Invasive Asian hornet threatens Dutch bees and biodiversity: how to spot and report nests
The Asian hornet, an invasive species, is spreading across the Netherlands, endangering bees and other pollinators. This poses risks to biodiversity and nature. Learn how to identify and report nests to protect local ecosystems.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Asian hornet (invasive alien species) |
| First spotted in NL | 2017, initially in the south, now spreading nationwide |
| Threat to | Honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinating insects |
| Size | 2 to 3 cm in length |
| Distinctive features | Black thorax, black antennae, yellow leg tips, orange bands on abdomen |
| Nesting seasons | Spring (April) and summer |
| Spring nest location | Sheltered spots (e.g., cavity walls, sheds, nest boxes) |
| Summer nest location | High in trees, difficult and costly to remove |
| Prey per nest | ~11 kg (approx. 110,000 insects, including 33,000 honeybees) per season |
| Reporting | Via "melding openbare ruimte" (public space report), even on private property |
| More information | NVWA website |
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors invasive species like the Asian hornet to protect local ecosystems and biodiversity. They provide guidelines for identification and reporting to mitigate the impact on pollinators and agriculture.
Read the full translated article below
Asian hornet
The Asian hornet is a species of wasp (an invasive alien) that is increasingly being spotted in our province. Since 2017, the species has been present in the south of the Netherlands and has since spread further across the country.
The species poses a threat to (honey)bees, bumblebees and other insects that assist in the pollination of flowers. This can have consequences for nature and biodiversity.
How to identify an Asian hornet
- 2 to 3 cm in length
- black thorax
- black antennae
- yellow tips on the legs
- abdomen with two narrow and one wide orange bands
- queen and worker hornets are roughly the same size
Identifying an Asian hornet nest
The Asian hornet builds two nests: one in spring and one in summer. In April, the queen wakes from her winter hibernation and constructs her first nest. This spring nest is often located in a sheltered spot, such as in a cavity wall, shed or nest box.
In summer, the spring nest becomes too small, and the hornets look for a new location for their summer nest. They usually build their new nest high up in trees, making it difficult to remove. These nests are large. The hornets from a single nest catch around 11 kg of prey (approximately 110,000 insects, of which one-third are honeybees). By the end of the season, dozens of new queens emerge and build their own nests the following year.
Removing a summer nest is costly because it is situated high in the tree. The spring nest is easier to remove. If you spot a nest of Asian hornets, report it via “melding openbare ruimte” (public space report). An expert will then come and inspect it. You can also make this report if the nest is on private property.
More information and questions
For more information about the Asian hornet, visit the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority Asian hornet | NVWA