornet" has an almost twice as long sting as their domestic relatives and can stab through beekeeping suits. Her stings are not dangerous for most people, except for allergies.

When discovering hornet nomes, Monier recommends taking photos and sending them to the responsible authorities. The EU has clear guidelines to combat this invasive way in order to stop its spread. Beekeepers play a key role in that they can draw attention to the hornet at an early stage. Italy has already successfully taken measures to contain the spread - an example to which Germany could follow!