Deurne takes action to protect bees and residents from invasive Asian hornet
The municipality of Deurne is stepping up efforts to combat the Asian hornet, a threat to honeybees and public safety. Residents are urged to report nests early to prevent large, dangerous infestations this spring.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Asian hornet (invasive species) |
| Risk | Threat to honeybees, pollinators, and public safety |
| Nest Size (Spring) | Tennis ball-sized, in sheds, awnings, or bushes |
| Reporting Platform | waarneming.nl |
| Removal Timing | Spring nests easy to remove; autumn nests often left after November 15 |
| Location | Deurne, Noord-Brabant |
| Responsible Party | Municipality of Deurne, in collaboration with beekeepers and outdoor services |
The municipality of Deurne is responsible for local environmental safety and biodiversity, including managing invasive species like the Asian hornet. This initiative follows a shift in policy from the province, placing the responsibility on municipalities to address the issue.
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Read the full translated article below
Municipality of Deurne launches action against Asian hornet
Starting this spring, the municipality of Deurne will implement a new, practical approach to control the Asian hornet. From 2026, the province will no longer systematically combat this invasive species, shifting responsibility to municipalities for reporting and removing nests. The Asian hornet poses a risk to honeybees and other pollinators and can create unsafe situations when nests grow large.
Early reporting is crucial
In spring, queen hornets build small, spherical spring nests—about the size of a tennis ball—in sheltered spots such as sheds, awnings, and bushes. These nests are easy to remove and prevent the later development of large summer nests containing thousands of hornets.
Recognizing the Asian hornet is therefore important. It has:
- a black head,
- a dark body,
- yellow tips on its legs.
How to report a hornet nest?
Anyone who spots a nest or hornet can report it via waarneming.nl. The fieldwork group, in collaboration with beekeepers and the outdoor services, will then assess whether removal is necessary for biodiversity or safety.
Nests in autumn
Nests that become visible only in autumn usually do not need to be removed after November 15. By then, the young queens have already flown out, and the nest is not reused.
More information can be found on the Asian hornet page
Together, we keep Deurne safe and protect our bees and other pollinators.
- tips for recognizing the hornet,
- explanation of the municipal approach,
- and answers to frequently asked questions.