The increasing appearance of the Asian hornet in different parts of Spain is causing concern in both urban areas and rural areas. Its capacity to form large nests and the danger they pose to people with allergies, along with the impact on local biodiversity, have led authorities and experts to increase vigilance and intervention in the event of any sighting.
Given the presence of these insects, both individuals and educational institutions have had to act quickly to ensure the safety of those who live or work in these environments. From removing nests in private homes to interventions in schools and training centers, coordination between citizens and specialized services is key to stopping the spread of this invasive species.
Characteristics and dangers of the Asian hornet
La Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) It is an invasive insect native to Asia that stands out for its big size, reaching up to three centimeters in the case of queens. It is characterized by its dark coloration and yellow legs, and is capable of building oval-shaped nests which can house a large number of individuals, especially in their secondary phase, when the nests can exceed one metre in diameter.
The venom of the Asian hornet is similar to that of other species but, due to its larger size, the The amount injected per bite is higher. Although generally not more aggressive, the accumulation of individuals in a nest It can be dangerous if they feel threatened, especially for those with allergies. Experts warn that improper intervention can result in multiple stings when the wasps are released. alarm pheromones, triggering a defensive response from the swarm.
Recent incidents and action protocols
In recent weeks, emergency services and protection officers have removed Asian hornet nests in housing and schools from different locations. One example was at the Avilés vocational training center, where firefighters had to use a telescopic ladder to remove a nest located on the facade during school hours, thus avoiding the risk of multiple stings among students and staff.
In the municipality of Graus, a primary nest was detected and removed under a wooden roof in a building in the town center. In this case, after an initial inspection, officers discovered the presence of the queen and several workers, indicating that the nest could already begin expanding to secondary stages, which are much more dangerous due to the increasing number of individuals.
The removal of these nests is carried out following a strict security protocol, using special protection and specific insecticides to prevent the swarm from dispersing. Both the queen and most of the workers are eliminated to prevent the colony from growing further. Occasionally, a worker may remain free, which reinforces the importance of acting quickly if any sighting is observed.
Recommendations for the population and prevention
Both pest control experts and protection agents recommend Do not attempt to remove nests yourself, since wasps can defend their colony with a massive response. The first step when you discover a suspicious nest or specimen should be to contact municipal services or specialized professionals, who have the appropriate equipment and experience necessary to handle these interventions without endangering public health.
The Santa Cilia City Council has issued statements urging the public to avoid approaching or destroying any nests they detect and to report them to local authorities. It is also important to follow some basic guidelines to prevent these insects from nesting in homes, such as:
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, ceilings and windows.
- Maintain cleanliness in patios and gardens, removing waste and food scraps.
- Avoid storing unused objects that could serve as shelter.
- Pay special attention to high areas, such as eaves and roofs, where they build nests.
Specialists remind us that, although the sting of the Asian wasp is not usually more serious for healthy people than that of native species, its ability to attack in groups This increases the risk, especially for those allergic to the venom. In the event of a bite, if no severe symptoms occur, simply cleaning the area and administering antihistamines is sufficient. However, if there are severe reactions or a history of allergies, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Furthermore, it is recommended not to kill single wasps, as when crushed, they release chemical signals that can attract other wasps in the colony and increase the danger in closed spaces.
Citizen collaboration, informing authorities of any suspicions and following good prevention practices, is essential to control the spread of the Asian hornet and reduce risks to health and biodiversity. Although these insects often generate fear, they perform important ecological functions such as pollination and controlling other pests. Therefore, action must be proportionate and based on technical criteria.
Active surveillance, professional intervention, and individual responsibility are essential to keeping the spread of the Asian hornet at bay in urban environments, minimizing its impact on both human safety and the local ecosystem.
