Asian hornet policy shifts: What residents of Heeze-Leende need to know
The Asian hornet is now widespread in North Brabant, prompting a change in policy. Residents should report risky nests, but not all will be removed. Learn how this affects you and what actions to take.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Asian hornet (established in North Brabant) |
| Policy Change | Province and municipalities now share responsibility for nest removal |
| Nest Removal Criteria | Only if risk to biodiversity (province) or public health (municipality) |
| Risk to Public | Low for most; higher near playgrounds, schools, or busy paths |
| Reporting | Use BuitenBeter app for risky nests; Waarneming.nl for sightings |
| Impact on Wildlife | Primarily hunts common insects, not honeybees or rare species |
| Municipality Action Radius | 10-metre radius around high-risk areas |
The municipality of Heeze-Leende, in collaboration with the province of North Brabant, is responsible for managing invasive species like the Asian hornet. Their role involves assessing risks to public health and biodiversity, coordinating nest removals, and educating residents on safe practices. The province sets broader policies, while the municipality implements them locally.
Read the full translated article below
This is how we deal with the Asian hornet in Heeze-Leende
The Asian hornet has been spotted more frequently in the Netherlands recently, including in our municipality. In North Brabant, this species is now established everywhere. The province is no longer handling this issue alone but wants to work together with municipalities. Due to its further spread, the province has adjusted its policy.
As with other widespread species, such as giant hogweed, multiple parties play a role in control. The province and municipalities are working together on this.
Why aren’t all nests removed?
North Brabant Province no longer removes all Asian hornet nests. The number of nests is increasing rapidly, making the removal of all nests too time-consuming and costly. Additionally, not all nests are dangerous or bothersome.
From this year onwards, nests will only be removed:
- By the province: When there is a risk to biodiversity. More information about this risk can be found at the Insect Knowledge Centre;
- By the municipality if there is a risk to public health.
Research shows that the Asian hornet has spread so widely that complete eradication is no longer possible.
What does this mean for you?
Experts indicate that we must learn to live with this species. Here’s what you should know:
- For most people, the Asian hornet is not dangerous as long as you stay away from its nest. Nests that hang low (below 10 metres) or are easily disturbed pose a risk. This is where we focus our efforts.
- In summer, about 70% of Asian hornets move to a nest high in a tree. These nests usually pose a low risk.
- The sting of an Asian hornet is no more dangerous than that of a European hornet. The arrival of the Asian hornet does not lead to more or more severe stings.
- The impact is limited for many people. For some professions, such as beekeepers, the impact may be greater. The province supports this group and engages in dialogue with beekeepers.
- The impact on honeybees, rare bees, and butterflies appears to be smaller than often assumed. Asian hornets primarily hunt common insects, such as wasps and certain fly species.
When does the municipality take action?
The municipality will remove a nest if it poses a risk to public health in the following cases:
- the nest is located on municipal land managed by us and poses a risk to people, for example near a playground, sports field, school, event, or busy cycling path. We apply a 10-metre radius around these locations.
- the nest is located on municipal land managed by us and is within 10 metres of a building.
- the nest is located on municipal land managed by us and poses a risk to vulnerable nature.
If we encounter such a situation, we will call in a professional exterminator and report the sighting to waarnemingen.nl. If it turns out to be an Asian hornet nest, the exterminator will remove it.
Do you see a nest that meets these conditions? You can report it via the BuitenBeter app. After your report, a staff member will assess whether the nest falls within the specified criteria. If it does, we will call in a professional exterminator to remove the nest.
You will receive feedback on the handling of your report via the BuitenBeter app.
What can you do?
- Do you see an Asian hornet or suspect a nest? Report it via Waarneming.nl. Experts will assess the report.
- Do not attempt to deal with it yourself. Removing a nest can be dangerous. Asian hornets fiercely defend their nest when threatened. Killing hornets also carries risks and is not effective.
- Only allow professional exterminators to remove nests. They work expertly and in accordance with legal regulations.
- Check your hedge or other greenery for wasp nests before pruning. This helps prevent problems.
- Are you bothered by Asian hornets or other wasps? Find responsible tips at wespenstichting.nl.
- Do you see a nest that poses a risk to public health? You can report it via the BuitenBeter app.
- Are you unsure or do you have questions? Contact us. We’d be happy to help.
What can you expect from us?
Together with the province, experts, beekeepers, and residents, we are monitoring where the Asian hornet occurs. Reports via waarneming.nl are checked by experts.