Fighting Asian hornets in Ascona
Have you discovered an Asian hornet's nest? We'll be on site quickly! Call now - Daily Mon-Sun 07:00-21:30. Contact us now: 058 510 22 54
Having the Asian hornet's nest removed
Vespa velutina, a hornet variety originating from South-East Asia, has aggressively migrated to Switzerland and the entire subcontinent. While it does not pose a threat to humans, it has become known for its hunting of honey bees, causing worry among beekeepers. Just a few of these hornets can launch an attack and eliminate a bee colony in a fast timeframe. If you have discovered a hornet's nest on your house, patio, shed, or in your blind box, contact our experts for hornet nest removal in Ascona!
Use the uncomplicated telephone service of the Hornet experts in Ascona and simply inform us at 058 510 22 54, we will be on site quickly so that you and everyone in your area feel completely safe again.
Appearance of the Asian hornet
Here are some characteristics that distinguish the Asian hornet:
1. Size: The queen can reach a length of about 3 cm, while the workers are slightly smaller and measure about 2.5 cm.
2. Color: The Asian hornet has a dark body that is almost black, with a yellow stripe at the back of the abdomen. Its face is orange-yellow.
3. Wings: The wings are dark and almost smoky gray.
4. Legs: The hornet has yellow tips on its legs, which is a striking distinguishing feature when it flies.
5. Nest: The Asian hornet's nest is often high in the trees, but it can also be found underground or in tall structures such as chimneys. It has an oval shape and is made of chewed wood, which gives the hornet a papery texture.
It is important to distinguish the Asian hornet from the European hornet (Vespa crabro), which is more harmless and a natural part of the European fauna. If you suspect you have found an Asian hornet nest near you in Ascona, you should report this to the local authorities, or using our reporting form, as they can spread quickly and be harmful to bees and other insects. To avoid being attacked by the flying inhabitants, you should hire a professional pest controller such as the Hornet Experts Ascona. We can identify the nest beyond doubt and take further steps to remove the Asian hornets professionally.
News about the Asian hornet in Ascona
10.12.2024 Western Switzerland: Killer hornet eats bees
This year, the Asian killer hornet has significantly expanded its territory, particularly in western Switzerland. This expansion represents a serious threat to local bee populations, as these hornets mainly hunt bees. The potential impacts could be serious. In addition to threatening bee numbers, the hornet also poses a risk to individuals who are allergic to its venom.
06.12.2024 Serious concerns about the bee population!
Beekeepers throughout various regions of Europe are facing attacks on their hives. A small cluster of Asian hornets has the ability to destroy a whole bee colony within a few hours. This results in a reduction of pollinator populations, which could have significant impacts on pollination, local vegetation, and agricultural production.
02.12.2024 Asian hornet doesn't just eat bees!
Here’s the danger it presents to insects!
In addition to preying on beetles and flies, honeybees are a major component of the Asian hornet’s diet, comprising up to 85 percent of what it consumes. As a result, the Asian hornet not only causes issues for fruit growers but also exacerbates the already severe threat to our bee populations.
28.11.2024 How did the Asian hornet get to Europe?
The Asian hornet probably arrived in Europe by chance. It swiftly expanded across France and surrounding countries. Its ability to adapt to different environments, combined with the lack of natural predators in Europe, has allowed it to spread quickly. One nest can produce several hundred new queens in just one season.
Asian Hornet Reporting Form
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Help us!
If you discover an Asian hornet or a nest of this invasive species in Ascona, it is of the utmost importance that you report it immediately. The Asian hornet is not only dangerous to humans, but also poses a serious threat to native bee populations and the ecological balance in Switzerland.
Why is it important to report the find?
The Asian hornet's colonization in specific regions has far-reaching implications for native insects, with honey bees being particularly affected. By targeting bees as their prey, these hornets play a part in the decline of pollinator populations, ultimately disrupting the delicate relationship between local flora and agricultural output. By reporting sightings, experts can react quickly, remove the hornets or their nests and thus prevent the spread of this invasive species.
Notification form for sightings
As part of our commitment to regulating the overpopulation of Asian hornets in Switzerland and ensuring the preservation of our native insects, we encourage you to report any suspicions or sightings using our dedicated reporting form. With your valuable assistance, we can intervene at an early stage and effectively mitigate the spread of this dangerous species in our ecosystems.
Your contribution is crucial in the fight against the Asian hornet in Ascona. Together we can protect nature and maintain the balance of our ecosystems;
Thank you for your vigilant attention and your commitment to protecting our environment.
How dangerous is the Asian hornet?
The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a predatory insect that originated in Asia and has spread in recent years to various parts of Europe, including France and now also Switzerland and in Ascona. Although it poses a threat to honey bees and native biodiversity, it is generally no more dangerous to humans than other wasp species. Nevertheless, there are some aspects to be aware of:
1. Threat to honey bees: The Asian hornet preys on honey bees, threatening native bee populations. A decline in bees can have a negative impact on pollination and thus on local flora and agricultural production.
2. Stings: As with other wasp and hornet species, the stings of the Asian hornet can also be painful. For most people, the stings are unpleasant but not dangerous. However, people who are allergic to wasp or hornet stings can suffer a severe allergic reaction, which in the worst case can lead to anaphylactic shock.
3. Aggressiveness: Although the Asian hornet is not necessarily more aggressive towards humans than other wasp species, it can become aggressive if it feels threatened, especially near its nest.
4. Ecological effects: Apart from the direct effects on honey bees, the spread of the Asian hornet can also disturb the ecological balance by affecting the populations of other insects.
In order to avoid any confusion, it is crucial to differentiate between the Asian hornet and the Asian giant hornet (*Vespa mandarinia*). Renowned as the "killer hornet," the giant hornet's larger size and more potent venom render it potentially more hazardous to humans compared to the Asian hornet.
If you have discovered a nest, call us immediately: 058 510 22 54
Our hornet professionals in Ascona are certified by the VSS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Hornets in Ascona
With its direct capacity to inflict severe and potentially lethal stings, the Asian hornet ranks as a remarkably dangerous insect. Its level of danger eclipses that of the majority of other hornet species.
With an impressive size, the Asian hornet can measure up to 3 cm long. Its slender, ebony body is adorned with a striking coat featuring a combination of vibrant orange, yellow, and black stripes.
The Asian hornet is typically characterized by its peaceful and reticent nature. Yet, when provoked and enclosed in small spaces, it activates an innate defensive mechanism, resulting in heightened activity and an aggressive response.
It is important to recognize that the Asian hornet is highly poisonous to humans due to its venomous nature. Being bitten by this insect can result in considerable pain and potentially elicit allergic responses.
Dangers surround the Asian hornet due to its venomous sting, which differentiates it from other wasps. Its sting delivers a higher level of pain and can elicit allergic reactions.
If you come across an Asian hornet, it is advised to report it by contacting either a nearby wild bee protection officer or the appropriate department within the Ministry of Agriculture.
Reporting Asian hornets is pivotal to mitigate the risk of attacks and halt their rapid spread. Being highly territorial and aggressive, they require immediate attention.
Professional hornet control becomes indispensable when dealing with Asian hornets in Switzerland. It is advisable to seek assistance from a reputable pest control service.
No official protection is in place for the Asian hornet; therefore, rigorous monitoring is essential to hinder their spread.
During hibernation, the Asian hornet occupies various spaces such as corners of walls, buildings, garden sheds, chance houses, or tree hollows, either as solitary insects or forming groupings.
Would you like more information about Asian hornets? Then take a look at our FAQ's about Asian hornets.
Private inquiry form
For an uncomplicated request to remove an Asian hornet's nest, please use our contact form for private individuals.
Real estate inquiry form
Use our property management order form to request the removal of an Asian hornet's nest.