[Article déjà publié le 29 juillet 2024]
How to recognize the nest of the Asian hornet?
To start, the Asian hornet does not build one, but two nests for a year. Indeed, it will first be a primary nest, then that of the colony, the secondary nest.
The primary nest is that which is built and inhabited between the middle of winter and the end of spring, it is never very large and is always in a sheltered place so that queens or founders, can give birth to their colony.
Then when the primary nest becomes too small to accommodate the colony which can contain hundreds or thousands of individuals, the Asian hornet will tackle a new nest.
This is much larger and is always nestled in height, most often in a tree, to enjoy the camouflage offered by the foliage. According to Le Frelon's site, an association law 1901 whose aim is to “track the hornet from reporting to the destruction of the nest”, the habitat of the invasive species can measure up to 1 meter high and have a diameter of 80 centimeters.
To recognize it and avoid confusing it with the nest of another species, the nest of the Asian hornet therefore has a fairly round shape and above all its opening is on the side.
What to do with a hornet nest?
The answer is quite simple. If you are not empowered to destroy a nest of Asian hornets, you do nothing. Especially since the Asian hornet is capable of defending itself, both alone as in groups, then try nothing and stay away from the nest of at least 10 meters.
As indicated by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in Center-Val de Loire, it is simply necessary to call on a professional who will take care of the destruction of the nest thanks to equipment provided for this purpose. The institutional site also recommends getting closer to its town hall. Indeed, “Some town halls participate financially in the destruction of nests”.
However, if you observe the presence of a nest of Asian hornets in autumn, it will not be compulsory to destroy it. Indeed, as specified by the Asian hornet site, “The fertilized founding females leave the nest at the end of autumn and spend the winter hidden in the ground, […]While the rest of the colony dies.»
Then, a new cycle resumes in winter with the construction of the primary nest and the establishment of a new colony for the summer. In addition, each nest abandoned in autumn, is forever.
An invasive species which presents a danger for our bees
The Asian hornet, as its name suggests, does not come from Europe. It was introduced in France in the early 2000s, in 2004 according to certain estimates. For 20 years, it has spread in the territory so well “that it is no longer possible to eradicate it.”Specifies the State Services site in Vienne (86).
If his bite is painful, especially since he is likely to attack or at least defend himself in a group, he mainly represents a danger for bees. Indeed, when the period of construction of a larger nest comes, we must feed the colony. And one of the pre -divilaections of the Asian hornet is the bee. The latter also has the chance not to have trouble finding it since it is enough for him to go and use the apiaries.
In France, according to the NGO Pollinis, bees would be even more in danger for two reasons:
- They have not yet developed an effective defense system against the Asian hornet as is the case of bees in Asia which have developed a defense mechanism which consists in agglutinating around an Asian hornet and beating wings very quickly. This has the consequence of suffocating it in addition to heating it.
- For beekeeping, a certain selection tends to take only little aggressive specimens which therefore have more trouble to defend itself in the face of such a predator.
Source: The hornet / Asian hornets / Ars Center-Val de Loire / Prefect of Vienne
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
