Red alarm level: Asian hornets threatens Germany's beekeeper!

The Asian hornets is an increasing threat to beekeeping in Germany, as merkur.de This type of insect, introduced, quickly increases and specializes in local insects, especially honeybees. The report mentions that the number of reported nests has doubled compared to the previous year and that over 1000 nests are expected for this year. The federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia are mainly affected, while sightings were also found in Bavaria.

beekeepers have significant losses from the Asian hornets. For example, Michael Wiedemann lost an entire bee colony with 20,000 animals. These hornets are described as aggressively and is not only a danger to beekeeping, but can also endanger harvests in fruit and viticulture. According to the State Institute for Bienenkunde (Lab), there are difficulties in removing the nests because there is a lack of experts and only protective equipment corresponding to specialists can safely remove the nests. Current weather conditions favor the activity and brood care of the hornets.

distinction and nest building

The distinction between the Asian hornet and the domestic hornet is relatively simple: While the Asian hornets have a darker body and yellow leg ends and is active during the day, the domestic hornets have an entry hole on the underside of the nest. Asian hornets build their founding nests in scales or shrubs and secondary nests in trees in spring.

In addition to the current developments in Germany, Bochum 1975 The Asian Hornet (Vespa Mandarinia) as an invasive species that originally comes from East Asia and is now spreading in Europe and North America. These hornets are larger and more aggressive than their domestic relatives and honeybees hunt their larvae's diet. Their hunting activities can lead to considerable losses of bees and impairment of honey production. The stitches of the Asian hornets can also be dangerous for humans and in some cases fatal.

The fight against Asian hornets is of great importance for beekeepers and nature conservation organizations, since they not only interfere with native insects, but can also endanger the ecological balance. The recommended strategies for combating include the early detection of the hornets, the use of special fishing traps with sweet attractants and the exchange of information between beekeepers and experts. The support from local authorities and nature conservation organizations is also crucial to contain the spread of Asian hornets and to protect honey production.