Ulrich Böhne, treasurer of the Beekeepers' Association Castrop-Rauxel and surroundings, has…

Ulrich Böhne, treasurer of the Beekeepers' Association Castrop-Rauxel and surroundings, has removed nine Asian hornet nests this year. The problem is worsening.

He caught 230 Asian hornets in Merklinde alone using bait traps and neutralized them. Three of the nests removed were small, six were larger. These figures illustrate the growing threat from this invasive hornet species.

The Asian hornet, also called the yellow-footed hornet, preys on honey bees and other insects. The beekeepers' association is collecting donations for tracking devices, protective suits, and equipment to remove nests to contain their spread.