Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets: a growing threat to honeybees and beekeepers

Honeybees - nature’s most vital pollinators - are under siege. Among their many threats,

one stands out for its ruthless efficiency: the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet (Vespa

velutina). Originally from East Asia, this invasive predator has spread rapidly across Europe and parts of North America, wreaking havoc on honeybee colonies and the beekeepers who depend on them.

If left unchecked, these hornets could accelerate the decline of already struggling bee

populations, with devastating consequences for ecosystems and agriculture. Here’s what

you need to know - and how beekeepers can fight back.

How the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet invaded and why it’s winning

First detected outside Asia in the early 2000s, the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet has

since colonised vast regions thanks to its adaptability and lack of natural predators.

Recognisable by its dark body and bright yellow legs, this hornet doesn’t just compete with honeybees - it actively hunts them as a primary food source.

Unlike native wasps, which may scavenge or hunt various insects, the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet specifically targets honeybees, making it a uniquely dangerous invader.

The hornet’s devastating impact on honeybees

1. Hawk Wasps – A Brutal Hunting Strategy

These hornets don’t just kill bees - they ambush them mid-flight, decapitate them, and

carry their thoraxes back to feed their larvae. A single hornet can slaughter 50+ bees per

day, and a nest may contain hundreds of workers.

2. Colony Collapse from Sustained Attacks

• Foraging paralysis: Bees become too afraid to leave the hive, starving the colony.

• Weakened defenses: Fewer workers mean poor temperature regulation, increased

disease risk, and higher winter mortality.

• Pollination collapse: With fewer bees foraging, ecosystems and crops suffer.

3. Economic Domino Effect on Beekeepers

• Lost honey production: Weak hives = less honey = lower profits.

• Increased costs: Traps, hive modifications, and professional nest removals add up.

• Pollination shortages: Farmers rely on rented hives—fewer bees mean lower crop

yields.

How beekeepers can defend their hives

While eradication is difficult, early detection and proactive measures can save colonies.

Here’s what might work:

1. Monitor Trap Hornets Early

• Set bait traps in late summer/fall when hornets are most active.

• Use sugar-based or protein lures (avoid killing beneficial insects).

2. Fortify Hives Against Attacks

• Reduce hive entrances to make it harder for hornets to enter.

• Install protective screens or hornet-proof mesh around hives.

3. Destroy Nests (Safely!)

• Never approach a nest alone or without a proper training - hornets are aggressive

  when threatened.

• Report nests to local pest control or invasive species agencies for professional

  removal.

4. Community Action Matters

• Share sightings with beekeeping associations and local authorities.

• Advocate for government-funded eradication programs.

The fight isn’t over but beekeepers aren’t defenceless

The Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet is a formidable foe, but awareness and swift action can

curb its spread. By protecting hives, reporting sightings, and supporting research,

beekeepers can help safeguard honeybees - and the food systems that depend on them.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and let’s keep our bees safe.