Hornets of Asian Origin Expand Their Territory Further

The Asian Hornet, a invasive species that has been causing concern in Germany, has now been confirmed in all German states, from Schleswig-Holstein to Bavaria. This aggressive predator of honeybees has significantly spread in Baden-Württemberg and western Germany in recent years, with approximately 1,500 reported nests in Baden-Württemberg alone in 2024, compared to 607 in 2023.

In response to this growing issue, the Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with federal authorities and the Institute for Bee Research, is planning a research project to develop effective and cost-efficient methods for controlling Asian Hornet nests. The State Agency for the Environment Baden-Württemberg and the State Agency for Bee Research at the University of Hohenheim are at the forefront of this initiative, centralising all tasks related to the Asian Hornet on behalf of the Nature Conservation Administration.

As of now, the public is encouraged to continue reporting sightings of Asian Hornets and their nests via the Reporting Platform of the State Agency for the Environment Baden-Württemberg (LUBW). Confirmed records can be viewed on an External Map. The Institute for Bee Research will continue to support affected individuals in reporting nests and providing relevant specialist information.

A significant change in the management of Asian Hornets is the abolition of the previous obligation to remove nests in the country. Affected individuals must now take action themselves and commission nest removals at their own expense if necessary. However, nest removals will only be commissioned and paid for by nature conservation in the future if there is a specific threat to biological diversity.

To stay informed about the Asian Hornet situation, one can subscribe to a free email newsletter on the website of the State Agency for Bee Research. Additionally, further information on the Asian Hornet can be found on the websites of the State Agency for the Environment Baden-Württemberg and the State Agency for Bee Research at the University of Hohenheim.

Since 2022, a regular roundtable on the Asian Hornet has been held in Baden-Württemberg, involving all stakeholders to coordinate approaches and measures. This collaborative effort is crucial in the fight against the invasive species.

For those seeking more information on the management and action plans for the Asian Hornet, the Management and Action Sheet (PDF) provides uniform recommendations. The Landwirtschaftliches Technologiezentrum Augustenberg (Agricultural Technology Center Augustenberg) has taken over the coordination of all tasks related to managing the Asian hornet on behalf of the nature conservation authority in Baden-Württemberg since March 2024.

The Federal Ministry for the Environment has classified the Asian Hornet as "widespread" in Germany since late March 2025, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and action from the public and authorities alike.