Alarming spread: Over 100 Asian hornet nests in Hesse!

Alarming spread: Over 100 Asian hornet nests in Hesse!

The Asian hornet is spreading rapidly in Germany and is causing worrying news not only in Hesse. According to recent reports, more than 100 nests have already been recorded in 2023 and there is no indication that the rapid spread of the invasive species has stopped. The number of nests is constantly increasing, particularly in southern Hesse, and sightings have also been reported in the administrative districts of Gießen and Kassel. The problem is clear: In 2022, over 250 nests had to be removed, which cost taxpayers more than 80,000 euros, as FFH reports.

Health risks from the hornet

The Asian hornet, also known as Vespa velutina, is smaller than the native European hornet and is characterized by its black base color and a dark colored abdomen with a few yellow stripes. Their black and yellow legs are also easy to spot but are best avoided. Beekeepers in question warn that this species has a significant impact on the honey bee population, which is essential for pollinating many plants. It is estimated that a colony of Asian hornets eats around 11 kg of insects annually, which can lead to a dramatic decline in bee populations in the affected regions.

New developments in combat

However, the situation is not entirely hopeless. As of March 24, 2025, the Asian hornet is no longer classified as an “early detection species” and is now considered “widespread” in several federal states, including Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. This decision by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) represents a paradigm shift in the handling of this invasive species. In the future, nests will no longer have to be removed immediately, but will be subject to a case-by-case assessment in which risks, environmental impacts and costs are weighed up, as HLNUG reports.

However, this does not mean that the threat is over. Invasive species such as the Asian hornet can have significant negative impacts on human health and the economy. It is therefore even more important that citizens can report sightings online to support the authorities.

International perspectives

The Asian hornet is not only targeting Germany, but also France and other European countries. The species was probably brought to Europe via imported goods in 2004 and has since spread across France and neighboring countries as far as Hungary and Slovakia. French beekeepers are already reporting up to 50% of honey bee deaths linked to this invasive species, according to Euronews. In France, authorities are working to contain the population while offering support to beekeepers.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation in Germany will develop and whether the measures to combat the Asian hornet will finally take effect. The threat of spread is a real risk that both beekeepers and the general population should keep in mind.