- Asian hornets also found in Lower Saxony
The Asian Hornet is an invasive species spreading in Germany - and was first detected in Lower Saxony in the fall of 2023. In the district of Diepholz, individual animals were discovered in August and September of the previous year, as announced by the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES). Further specimens were sighted in the district of Northeim in early October 2023, and in the county of Bentheim in November. There have also been first sightings in Lower Saxony this year. Although the Asian Hornet is smaller than the European Hornet native to Germany, it is significantly more aggressive and hunts honeybees.
Around ten years ago, this species, which originally comes from Southeast Asia, was presumably introduced to Europe through international transports and has since spread in many countries. In the Lower Saxony town of Gildehaus in the county of Bentheim, a nest of the Asian Hornet was discovered at the end of June. "We were able to successfully remove this nest along with the queen," said Manuela Monzka, head of the nature conservation department at the district.
However, it is to be expected that the species has spread further by now, and nests can be expected everywhere in the county. Since the Asian Hornet has been classified as an invasive alien species by the European Commission, it must be reported and removed, said Monzka.
At the moment, it is still possible to combat the smaller primary nests of the Asian Hornet. These are located at a height that is easy to reach and are mainly found in covered or dry areas. The larger secondary nests are usually built at a later time at a height of about ten meters or more and are therefore more difficult to find and remove.
Broad prey spectrum
The Asian Hornet is spreading rapidly, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia. While there were no confirmed sightings in the first five months of 2023, there have already been 109 sightings from January to May this year, according to the State Office for Nature in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Asian Hornet has a broad prey spectrum, feeding on flies, paper wasps, and many other insects, as well as spiders. A colony of hornets needs about eleven kilograms of insect biomass per year, said a LAVES spokesperson. The hunting radius is about one kilometer around the nest.
Beekeepers concerned
Beekeepers are particularly concerned about the spread of the Asian Hornet, as it hunts honeybees when bee populations are in the vicinity of its nests. The hornet preys on honeybees on flowers and in flight near the beehive. Bees that should be collecting nectar then no longer leave the hive out of fear.
Losses of flying bees are rather insignificant for healthy bee colonies, said the LAVES spokesperson. Weak bee colonies are particularly at risk. The Asian Hornet can invade bee colonies that are weakened by the Varroa mite and can no longer defend themselves. However, reliable data on the damage caused to bee colonies in Europe is currently lacking, according to LAVES.
Main nests at great height
The Asian Hornet is naturally peaceful and does not attack humans without reason. Hornets only sting in defense of their nest, explained the LAVES spokesperson. Therefore, people should keep a distance of several meters from the nest. Since the Asian Hornet builds its main nests very high in the branches of large trees or high up on buildings, contact is rather rare.
Invasive species can have negative impacts on biodiversity in their new range. However, according to LAVES, there is currently insufficient scientific research to accurately assess the damage to biodiversity caused by the Asian hornet.
The Asian Hornet was first detected in Lower Saxony in the fall of 2023, causing concern among beekeepers due to its aggressive behavior towards honeybees. In addition, a nest of the Asian Hornet was discovered in the Lower Saxony town of Gildehaus in the county of Bentheim earlier this year.
