Asian hornet sightings in Belgian gardens have nearly doubled compared to last year, with close to 8,000 recorded by the Flemish observatory Waarnemingen.be.
Louis Hautier from the Walloon Centre for Agronomic Research (CRA-W) notes that the species continues to invade and its eradication is unlikely.
In early Spring, the Asian hornet queen emerges from hibernation to build a nest. CRA-W has noticed an increase in nests within its network of traps, due to favourable weather conditions. The warm early-Spring temperatures have made the queens more active compared to last year, when colder weather hindered their development.
Dominique Soete from Vespa-Watch highlighted that the mild winter has resulted in hornets being more vigorous upon awakening. Typically weighing 0.5 grammes, queens this year are reaching 0.6 grammes, increasing their likelihood of nest-building. However, nine out of ten queens will still fail to establish nests.
CRA-W anticipates a further increase in the hornet population in the coming months. During this period, queens form primary nests at human height, often in garden sheds and shelters. These small nests can be safely removed at this stage. Once developed, the nests will contain workers, and people should contact firefighters, pest control professionals, or local authorities.
The rise in Asian hornets is expected to have a significant impact on bees. According to Maarten Wielandts, a bee expert from nature conservation association Natuurpunt, hornets can treat a beehive like an all-you-can-eat buffet, potentially affecting honey production and plant pollination.
While hornet attacks on humans are rare, they can occur if people approach their nests too closely. Wielandts noted that Asian hornets are no more aggressive than common wasps, but they can sometimes attack in groups, posing a danger.
