Invasive Asian hornet spotted in Bohemia as officials search for a nest

In Liběchov in the Mělník area, a single Asian hornet has been spotted repeatedly during July and in early August. It is a non-native invasive species that can seriously threaten honey bee colonies in particular, as well as other wild insects. So far, experts have not been able to confirm whether there is a nest in the surrounding area, or whether it was just a lone individual that reached the area, for example with a shipment of goods.

The agency is asking the public for help

The Czech Nature Conservation Agency is urging people to report any suspicious sightings. According to experts, a rapid response is crucial, because the most effective defence is to find and remove the nest early. The Asian hornet was first recorded in the Czech Republic in 2023, and in several cases the presence was detected in time and the nests were subsequently destroyed.

A mild winter can make spread easier

Milder winters can favour invasive species, because a larger proportion of individuals survive into the next season. That increases the likelihood that the Asian hornet will appear more often and in more places across the Czech Republic if timely action is not taken.

How to recognise the Asian hornet and why a hunch isn’t enough

The Asian hornet spread into Europe from Southeast Asia and has been present on the continent since 2004. Compared with the European hornet, it is usually distinguished by its darker body colouring and striking yellow leg tips. Even so, a simple sighting can be misleading, which is why a photograph is very important when reporting, as it allows identification to be verified.

Where to look and when you’re most likely to spot one

Nests are often high in the tree canopy, but they can also appear on buildings. At this time of year, there’s a better chance of seeing hornets and wasps on ripe fruit, for example pears. Experts note that searching in the field is difficult and, without information from the public, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.

What to do if you find one and what to avoid

People should keep a safe distance and should not try to catch or kill the hornet. If possible, take the sharpest photograph you can and note the location as precisely as possible. Sightings can be reported by email at [email protected], via the Nahlas sršeň app, or through the Najdi.je platform.

Do not approach the nest and do not attempt to remove it yourself. The response should be handled by specialists.

What the nest looks like and how to tell it apart

Towards the end of the season, nests can be very large, often spherical to pear-shaped, and can reach several tens of centimetres; the largest can be more than half a metre across. A typical feature is the entrance hole positioned on the side of the nest. If someone comes across a similar structure, it is important to document it only from a safe distance and pass the information on to experts.

Source: Agentura ochrany přírody a krajiny ČR, Seznam Zprávy, Blesk, Pestrazahrada.cz