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Elizabeth Keller

Asian Hornets Kill Honeybees In France

8.19.09 - In 2004 the Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina) was discovered in France which probably arrived with a consignment of imported pottery. Even though the Asian Hornet is no more dangerous for humans than the European hornet (Vespa crabro), it turned out to be a mass murderer for honeybees.

Like its relative the world's largest hornet, the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), it is a relentless hunter that preys on other large insects such as bees, other hornet species, and mantises.

Vespa velutina

Vespa crabro

Raynond Saunier, the head of beekeepers institution at a department south west of France, had no choice than to move all his bees to a new location 60 kilometers away from Bordeaux where he used to take care of his bees. Asian Hornets showed up in gangs of 10 at a time and killed some of his honeybees every day, says Saunier.

Giant Hornets destroy honeybee colony

Since its first discovery in 2004 the black and yellow hunter is spreading throughout the entire country very rapidly. Even though in 2007 over 2000 of honest nests were destroyed there are still thousands left. According to the beekeeper institution UNAF the hornets spread about 100 to 150 kilometers every year. It is just a matter of time until they will cross the borders to neighbor countries like Germany.

The yellow legged hunters are very sophisticated and are even able to fly backwards. In comparison to the European Hornet that build nests for only a few hundred hornets their Asian relatives build nests that can hold thousands of them. Usually they build their nests high up in trees or close to the ground.

The frequency of human attacks is increasing as well. Recently a big swarm of Asian hornets attacked bicyclists and hikers in Saint-Vite. Six of them had to be brought to the hospital with dozens of stings all over their bodies.

Compared to wasps these animals are not attracted by sweets and therefore don't bother people while having a meal outside. If you get close to their nest though, they become very aggressive. The French government advices to call the fire department in case a nest is found. Trying to destroy it yourself is very dangerous.

About 40 people die in France every year due to Hornet stings. However, as long as one is not allergic to the poison of the Hornets the stings are more painful than harmful. Nevertheless Raymond Saunier wants the Asian hornets to be categorized as a pest that needs to be fought.

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