Asian hornet threatens bees: experts warn against scaremongering!

Asian hornet threatens bees: experts warn against scaremongering!

Bridges / district.Alarming news about the invasive Asian hornet, which is up to five times larger than our native bees, is causing excitement! This voracious species, known as “Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax”, is spreading rapidly in Germany and poses a serious threat to bee colonies. Christian Monier, an expert from Arnsberg, warned urgently at a specialist conference of the district beekeeping association in Strücken: “It has come to stay!”

The Asian hornet, which originated in Spain, has already gained a foothold in cities such as Bielefeld and Minden. There have been no sightings in Schaumburg so far, but time is running out! A hornet colony requires an estimated 60,000 honey bees as a food source. The hornet's high reproduction rate and preference for protein from other insects make it a dangerous opponent for beekeeping. “Healthy bee colonies can cope with losses,” reassures Monier, but the danger remains.

Protective measures for beekeepers

Beekeepers are not powerless! There are effective protective measures to defend our own peoples. Wire or plastic screens can prevent the hornets from entering the hives. But caution is advised: the “yellow-footed hornet” has a stinger that is almost twice as long as its domestic relatives and can pierce through beekeepers’ suits. Their stings are not dangerous for most people, except for those with allergies.

When discovering hornet nests, Monier recommends first taking photos and sending them to the relevant authorities. The EU has clear guidelines to combat this invasive species to stop its spread. Beekeepers play a key role in this by being able to draw attention to the hornet at an early stage. Italy has already successfully taken measures to contain the spread - an example that Germany could follow!