Offensive against Asian hornets: Saxony-Anhalt starts training!

Offensive against Asian hornets: Saxony-Anhalt starts training!

In the Rems-Murr district, something is happening! Today, a new training project to combat Asian hornets, an invasive way that has increasingly endangered our domestic beekeepers and biological diversity in recent years. According to the Stuttgarter Nachrichten, 15 individual animals and two nests of these vigorous hornets were already reported in the district in 2024. The region is not alone in this: Since its first discovery in Germany in 2014, the Asian hornet, scientifically known as Vespa Velutina Nigrithorax , has spread quickly throughout Baden-Württemberg and beyond.

The background of this initiative is not only the concern for the honey bee colonies, but also the potential feeding damage in fruit and viticulture that have already been observed. The Asian hornets mainly feeds on insects, which can be a threat to many agricultural cultures. It is all the more important to protect beekeeping and fruit growing, especially now that the specialist authorities assume that a complete elimination of this kind is not possible in Germany. Instead, the focus is on the minimization of damage and the inexpensive removal of hornet nomes.

training program with clear goals

In order to be able to meet the challenges, the state of Baden-Württemberg has launched a nationwide training program. This program includes multiplier training for beekeeping associations in the entire state, online theory training for interested citizens and practical training courses for secure nest removal. Around 76,000 euros are available for the implementation of these measures, which were provided by an initiative group of the CDU and the Greens. Particularly gratifying: The State Institute for Beekunde receives a special coordination site that should take over the organization and implementation of these important training courses.

beekeepers are called to contact the Baden beekeeper association (LVBI) in order to take part in the training. This increasing commitment shows the seriousness of the situation and the will of the authorities to protect domestic stocks and agriculture.

The Asian hornets: facts and spread

The Asian hornets originated in East Asia and was first detected in Europe in 2004, presumably by imported goods. Since then she has spread rapidly, has now reached large parts of Benelux, Northwesternspan, northern Italy, Portugal and England. In Germany, a strong expansion was found in Germany, especially in Baden-Württemberg. Masses of up to 2,000 animals per people are not uncommon, which is not only a threat to honeybees, but also for domestic flora and fauna.

Asian hornets is classified as an invasive way and is subject to the EU regulation 1143/2014. From March 24, 2025, it is considered to be established and distributed in Germany, which makes effective management essential. In cooperation with the nature conservation and agricultural administration as well as the beekeepers' associations, a measure sheet is currently being developed that sets the next steps to combat and control this kind. Citizens are invited to share their observations about the reporting platform of the state of Baden-Württemberg in order to support the specialist authorities in the localization and removal of nests.

at a time when the protection of biodiversity and local agriculture should be a top priority, it is gratifying to see how committed those responsible in the Rems-Murr district and all of Baden-Württemberg act against the Asian hornet. It remains to be seen whether the measures will be successful, but the first steps are clear.