An overview of the Asian hornet

As soon as the first fine days arrive, the first rays of sunshine, the mild temperatures are clearly appreciated by most of mankind. But that's not the case for everything we encounter in the summer air. Asian hornets are one of the haunts of many of us.

As soon as the first fine days arrive, the first rays of sunshine, the mild temperatures are clearly appreciated by most of mankind. But that's not the case for everything we encounter in the summer air. Asian hornets are one of the haunts of many of us. But how much dowe really know about this species?How do we recognize it? These are just some of the questions we've decided to tackle here.

What is the Asian hornet?

Let's start at the beginning. The "vespa velutina nigrithorax", as biologists call it, is better known as the "Asian hornet". It belongs to the Hymenoptera family, which includes social species such as bees and ants. As its name suggests, the Asian hornet is native to Asia. The species can be found in northern India. They are also found in China and in the mountains of Indonesia. Its arrival in Europe was recorded for the first time in 2004, in France. Specifically in the Lot Et Garonne département. The Asian hornet's rapid reproductive rate has enabled it to spread rapidly to other countries, both near and far. Today, it can be found almost everywhere on this continent. Let's find out how to tell if it's the Asian Hornet we're dealing with.

How to identify an Asian hornet?

It's easy enough to identify the Asian Hornet, notably by its very dark, dark-brown coat. Their abdominal area is brown with fine yellow margins. They also have the distinctive feature of ending entirely in yellow-orange. The Asian hornet's head is entirely black. The front is almost orange-yellow. Finally, its legs are yellow. It is therefore darker than the Hornet we come across most often. And slightly smaller, measuring around 3cm in length. Founding females can reach 3.5cm.. And unlike the common Hornet, the Asian Hornet is a diurnal species .

What attracts the Asian Hornet?

Like most animals, and in our case insects in particular, the Asian horn et is attracted to precisely humid environments. As a result, any type of water source, such as swimming pools, natural ponds or fountains, can be a target for the Asian hornet.

The Asian hornet is a formidable predator of other social species such as bees and wasps. The Asian hornet also feeds on arachnids and a wide variety of other insects. They also like to feed on the nectar of bees' nests. It's a double whammy for this particular species.

Does it have an impact on the ecosystem?

It's clear that Vespa velutina causes major damage, particularly in orchards. Not only does it devour fruit, but it also attacks the surrounding bees. Moreover, it is estimated that 80% of the Asian hornet's diet consists of foraging bees in urban areas, and 45% in rural areas. And even if they don't all die, the stress caused by the presence of the dreaded predator limits their harvest of precious nectar and pollen. And this has an impact on their reserves for winter.

So it's clear that the Asian hornet is clearly harming biodiversity. The bee alone contributes to the reproduction of nearly 80% of flowering plant species. The fact that the Asian hornet is a threat to nature is no longer a mystery.

Why is it dangerous for humans?

As far as the Hornet's danger to humans is concerned, it's worth noting that these little beasts are most aggressive near their nests. So if you see a hornet nest, it's imperative not to go near it, and to call in specialized teams.

Secondly, unlike its European cousin, it is more dangerous, notably because of the violence of its defensive reflex. Specialists have explained that when they attack to defend their nests, all the individuals in the nest attack. This can involve hundreds or even thousands of hornets! This is not the case with its congeners. Finally, the species that comes straight from Asia has a deeper sting. This accentuates its undeniably fearsome character. Let's take a look at what you can do if you encounter the impressive sound of this hymenoptera.

How to react to an Asian hornet?

If you come across a large number of Asian hornets in your garden, your task will be to look for the presence of a nest of their congeners. As mentioned above, it's essentially the attraction of water and their favorite foods that explain their presence. Once again, if you find a nest of any kind, don' t try to dislodge it yourself- contact specialized companies. Finally, don' t crush or kill the Asian hornet. Use a trap instead. If you crush them, they release a substance that attracts their equally enraged counterparts.

So how do you scare them off?

One thing you can do to scare off the Asian Hornet is to put something they hate right under their noses. In particular,thyme, ground coffee, cloves and the famous and inescapable citronella. So, to gently show them the way out, we recommend burning thyme and ground coffee, or placing cloves and lemongrass wherever you can, whether in the house or in the garden! With that, good luck to the bee killers.

Finally, what to do in the event of a sting?

Firstly, remove the sting quickly with your fingernail or tweezers. Then, if the sting has occurred on the hand, remove any jewelry to avoid impeding blood circulation through swelling. Clean the site of the sting with soapy water, then disinfect. In case of intense pain, don't hesitate to take a painkiller to relieve it.

There's no need to seek medical advice, except in cases of allergy or multiple stings. In adults, multiple stings are defined as more than twenty, and 4 to 5 in children. You should also consult us if you notice any worrying symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or eyes. If you notice swelling, make sure you keep an ice cube in your mouth to reduce it. Similarly, if you experience fever, chills, nausea or notice a rash, don't delay in seeking medical attention.