Huge hornet nest removed in Ulm – danger to bees averted?

Huge hornet nest removed in Ulm – danger to bees averted?

In Cologne and the surrounding area, there are increasing reports of the invasive Asian hornet, which is also spreading rapidly in other German regions. A recent case occurred at Ulm's Kuhberg, where a sizeable Asian hornet nest was discovered. The amateur beekeeper who discovered the nest noticed it while the leaves were falling from the trees. Since it was unclear what to do with the nest, the authorities intervened and had specialists from Konstanz arrive last Saturday to avert the danger. The Asian hornet has been known in the Baden region for a long time and is increasingly making headlines because its population is increasing explosively, as [Augsburger Allgemeine reports](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/neu-ulm/ulm-so-wurde-das-riesige-nest-der-familien-hornisse-in-ulm-entfernt-112679490).

These hornet-like insects, which originally come from Southeast Asia and have been detected in Europe since 2004, have now also formed numerous nests in Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg. The numbers speak for themselves – nest discoveries have almost tripled in the last two years. With 560 nests reported in 2023 and almost 1,500 the year before, it is becoming increasingly clear that the threat to native pollinators such as bees and to agriculture is a serious one, as Zeit Online highlights.

The dangers of the Asian hornet

The Asian hornet is smaller than native species, but is no less of a threat. It not only eats honey bees, but also fruit, which can have negative consequences for fruit and wine growers. It is estimated that a large nest consumes around 11 kg of insect biomass annually, jeopardizing the food supply for many beneficial insects. Due to the aggressive defense of their nests, controlling the hornet is a challenge: Nests are often discovered too late, making effective control difficult.

The state government is aware of the problem and is trying to contain the spread through reporting systems and targeted removal of nests. To do this, the authorities are calling on citizens to take photos of sightings and enter them on the LUBW portal. The State Institute for Bee Science is also testing live traps, but so far without any notable success. While the population fears a hornet sting, it should be noted that the Asian hornet is generally not dangerous to humans as long as you stay away from the nest.

The situation could worsen in the future if decisive action is not taken. The increasing number of visible nests calls for urgent action at all levels to protect local ecosystems and secure honey bee supplies. This not only increases the concerns of beekeepers, but also of fruit and wine growers, who rely on the support of the diverse insects.