The fight against the Asian hornet in North Brabant is in full swing. This year, the province is making one last effort to eliminate as many nests of the Asian hornet as possible. Starting in 2026, municipalities will take a more active role, and the province will only remove nests that pose a concrete threat to the biodiversity (The variety of life in a given area). Since the Asian hornet primarily poses a threat to beekeeping, the province is allocating an additional €55,000 to support beekeepers.
The season runs until November 15. Provincial Executive Hagar Roijackers (Nature): “So many nests are being found at the moment that it is no longer possible to remove all nests. For 2025, we had already reserved €275,000 for the fight against the Asian hornet. That money has already run out well before the end of the season, and therefore we have added another €110,000. To spend this extra money as effectively as possible, we are now fighting the nests that pose a concrete threat to the biodiversity (The variety of life in a given area) or public health. For example, because the nests are located in places where there is a high chance of disturbance, such as playgrounds.”
Biodiversity, Economy or Health
From 2026, the approach to the Asian hornet will change. When it comes to economic damage, such as with beehives of honey bees, or where nests cause nuisance, such as at playgrounds, other parties will be responsible and will take a more active role from 2026. It will be the municipalitys responsibility to combat invasive species (such as the Asian hornet) that cause local nuisance or damage in public spaces, and water boards will be responsible if water flow is hindered. Landowners will be responsible for preventing nuisance on their own property.
Support for Beekeeping
The Asian hornet particularly poses a threat to beekeeping. To support this group, the province will allocate an additional €55,000 to support beekeeping. Among other things, for purchasing means to protect beehives or for special vacuum cleaner sets to combat nests. Provincial Executive Marc Oudenhoven (Agriculture & Food) is eager to discuss this with beekeepers: “The presence of the Asian hornet is not harmless. The species actively preys on honey bees and other insects, and can thus pose a threat to biodiversity and food production. Pollination by honey bees is of great importance in agriculture. Therefore, we are providing financial assistance to beekeeping to purchase necessary supplies.”
From Eradication to Management
When the Asian hornet was first seen in the Netherlands in 2017, there was an attempt to completely eradicate the species as agreed in the European Union. This proved difficult, especially since nests often hang high in trees and are hard to find. New detection techniques, such as the transmitter method, only became available in 2022.
In 2021, it was determined that complete eradication of the Asian hornet is not feasible. The Dutch government indicated this in Brussels, and the status of the Asian hornet has been changed from eradication to management. Starting in 2026, the province will therefore only combat nests that pose a concrete threat to biodiversity, and municipalities and other parties will take a more active role.
