Asian hornet detected for the first time in Tyrol – state calls for reports

Expert Andreas Tschöll, head of Tyrol's official plant protection service, called on the public to consistently report sightings of the Asian hornet. "Jede gemeldete Sichtung kann dazu beitragen, Nester frühzeitig zu entdecken und eine weitere Ausbreitung der Asiatischen Hornisse einzudämmen", Tschöll explained. Only through a broad database can nests be located and, if necessary, removed.

The Asian hornet is smaller and darker than the native European hornet and can be recognized by its yellow-tipped legs. Citizens who notice a suspicious animal or a large, spherical nest in tree crowns should document the find and report it through the state's official channels. Confusion with the protected European hornet is possible.

Distinguishing it from the European hornet

Comparable detections have already been made in Vorarlberg and Salzburg, according to the responsible authorities. The spread typically occurs along river valleys and via trade and transport routes. The state of Tyrol is coordinating with neighboring federal states and with AGES, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, according to its own statements.

In France, where the species was introduced at the end of the 20th century, extensive experience with control measures already exists. French beekeeping associations have reported sometimes significant losses in bee colonies for years. This experience has fed into the Austrian strategy, which focuses on early detection and targeted nest removal.

For humans, the Asian hornet is generally not more aggressive than native wasp and hornet species. However, stings can trigger severe reactions in allergy sufferers. Experts advise keeping your distance and not removing a discovered nest on your own initiative.

Significance for beekeeping and agriculture

Tyrolean beekeepers view the development with concern. A dense population of honeybees is essential for local agriculture and the preservation of species-rich meadows. Should the Asian hornet become established in Tyrol, additional advisory and protection services for beekeepers would be necessary, according to the state.

The state of Tyrol announced that it would step up information in the coming weeks about the characteristics of the Asian hornet and about reporting channels. Training courses for fire brigades and municipalities are also planned so that suspicious nests can be quickly identified and forwarded to the responsible agencies.

Next steps by the state

In parallel, the search for effective biological countermeasures is underway in several European countries, for example through bait traps or the promotion of natural predators. A comprehensive eradication of the species is considered unrealistic by experts; the goal is containment at the lowest possible level.

The authorities ask that photos of animals or nests, along with the date and location, be submitted to the plant protection service of the state of Tyrol. Only through as many verified reports as possible can the extent of the spread be realistically assessed, Tschöll emphasized.

How quickly the species continues to spread in Tyrol now depends on the course of the coming weeks. The first detections fall in the late-summer main season, when nests reach their maximum size. The state plans to draw up an initial assessment in autumn.