Asian hornet

The Asian hornet has been present in our country for a few years now. This exotic insect species poses a threat to native bees and other insects. That is why it is important to be able to recognize this hornet and know what to do if you see one.

Why is the Asian hornet a problem?

The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is not native to the Netherlands or the rest of Europe. This hornet poses a threat to native bees and other insects. The Asian hornet preys on bees, bumblebees, and other insects. This has a negative impact on biodiversity and crop pollination. When the Asian hornet feels threatened, it can sting humans. A sting from the Asian hornet is slightly more painful and causes a more burning sensation than a regular wasp sting.

How can you identify the Asian hornet?

It is important to be able to identify the Asian hornet so that you can take immediate action. They are generally larger than native bees and wasps. Here are a few characteristics to look out for:

  • Size: The queen can grow up to 3.5 cm in length. The workers are between 2 and 3 cm long.
  • Color: They are dark, almost black, with a yellow or orange band on their abdomen.
  • Face: The Asian hornet’s face is orange-colored, with a black ring around the eyes.
Honeybee, German wasp, Euro-Asian hornet, European hornet

What should you do if you see an Asian hornet?

  1. Stay calm.
    Try to remain calm and avoid making any sudden movements that might provoke the hornet.
  2. Keep your distance.
    Try to stay at a safe distance and avoid direct contact with the hornet.
  3. Take photos.
    If possible, take photos of the hornet so it can be identified.
  4. Report a sighting via waarneming.nl.
    This allows us to record nationwide reports and monitor the spread of the Asian hornet.
  5. Got a sting?
    Check the Red Cross website at to find out what you should do.

When did you see the hornet?

Earwigs can be seen from April through June

Then it's probably a queen. See if you can catch and kill her.

See if you can find the Asian hornets' spring nest.

  • Is the nest on your property? If so, please report it via waarneming.nl. The provincial pest control officer will then take care of it.
  • If you see a nest on public property, please report it in our BuitenBeter app.

Earwigs can be seen from July through September

It’s probably a housefly. Look to see which direction the fly is flying off in and mark the direction on a map of the location. Then submit a report via waarneming.nl.

Do you see any more workers? If so, please mark their flight path on the map and report it via waarneming.nl. This will help us locate the nest. 

Hoornaar can be seen from October through December

Then it's probably a queen. See if you can catch and kill her.

A queen bee flying around does not have a hive. Please report it via waarneming.nl

What are we doing to combat the Asian hornet?

We are taking various measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Here’s how we’re doing it:

  • Providing information and guidance through our website.
  • Responding to reports and personal observations.
  • Removal of nests on municipal property.

More information about the Asian hornet

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