Bee Number 10

The Asian Hornet: Taking the battle to the enemy's lair

We could take the battle to the hornet’s lair and destroy its nest, but this is something that you should not attempt. The nests are often at the top of very tall trees and may be inaccessible without a hydraulic platform. The Asian hornet is not normally aggressive to humans and there has been no increase in the number of people attacked by bees/wasps/hornets that have been reported through the French medical system. However, it is very aggressive to those coming into close proximity to, or interfering with, its nest. The deaths directly attributable to V. velutina have all been as a result of such interference.

There are two facts you must know about Asian hornet nests, the first is that if you approach too close to a nest (within 7–10 metres) a worker will come at you and try to drive you away. Take the hint and leave because if you do not it will return to the nest and recruit other workers who will attack en-masse, the other thing to know if you are contemplating nest destruction is that a bee suit offers very poor protection. V. velutina not only has a 6mm sting, but it spits an irritant that can go through a veil and temporarily blind you. Nest destruction is only to be undertaken by those properly trained and equipped to do so, and after a careful assessment of the risks to innocent bystanders.