Flying insects Invasive species Non-native species Arrival in Ticino imminent

Vespa velutina

Vespa velutina

Vespa velutina

Species subject to mandatory reporting. The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species. If you find a nest, do not intervene yourself: management and removal are the responsibility of the cantonal authorities. Report any sightings through the Canton of Ticino portal.

Description

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) is a hymenopteran native to Southeast Asia, accidentally introduced into Europe in 2004 through the pottery trade. It spread rapidly across France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Since its first sighting in Switzerland in 2017 (Canton of Jura), it had been reported in 18 cantons by 2025, with its arrival in Ticino imminent. It poses a serious threat to honeybees and the entire pollination sector (fruit growing, viticulture and horticulture). It has no natural predators or competitors at European latitudes.

Key characteristics

Size

Queen: 30 mm; workers: 20–25 mm

Colour

Dark body with orange bands on the abdomen and yellow leg tips (a distinguishing feature)

Nests

Small primary nests in spring; large secondary nests (up to 80 cm) in trees in summer and autumn

Diet

Active predator of honeybees and other insects; also feeds on ripe fruit

Reproduction

The queen establishes a new colony each spring; colonies can contain thousands of individuals

Activity

From March to November, with peak predation at beehives in summer and autumn

Risks and spread

Vespa velutina poses a significant ecological and economic threat to Ticino.
  • Beekeeping — Heavy predation of honeybees in front of hives, potentially destroying entire colonies.
  • Agriculture — A threat to fruit growing, viticulture and horticulture through the reduction of pollinators.
  • Biodiversity — Competition with native species and disruption of local ecosystems.
  • Public health — Painful sting, with a risk of anaphylaxis in people with allergies. Less aggressive than the European hornet, but defends its nest.

Prevention

  1. 1

    Visually monitor hives, water sources and food sources (especially from August to November); traps are not currently recommended in Switzerland

  2. 2

    Photograph and immediately report any suspicious sightings

  3. 3

    Do not attempt to remove nests yourself

  4. 4

    Protect beehives with hornet guards

  5. 5

    Report sightings at www.calabroneasiatico.ch or contact the cantonal authorities

Our intervention

Dealing with Vespa velutina requires specialist expertise and coordination with the cantonal authorities.
  • Identification Species confirmation through a photograph and a report to the cantonal Vespa velutina working group.
  • Locating the nest Tracking flight paths to locate the secondary nest, often high up in trees.
  • Professional removal Nest removal using specialist equipment (telescopic pole, professional insecticide). To be carried out at dusk.
  • Monitoring Ongoing surveillance of the area to check for remaining nests or newly established colonies.

Same category

Other pests we handle

Common wasp

Vespula vulgaris

European hornet

Vespa crabro

Palm borer moth

Paysandisia archon (Burmeister, 1880)

Housefly

Musca domestica

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