The Brussels fire brigade will ask the government to call in private firms to combat Asian hornet infestations. The exotic and dangerous hornet creates a notorious "extra workload" and often “mobilises significant resources" on the part of emergency services in the capital.
Asian Hornets are making serious inroads into continental Europe, and Belgium is no exception to the phenomenon.
In 2022, seven Asian hornet nests had to be exterminated during the month of August, for a total of 81 interventions over the year as a whole. In 2023, nests were destroyed on 70 occasions, while 140 interventions of all kinds were necessary. "And the busiest months have not yet arrived," warned Brussels fire brigade spokesman Walter Derieuw.
The impact of this invasive species on native biodiversity is significant, so it is important to continue to exterminate these hornets, the fire brigade's spokesperson noted . He calls for a new agreement on the missions assigned to firefighters, given the additional workload from the fight against Asian hornets.
The fire brigade intends to raise this issue with the relevant authorities, including Brussels Environment, and will be calling for a "review of the agreements in force and the development of a strategy for the future." The use of specialised private companies was one of the solutions put forward.
