With the arrival of autumn, the leaves fall and reveal enormous spheres hanging between the branches: these are the nests of Asian hornets. It’s not a seasonal decoration, but a sign that these invasive insects are already preparing the next generation.
Having arrived in France in 2004 and now well established in Italy too, Asian hornets continue to spread at an impressive speed. The Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle and the experts of At Frelons confirm it: the species is expanding more every year, favored by climate changes and excessively mild winters.
Many think that, with the cold, the problem will resolve itself. Wrong. As long as the temperature remains above 10 degrees, the colonies remain active. And above all, the new queens are preparing to leave the nests to found new ones in spring. If action is not taken now, the number of nests will double the following season.
Bees under siege: the real target of Asian hornets
The drama doesn’t just concern those who fear a sting. Asian hornets are a nightmare for bees. They lurk in front of the hives and attack them one by one, often decapitating them to feed the larvae, with desperate beekeepers and a biodiversity that loses precious pieces. Many try “do it yourself”: blows with a broom, petrol, even flames. All dangerous, useless and counterproductive. A disturbed nest triggers a violent defensive reaction: the hornets become aggressive, disoriented and may rebuild the nest elsewhere.
Experts repeat: never intervene alone. The only safe solution is to contact a specialized operator. Even a nest that has fallen to the ground after a storm can still be active and contain dozens of live specimens.
How to Trap Asian Hornets Without Killing Other Insects
There’s a smart way to limit the spread of Asian hornets without causing collateral damage.
“Dry” traps are the most effective solution: they do not use sugary liquids that attract bees, butterflies or ladybugs.
However, they must be checked regularly: leaving them there, forgotten, means transforming them into a death trap for all the microfauna in the garden.
Environmental associations recommend:
Professional teams use targeted products and methods that also eliminate the queen, thus ensuring complete disinfestation.
Mild climate, more nests and fewer bees: why we need to act now
Increasingly warm winters favor the survival of queens. This means that Asian hornets are able to multiply even where they did not survive before.
Each nest can host up to 3,000 individuals, and just one queen is enough to found a new colony.
This is why autumn is not a period of respite, but of active prevention.
Anyone who has a garden or vegetable patch should keep an eye on hedges, tall trees and little-frequented corners. The nests can also be found a few meters from the ground or under the thickest foliage.
A small gesture of attention today can avoid a spring full of stings tomorrow.
You might also be interested in:
