Overview
- Three men in Galicia died after disturbing ground-level colonies within weeks, with doctors warning that multiple stings can be fatal even without allergy.
- Regional authorities report 18,500 traps deployed this year, more than 230,000 queens captured, over 16,400 nests removed, and a 30% drop in public alerts.
- Researchers argue mass trapping is poorly supported by evidence and produces heavy bycatch, citing estimates that only about 1% of trapped insects are velutinas.
- Beekeepers and scientists propose pilot zones with spring traps spaced roughly every 300 meters and subsequent nest attacks using biocides and ‘troyanos’.
- The invasive species has expanded from two nests in 2012 to well over 10,000, preys heavily on honeybees, and can drive beekeepers to lose up to half their colonies.