Asian Hornet Population Surges in Baden-Württemberg, Threatening Bees and Agriculture
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is spreading rapidly in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, with reported nests more than doubling to nearly 3,300 in the past year. The Ministry of the Environment in Stuttgart acknowledges that despite extensive control measures, the invasive species cannot be fully eradicated. Consequently, authorities are no longer obligated to remove every nest, citing high costs and limited feasibility. Instead, efforts are coordinated by the State Institute for Bee Science, focusing on trained experts handling high-risk situations. Originating from Southeast Asia, the species entered Europe in the early 2000s and reached Germany in 2014. While less aggressive toward humans than wasps, the hornet poses a significant threat to honey bee populations, thereby impacting beekeeping, fruit, and wine industries. The insects typically build initial nests in structures before moving to treetops in midsummer, making detection difficult until autumn. The Federal Environment Ministry has classified the species as widespread, shifting the strategy from total elimination to managed containment due to the established nature of the infestation.
Wire timeline
Asian Hornet Population Surges in Baden-Württemberg, Threatening Bees and Agriculture
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is spreading rapidly in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, with reported nests more than doubling to nearly 3,300 in the past year. The Ministry of the Environment in Stuttgart acknowledges that despite extensive control measures, the invasive species cannot be fully eradicated. Consequently, authorities are no longer obligated to remove every nest, citing high costs and limited feasibility. Instead, efforts are coordinated by the State Institute for Bee Science, focusing on trained experts handling high-risk situations. Originating from Southeast Asia, the species entered Europe in the early 2000s and reached Germany in 2014. While less aggressive toward humans than wasps, the hornet poses a significant threat to honey bee populations, thereby impacting beekeeping, fruit, and wine industries. The insects typically build initial nests in structures before moving to treetops in midsummer, making detection difficult until autumn. The Federal Environment Ministry has classified the species as widespread, shifting the strategy from total elimination to managed containment due to the established nature of the infestation.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten