The Asian hornet is advancing in Puglia, threatening beekeeping and local ecosystems

The Asian hornet is advancing in Puglia, threatening beekeeping and local ecosystems. After reports in Salento, an active colony was confirmed in the Taranto area. The University of Salento has called for an urgent task force to monitor and combat the spread of Vespa velutina, an invasive species aggressive towards honey bees.

On September 27, a secondary active nest was found in San Vito, a district of Taranto, marking the first documented nest in Puglia with adult hornets and larvae inside. Located on a tree between five and ten meters high near frequented areas, the nest was removed days later by Taranto firefighters in cooperation with the Regional Association of Puglian Beekeepers (ARAP), eliminating the entire colony.