Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), an invasive species in Spain, threaten people, honey bees, and…

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina), an invasive species in Spain, threaten people, honey bees, and fruit trees in Burgos province. These hornets attack bees at hive entrances, impacting pollination and fruit production. Manuel Contreras, a fruit grower and researcher in Espinosa de los Monteros, has developed traps to reduce these effects.

Contreras manages about 150 fruit trees near a river. This year, the harvest was early and completed by early October. Similar early and poor yields occurred in Burgos for grapes, cereals, and sunflower crops, affected by climate change. Heavy April rains and a short flowering period reduced fruit quantity and honey production. Asian hornets prey on honey bees, hunting them at hive entrances, which also frightens bees and limits their activity.