The Asian hornet is set to surge dramatically in Belgium this year, posing a serious threat to local biodiversity. Recent data from Holsbeek shows a fourfold increase in queen hornet captures compared to last year, signaling a worrying trend for the region. As of 2025-06-05 16:41:00, experts confirm that the rise in nests and hornet activity continues unabated.
- Aziatische hoornaar populatie stijgt sterk dit jaar
- Vallen vangen vier keer meer koninginnen
- Bestrijdingsacties blijken onvoldoende effectief te zijn
- Invasieve soort bedreigt biodiversiteit en bestuiving
- Nesten bevatten duizenden agressieve hoornaars
- Meld gevonden nesten bij Vespa-watch
With the season starting in early April, Vlaams-Brabant alone has already recorded 350 nests in just two months. This rapid growth is attributed to a mild winter and favourable spring conditions, making it clear that the Asian hornet is thriving in our environment.
What does this mean for Belgian ecosystems, and why haven’t control efforts been more effective? The answers lie in the hornet’s aggressive nature and reproductive capacity. Let’s explore the implications further.
Why are Asian hornet numbers escalating despite mitigation attempts? The species’ biology and behaviour complicate control strategies. Key points to consider include:
- Each queen builds two nests, with large nests housing up to 8,000 hornets and producing hundreds of new queens.
- The hornets prey heavily on beneficial insects, including bees, reducing pollination and honey yields.
- Control measures by beekeepers and authorities have so far failed to curb population growth effectively.
- Mild winters and favourable weather accelerate the hornet’s breeding cycle and survival rates.
As the Asian hornet population continues to rise, will Belgium ramp up its efforts to protect biodiversity? Citizens are encouraged to report sightings to Vespa-watch and support coordinated control actions to mitigate this invasive species’ impact.
