Asian hornet nests on the rise: how to spot and report them in Limburg
Residents of Limburg, especially in Eijsden-Margraten, should stay vigilant for early Asian hornet nests. These invasive insects threaten local ecosystems and bee populations. Reporting nests helps authorities control their spread and protect biodiversity.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Asian hornet (exotic wasp species) |
| First detected in NL | 2017 |
| Current focus | Controlling spread in South Limburg |
| Spring nest locations | Sheds, garages, carports, birdhouses |
| Nest size | Tennis ball to small football |
| Nest color | Light brown |
| Reporting platform | www.waarneming.nl |
| Responsible for removal | Municipality (public property) or property owner (private property) |
| Queen activity period | Mid-February to end of May |
| Collaborating partners | Municipalities, Province of Limburg, beekeeping associations, nature groups |
| More information | www.limburg.nl or www.wespenstichting.nl |
The Province of Limburg, in collaboration with local municipalities and environmental groups, plays a key role in monitoring and managing invasive species like the Asian hornet. Their efforts focus on protecting local ecosystems, particularly bee populations, which are vital for biodiversity and agriculture.
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Be alert for early nests of the Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is an exotic wasp species that has been present in the Netherlands since 2017. Eradication is no longer possible. Therefore, in Eijsden-Margraten, we are focusing on controlling its spread. We are doing this in collaboration with the municipalities of South Limburg, the Province of Limburg, beekeeping associations, and nature conservation groups.
How do you recognise the Asian hornet?
An Asian hornet has a predominantly dark body, yellow tips on its legs, and is slightly smaller in size than the European hornet.
Check your shed or garage in spring
From March to June, queens build small spring nests. These nests:
- Are often attached to a ceiling or beam
- May be found in a shed, garage, garden house, carport, or birdhouse
- Are light brown in colour
- Are about the size of a tennis ball to a small football
- Note: spring nests closely resemble those of other wasps. Always take clear photos of the nest and the wasp. Report your observation via www.waarneming.nl.
Never remove a nest yourself
- If the nest is located on municipal property, causes significant nuisance, or poses a risk to people, the municipality will arrange for its removal. This risk assessment is carried out by a professional pest controller.
- If the nest is on your own property, you as the owner are responsible for contacting a professional pest controller.
Do you see a hornet indoors in early spring?
Between mid-February and the end of May, it could be a queen. You can carefully catch the insect in a jar. Take a clear photo and upload it to www.waarneming.nl. If you are certain it is an Asian hornet, you can humanely kill it by placing the insect in the freezer for at least 24 hours. If it is a European hornet, release it back into the wild as soon as possible.
Help locate nests
Beekeepers and volunteers assist in locating nests during spring and summer. Would you like to help? Then contact a local beekeeping association.
Want to know more?
Visit the website of the Province of Limburg www.limburg.nl or the Wasp Foundation www.wespenstichting.nl.