Steenbergen shifts strategy on Asian hornet as eradication proves impossible
Residents of Steenbergen will see a change in how the municipality handles Asian hornets. Instead of removing all nests, the focus is now on monitoring and only acting when nests pose a risk to safety or health. This new approach reflects the hornet's widespread presence and aims to balance public safety with biodiversity.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New Approach | Monitoring and education; removal only if safety/health is at risk |
| Collaborators | Naturalis, North Brabant municipalities, Province, Beekeepers Association |
| Asian Hornet ID | Dark color, orange band on abdomen, yellow legs |
| Nest Locations | High in trees, buildings, sheds, or under eaves |
| Reporting Channels | BuitenBeter app or municipal website |
| Removal Criteria | Nests lower than 10m in public spaces or near schools/playgrounds |
| Province’s Role | Controls nests in Natura 2000 areas and within 1km radius |
The Municipality of Steenbergen is responsible for public safety and environmental management within its jurisdiction. In this case, it collaborates with regional and scientific partners to address the spread of the Asian hornet, balancing ecological concerns with the well-being of its residents.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Municipality of Steenbergen | Municipality of Steenbergen adopts new approach to Asian hornet
The Municipality of Steenbergen is adjusting its approach to dealing with the Asian hornet. Whereas previously all nests were removed, the focus now lies on monitoring, education, and removing nests only when there is a risk to the safety or health of residents. Complete eradication is no longer possible, as the species has now spread widely.
The new approach is part of a joint action framework developed in collaboration with Naturalis, municipalities in North Brabant, the Province of North Brabant, and the Beekeepers Association De Wal van Brabant.
Identification and role of wasps and hornets
Most wasps and hornets are beneficial to nature. They help clean up insects and contribute to healthy biodiversity. Species often confused with the Asian hornet include:
- European hornet: large, reddish-brown, naturally present in the Netherlands.
- Common wasp: small, yellow and black striped.
These species are not controlled.
The Asian hornet can be identified by its dark color, an orange band on the abdomen, and notably yellow legs. Nests are often round or pear-shaped and resemble a large paper ball. They are frequently found high in trees but may also occur on buildings, under eaves, or in sheds.
Hornets (both European and Asian) are generally not aggressive and rarely sting on their own. They are not interested in human sweet foods and only become defensive near their nests. It is therefore important to keep a distance of at least 5 meters.
Seasonal differences in nests
The nests of the Asian hornet vary by season:
- Spring nest: In April, the queen emerges from hibernation and builds her first small nest in a sheltered spot, such as a cavity wall, shed, carport, veranda, or nest box.
- Summer nest: In the summer, the spring nest is abandoned, and the hornets build a larger nest, usually high in the trees. These nests are often difficult to spot. Sometimes they are lower, for example in a hedge. The nest is usually round, sometimes pear-shaped with a rounded bottom.
What to do if you find a (suspected) nest
Do you see a nest in a potentially risky location? Report it to the Municipality of Steenbergen via:
- The BuitenBeter app.
- The municipal website (category animals/pests, subcategory Asian Hornet Nest).
The municipality will handle the report further and forward it for national monitoring.
When does the municipality remove a nest?
The municipality removes a nest when it poses a risk to the safety or health of residents. This applies, for example, when a nest:
- Is located in a public space and lower than 10 meters.
- Is within 10 meters of a building, school, daycare center, playground, sports or recreation area, or a busy walking or cycling path.
Nests on private property are generally the responsibility of the owner. If there is a risk to the surroundings, the municipality can provide advice or help find a solution. Nests are removed without the use of poison to minimize harm to other insects and the environment.
Collaboration and role of the province
The Municipality of Steenbergen works with beekeepers, volunteers, and other organizations to limit the spread of the Asian hornet. The Province of North Brabant focuses primarily on protecting biodiversity and controls nests in Natura 2000 areas and within a one-kilometer radius around them.
More information
For more information on identification and measures, visit the municipality’s website: gemeente Steenbergen | The Asian Hornet in Steenbergen. The municipality will inform residents about this approach, identification, and control via the sustainability newsletter. Residents can subscribe to the newsletter at: