Hornets of Asian Origin Persist in Expansion
The Asian Hornet, an invasive species, has been causing concern in Germany, particularly in the regions of Baden-Württemberg and western Germany. The species has been classified as "widespread" by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, and its presence has been reported from Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria.
In response to this, various authorities and institutions have taken action. The Landesanstalt für Bienenkunde continues to support those affected, providing them with relevant specialist information and nest reports. The Landesanstalt für Umwelt, on the other hand, has established a reporting platform for easy and quick citizen reporting of Asian Hornet sightings.
The Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with federal authorities and the Landesanstalt für Bienenkunde, has initiated a research project to effectively and cost-effectively combat nests of the Asian Hornet. This project, which was first initiated by the State of Salzburg, involves close cooperation with nationwide authorities and the State Institute for Bee Science, as well as the beekeepers' association.
A significant increase in the number of Asian Hornet nests was reported in Baden-Württemberg in 2024, with 1,500 nests reported compared to 607 in 2023. However, it's important to note that the public is encouraged to continue reporting sightings of Asian Hornets and their nests via the Reporting Platform of the Landesanstalt für Umwelt Baden-Württemberg.
In a move to ease the burden on individuals, the previous obligation to remove Asian Hornet nests in the country has been removed. Nest removals will only be commissioned and paid for by nature conservation if there is a specific threat to biological diversity.
Since March 2024, the State Institute for Bee Research at the University of Hohenheim has taken over the coordination of all tasks related to the Asian Hornet. Management and action sheets for the Asian Hornet are available nationwide, providing suitable guidance for its management.
For more information on the Asian hornet and its management, you can visit the websites of the State Institute for the Environment Baden-Württemberg and the State Institute for Bee Research at the University of Hohenheim.
In addition, a regular roundtable on the Asian Hornet has been held since 2022, involving all stakeholders to coordinate procedures and measures. Confirmed records of Asian Hornet sightings can be viewed on an online map.
The public's vigilance and continued reporting of Asian Hornet sightings are crucial in the fight against this invasive species. By working together, we can ensure the effective management and control of the Asian Hornet in Germany.
