Asiatic Hornet Nesting Resumes in North Rhine-Westphalia as Sightings Increase

The invasive species, which preys on honeybees, has been spotted 26 times in early 2025, prompting intensified removal and reporting efforts.

The Asiatic hornet, first detected in NRW in 2020, has seen its population expand rapidly, with 26 sightings confirmed in the first three months of 2025.
Authorities emphasize early detection and removal of primary nests, which are easier to handle and typically found in hedges, bushes, or low structures.
In 2024, 1,385 sightings were reported in NRW, a dramatic rise from 400 in 2023 and just 9 in 2022, highlighting the species' accelerating spread.
The hornet, which preys on honeybees, poses a significant ecological threat, further endangering already declining pollinator populations.
Public awareness campaigns encourage residents to report sightings to local conservation authorities, with cities like Mönchengladbach urging community cooperation.