FAQ – ASIAN HORNET

The Asian hornet is mostly dark: black thorax, dark abdomen with a broad yellow-orange band, partly yellow legs. The head is rather orange. A clear photo taken from a safe distance greatly helps confirmation.

Do not approach, do not touch the nest and do not try to catch the insect. If possible, take a photo and report it via the form.

No. Amateur neutralisation is very risky: multiple stings, allergic reactions, falls or burns. Contact a professional or submit a report to guide the response.

Away from the nest, it is generally not very aggressive, but it strongly defends its colony. Stings can be serious in case of allergy or multiple stings.

Apply cold, monitor symptoms and seek urgent medical care in case of breathing difficulties, faintness, widespread hives or significant swelling.

No. Old nests are not reused. Only fertilised queens survive the winter and start new colonies in spring.

As long as there is no sustained frost. In mild autumns, activity may continue into November or even December. After significant frost, the nest becomes inactive.

The trapping module allows users to declare a trap, enter capture records and view traps on a dedicated map.

You can access it here: Declare a trap — View the trapping map.

Asian hornet trapping must be selective and responsible.

• Use specific and adapted traps, for example selective models with calibrated entrances.
• Place traps at the right time: ideally from March to May, when founding queens emerge and look for resources.
• Use properly dosed baits according to the period and entomological recommendations.
• Empty and maintain traps regularly to preserve effectiveness and avoid bait deterioration.

The goal is to capture active founding queens at the right moment in the life cycle, which helps reduce the later population.

Some non-selective or unsuitable techniques should be avoided, as they can harm non-target fauna or be ineffective.

❌ Traps causing insects to drown

• Plastic bottles containing a large quantity of attractant liquid
• Traps with too much liquid, in which insects drown

These devices often attract useful insects such as bees, bumblebees, butterflies or solitary wasps, and kill them without proven effectiveness against the Asian hornet.

❌ Baits that are too attractive or poorly dosed

• Highly concentrated sugary mixtures left unchecked for too long
• Protein baits outside the targeted period

They mainly attract other insects or harmless local species.

The Asian hornet is an invasive species, but:

• Beneficial insects are essential to the ecosystem, especially for pollination and pest control.
• The use of non-selective traps can durably weaken local bee or bumblebee populations.
• Irresponsible practices can reduce public acceptance of control campaigns.

🗓️ Recommended period: March → May

This is the period when:

• founding queens emerge;
• they look for resources to found a nest;
• trapping has the strongest impact on limiting multiplication.

No. Trapping is a population reduction tool, but it must be part of a broader strategy including:

• early detection;
• nest reporting;
• destruction of active nests;
• public information.

Use our reporting platform: Report a nest

The more precise the information submitted, the more effective the collective response.

Reports feed the map and facilitate coordination. To understand how it works: Objectives & how it works.

The Asian hornet is generally darker, with a black thorax, yellow-tipped legs and a marked orange band on the abdomen. The European hornet is more reddish-brown and yellow, often lighter. If in doubt, add a photo to the report.

Also consult the page recognise the Asian hornet.

Keep well away and avoid any vibration, hedge trimming, mowing, water jets or direct approach. A nest can become dangerous when disturbed. Use zoom to take a photo and never stand under the nest.

A useful photo clearly shows the nest or insect, taken from a distance, with if possible an indication of the support: tree, facade, roof, hedge, shed, hive or other. Avoid recognisable faces and visible private information.

In Brussels-Capital, a nest located in private space can be reported via Vespa Alert. A nest located in public space must be reported via Fix My Street.

Consult the regional procedure to choose the right channel.

Coverage depends on the region, type of land and site manager. On private land, the owner or occupant is generally responsible for requesting intervention. In public space, the municipality, Region or land manager may be competent.

Local “Vespa Hunter” groups can help relay observations, organise nest searches, track nests and guide citizens to the right channels so they can be destroyed by competent actors.

Links to these groups are centralised on the Useful links.