Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina)

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species that was carried to Europe and has spread rapidly; it hunts foragers by hovering in front of honey bee colonies. It is easy to recognise: a dark, velvety thorax, yellow leg tips and a single broad orange band on the abdomen. Photograph a suspect hornet and report it to the authorities; do not tackle the nest yourself.

What is it and where did it come from?

It originates from Southeast Asia. The subspecies that spread to Europe (V. velutina nigrithorax) reached France in the mid-2000s; from there it spread as far as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and England. Because of the pressure it puts on honey bees and its rate of spread, it is on the European Union's list of invasive species. Its appearance in Türkiye would mean a new invasion; this is why early detection and reporting are very important.

How to recognise it

In Türkiye the large hornets most often seen in front of hives are the European hornet and the Oriental hornet. If you see a hornet with a dark thorax and yellow "socks", take a careful look.

What does it do at the hive?

Its most typical behaviour is hovering a few tens of centimetres in front of the hive entrance. It catches laden foragers in flight as they return, lands on a nearby branch and carries the bee's thorax back to the larvae in its nest. In Europe the pressure generally peaks in late summer and autumn, when hornet colonies are at their largest.

The real damage lies not so much in the number of bees caught as in flight coming to a halt. In a colony with a hunter constantly in front of the entrance, the foragers do not go out but cluster at the entrance; the intake of nectar and pollen stops, stores dwindle and winter bees are not raised. This sends the colony into winter weak or can cause it to collapse.

Its nest

• Primary nest: In spring the queen emerging from hibernation builds a small nest in a sheltered and usually low place such as under the eaves, in a shed or in a bush.
• Secondary nest: In early summer the colony usually moves to a large, round or pear-shaped nest built high up, often at the top of a tree. It can also be built in scrub and low places.
• The entrance hole is on the side: A small side entrance is typical. The European hornet, by contrast, usually nests in a cavity such as a hollow tree or a loft, and the nest is open at the bottom.

What can the beekeeper do?

1. Keep colonies strong. Weak colonies collapse first. Unite weak ones before the pressure period and feed them if necessary.
2. Reduce the entrance. The area to be defended becomes smaller. Do not close it completely; ventilation and flight must continue.
3. Use entrance guards. A wire grid that lets bees through but not hornets, or protective cages fitted in front of the entrance, make it easier for foragers to go in and out. Their effectiveness varies with conditions.
4. Do not tackle the nest yourself. Disturbing a nest high up is dangerous and, if the nest is not completely destroyed, spreads the problem. Report the location of the nest; destruction must be carried out by authorised, properly equipped teams.
5. Do not use poisoned bait. Putting poisoned meat, syrup or insecticide near the hives also poisons your bees and other creatures.

About traps

Traps aimed at catching queens in spring are often recommended, but they are controversial: non-selective traps also catch native hornets, wasps, bumblebees and many other insects. If traps are used, selective designs from which honey bees and small insects can escape should be preferred, and the local recommendations of the competent authorities should be followed.

Reporting

If you suspect an Asian hornet:

• If possible take a clear photograph (showing the colour of the thorax and the leg tips) or keep a dead specimen.
• Note where and when it was seen and whether it was hunting in front of hives.
• Report it to the official veterinary service / local agriculture authority.

In a new region, early reporting is the most effective way to limit the spread.