Invasive Asian Hornet Nest Discovered for First Time in Brandenburg

For the first time, a nest of the invasive Asian hornet has been detected in Brandenburg, Germany. The species, particularly dangerous to bees, was found under the eaves of an office building in Eisenhüttenstadt and is scheduled for rapid removal this Friday. Officials described it as a fast-growing nest. The Asian hornet, which originates from Southeast Asia, is already widespread in several other German states. Bees are a primary food source for these hornets, which actively hunt near beehives. The insects can also pose a danger to humans, especially in close proximity to their nests. Experts expressed surprise at the discovery on the state's eastern border, as they had anticipated finding nests further west, closer to established populations along the Elbe River in Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony. The Ministry for Agriculture and Environment in Potsdam suggested that the nest was likely transported there accidentally by humans, possibly a queen hornet. A similar incident occurred in Berlin in 2023, where swift nest removal prevented further settlement. Given that this Brandenburg nest is an isolated occurrence far from existing habitats, specialists believe there is a good chance of preventing its spread in the Eisenhüttenstadt area. The Asian hornet is classified as an invasive species, meaning it is not native to Germany but has arrived due to human activity. Nests of Vespa velutina nigrithorax are systematically eradicated in Germany.

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The current find on the eastern state border is surprising and is presumably due to a queen accidentally transported by humans.